Summary of ‘Think This Not That’ by Dr. Josh Axe

By / July 1, 2024

“The only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.”

Dr. Josh Axe

Dr. Josh Axe is a renowned figure in the field of health and wellness. He holds several professional certifications, including being a doctor of natural medicine, a doctor of chiropractic, and a clinical nutritionist. He has dedicated his career to promoting natural health and wellness, which he does through a variety of mediums. He’s the author of several books, each of which delves into different aspects of natural health. His books cover a wide range of topics, from the use of herbs and essential oils to the benefits of certain diets and recipes. Dr. Axe is also the founder of the health website DrAxe.com, which is one of the top natural health websites in the world today. His advice is sought after by many, and his contributions to the field have made him a respected figure in natural medicine. His latest book, “Think This, Not That,” continues his tradition of providing practical, actionable advice for improving one’s health and wellbeing.

“Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be” is a comprehensive guide by Dr. Josh Axe that delves into the concept of mindset and its impact on our lives. The book is structured around 12 key mindshifts – each representing a transition from a limiting belief that holds us back to an empowering belief that propels us forward. These mindshifts cover various aspects of life, including our attitudes towards failure, success, purpose, and self-worth. By working through these mindshifts, readers are guided on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The ultimate goal is to break free from the mental barriers that prevent us from realizing our true potential and to step into the person we were born to be. The book is not just theoretical but is packed with practical advice, actionable strategies, and real-life examples, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to transform their life through the power of mindset.

1-Minute Summary

The blog post summarizes Dr. Josh Axe’s book “Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be”.

The core idea is that our mindset can limit or empower us. The book outlines 12 specific limiting beliefs and offers alternative, empowering mindsets to adopt instead.

Here are the 12 mindshifts covered in the book:

1. Unlimiting Your Beliefs: Instead of believing your current circumstances define you, believe in your ability to grow and learn.

2. Redefining Success: Success isn’t just about accomplishments, but also about who you become in the process.

3. Becoming Self-Aware: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, desires and needs to move forward.

4. Finding Your Why: Having a strong purpose gives direction and meaning to your life.

5. Rewriting Your Role: See yourself as the author of your story, not a passive character.

6. Building a Team: Surround yourself with people who support your dreams and contribute their skills.

7. Building an Unshakable Identity: Define yourself based on your own values, not the opinions of others.

8. Busting Vices by Building Virtues: Replace negative habits with positive qualities.

9. Following Principles: Let your core values guide your decisions, not the opinions of others.

10. Flipping Fear to Growth: View fear as a catalyst for personal development, not a hindrance.

11. Visualizing to Realize: Create a clear mental image of your goals to boost motivation.

12. Positive Perseverance: Believe in your potential and keep working towards your goals.

The book offers practical strategies to implement these mindshifts and achieve personal growth.

The Core Concept

The core concept of “Think This, Not That” is the transformative power of mindset. Dr. Josh Axe delves deep into the idea that our beliefs, particularly those that limit us, can be reshaped to foster a more positive and productive outlook. The book identifies 12 common limiting beliefs that often hold us back. These could be fears of failure, feelings of inadequacy, or the sensation of being stuck in life without progress.

For each of these limiting beliefs, Dr. Axe provides an alternative, empowering belief. These are not just positive affirmations, but profound shifts in perspective that challenge the negative thought patterns we’ve held onto. For instance, instead of fearing failure, we’re encouraged to view it as a stepping stone to success. Instead of feeling inadequate, we’re guided to recognize our inherent worth and potential.

By consciously choosing to adopt these empowering beliefs, we can overcome the mental barriers that hinder our progress. This isn’t a superficial change, but a deep, fundamental transformation in our thought processes. It’s about changing the narrative we tell ourselves about who we are and what we’re capable of.

From Limiting to Empowering Beliefs

This shift in mindset isn’t just about positive thinking; it’s about fundamentally changing how we perceive ourselves and our potential. It’s about breaking free from the self-imposed constraints of our limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of growth, possibility, and resilience.

