[ThinkBetter](https://thinkbetter.app/) → [Cognitive Biases](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases.md) → Zero-sum Thinking

# Zero-sum Thinking

Assuming that one person's gain is directly balanced by another's loss, treating situations as if there's a fixed amount of value to distribute.

![Zero-sum Thinking illustration](https://assets.thinkbetter.app/images/zero_sum_thinking.png)

Zero-sum Thinking is a cognitive bias or mental model where individuals view situations as having a fixed pie of resources or outcomes, leading them to believe that one person's gain is inherently another's loss. This perspective is common in competitive environments but overlooks the potential for win-win scenarios or the creation of additional value through cooperation. The concept originates from game theory, a field of mathematics and economics that studies strategic interactions with formalized incentives. In zero-sum games, the total gains and losses among participants indeed sum up to zero, making the concept accurate in specific contexts, such as certain sports (if one team wins, the other looses right?) or trading activities. However, applying this mindset universally can limit creativity, foster unnecessary conflict, and inhibit the recognition of mutually beneficial opportunities.

## Example

**Negotiations**

Viewing a negotiation as an opportunity for both parties to achieve their goals, rather than a battle where only one can win. Why? This approach can lead to more creative solutions and stronger relationships.

## In your professional life

**Collaborate for Mutual Growth**

Seek out collaborative projects or partnerships with potential competitors in your industry. This could involve co-hosting a workshop, jointly developing a new product, or sharing resources for mutual benefit. By moving beyond the mindset that one party's gain must come at another's loss, you create opportunities for growth and innovation, potentially leading to expanded markets, shared knowledge, and stronger industry relationships.

## Go deeper in ThinkBetter

The ThinkBetter app has the full Zero-sum Thinking deep-dive: more examples, a quiz to test yourself, audio narration, and a weekly path that builds these ideas into a habit.

- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6459831884
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.ventureship.braintricks

### Related concepts

- [Bystander Effect](https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/bystander-effect.md)
- [Second-Order Thinking (Mental model)](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models/second-order-thinking.md)
- [Probabilistic Thinking (Mental model)](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models/probabilistic-thinking.md)
- [All mental models](https://thinkbetter.app/mental-models.md)

Page: https://thinkbetter.app/cognitive-biases/zero-sum-thinking