As we journey through each of the 12 mindshifts, we’re not just reading about change – we’re actively participating in our own transformation. With each shift, we’re challenged to reflect, reassess, and redefine our beliefs about ourselves and our place in the world.

The result is a tangible improvement in our lives. As our mindset shifts, so too does our reality. We become more confident, more resilient, and more aligned with our true selves. We start to see opportunities where we once saw obstacles, and potential where we once saw limitations.

In essence, “Think This, Not That” is more than just a book – it’s a roadmap to personal growth and fulfillment. It’s a guide to becoming the best version of ourselves, not by changing who we are, but by changing how we think. And that, according to Dr. Axe, is the most powerful change of all.

The 12 Mindshifts

“Think This, Not That” is structured around 12 key mindshifts. Each mindshift addresses a specific limiting belief that holds people back and promotes an empowering mindset that propels them forward. 

1. Create a Breakthrough by Unlimiting Your Beliefs

Mindshift 1, titled “Create a Breakthrough by Unlimiting Your Beliefs,” tackles the limiting belief that our current circumstances or perceived abilities define our potential. This mindset often leads to self-imposed restrictions, preventing us from exploring new opportunities or challenging ourselves.

In contrast, the empowering mindset promoted in this mindshift is the belief in our capacity to grow, learn, and break through these self-imposed limitations. It encourages us to view our abilities not as fixed, but as malleable qualities that can be developed with effort, practice, and perseverance.

For instance, consider the belief “I’m not a math person.” This is a limiting belief that assumes one’s mathematical ability is fixed. However, the empowering belief would be “I can improve my math skills with practice and effort.” This mindset acknowledges the potential for growth and improvement, fostering a more positive and proactive approach to learning.

By shifting from the limiting belief to the empowering belief, we can create a breakthrough in our personal and professional lives. This shift not only changes how we view ourselves but also influences our actions, leading to better outcomes and personal growth.

2. Redefine Success by Becoming, Not Accomplishing

Mindshift 2, titled “Redefine Success by Becoming, Not Accomplishing,” challenges the limiting belief that success is defined solely by our accomplishments. This belief can lead us to overlook the importance of personal growth and development in our pursuit of tangible achievements.

In contrast, the empowering mindset promoted in this mindshift is that success is not just about what we accomplish, but who we become in the process. It’s about the skills we develop, the knowledge we gain, and the character we build as we work towards our goals.

For instance, consider the goal of running a marathon. The limiting belief would focus solely on the accomplishment of finishing the race. The empowering belief, however, would value the process of becoming a marathon runner – the discipline developed from training consistently, the resilience built from pushing through tough workouts, and the confidence gained from overcoming challenges. This shift in mindset allows us to find success and fulfillment not just in the achievement of our goals, but in the journey towards them.

3. Become Self-Aware to Get Where You Need to Go

Mindshift 3, titled “Become Self-Aware to Get Where You Need to Go,” confronts the limiting belief of lacking self-awareness. This belief can lead us to feel lost or stuck, as we may not fully understand our own needs, desires, strengths, and weaknesses.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is one of self-awareness. It encourages us to take the time to truly understand ourselves – our passions, our fears, our strengths, and our weaknesses. This self-awareness is the first step towards personal growth and development.

For instance, consider someone who feels stuck in their career. They might be unaware of what they truly want from their work or what their key strengths are. By becoming more self-aware, they can identify what they’re passionate about and what they’re good at. This could lead them to realize that they want to switch careers, or it could help them find ways to incorporate their passions into their current job. Either way, this increased self-awareness can guide them towards a more fulfilling career path. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 3 can be applied in a practical way.

4. Find a Why or Risk Wasting It All

Mindshift 4, titled “Find a Why or Risk Wasting It All,” confronts the limiting belief of living life without a clear purpose or ‘why.’ This belief can lead to a lack of direction and fulfillment, as our actions and decisions may seem aimless or meaningless.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the importance of finding a strong ‘why’ or purpose that drives our actions and decisions. This ‘why’ serves as a guiding light, providing direction and meaning to our lives. It’s the reason we get up in the morning, the motivation behind our actions, and the driving force that propels us forward.

For instance, consider someone who feels stuck in their job. They might be performing their duties adequately but feel unfulfilled because they don’t see a purpose in what they do. By finding a ‘why’ – such as the desire to make a positive impact in their community, to provide for their family, or to contribute to a cause they care about – they can infuse their work with meaning and purpose. This newfound purpose can transform their perspective, turning a previously mundane job into a fulfilling mission. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 4 can be applied in a practical way.

5. Rewrite Your Role in the Story

Mindshift 5, titled “Rewrite Your Role in the Story,” confronts the limiting belief of viewing oneself as a passive character in the story of their life. This belief can lead to feelings of helplessness and lack of control over one’s circumstances.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the belief that we are the authors of our own stories. It encourages us to take an active role in shaping our lives, making decisions that align with our values and aspirations, and taking responsibility for our actions and their outcomes.

For instance, consider someone who feels stuck in a job they dislike. They might view themselves as a passive character, trapped by circumstances beyond their control. This is the limiting belief. The empowering belief, however, would be to see themselves as the author of their story. They have the power to change their circumstances – perhaps by seeking new opportunities, acquiring new skills, or even changing careers. By adopting this mindset, they can transform their life from a story that happens to them into a story they actively create.

6. Assemble a Team to Fulfill Your Dreams

Mindshift 6, titled “Assemble a Team to Fulfill Your Dreams,” confronts the limiting belief of solitary struggle – the idea that we must achieve our dreams single-handedly. This belief can lead to unnecessary hardship and slow progress towards our goals.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the importance of teamwork and collaboration. It encourages us to assemble a team of individuals who can contribute their unique skills and perspectives towards the fulfillment of our dreams. This team could include mentors, peers, or professionals in relevant fields.

For instance, consider someone with a dream of starting their own business. The limiting belief would be thinking they need to handle every aspect of the business themselves – from product development to marketing to finance. The empowering belief, however, would be recognizing the value of assembling a team. They could bring on board a marketing expert to handle publicity, a financial advisor for budgeting and investment advice, and so on. By leveraging the strengths of each team member, they can more effectively work towards making their business dream a reality. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 6 can be applied in a practical way.

7. Build an Unshakable Identity So No One Else Does It for You

Mindshift 7, titled “Build an Unshakable Identity So No One Else Does It for You,” confronts the limiting belief of allowing others to define our identity. This belief can lead to a fragile sense of self, easily swayed by the opinions and judgments of others.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the importance of building an unshakable identity for ourselves. It encourages us to define who we are based on our own values, beliefs, and experiences, rather than the perceptions of others.

For instance, consider someone who constantly seeks approval and validation from others. They might allow others’ opinions to shape their self-image and self-worth. This is the limiting belief. The empowering belief, however, would be to build an unshakable identity based on their own self-assessment. They could identify their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and affirm their worth independent of external validation. By adopting this mindset, they can cultivate a strong, resilient sense of self that remains steady even in the face of criticism or rejection. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 7 can be applied in a practical way.

8. Bust Vices by Building Virtues

Mindshift 8, titled “Bust Vices by Building Virtues,” confronts the limiting belief of being controlled by vices or negative habits. This belief can lead to a cycle of negative behavior that hinders our progress and wellbeing.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the importance of building virtues to overcome these vices. Virtues are positive traits or qualities deemed to be morally good. By consciously cultivating these virtues, we can counteract the influence of our vices.

For instance, consider someone struggling with the vice of procrastination. This limiting belief might lead them to delay important tasks, resulting in stress and poor performance. The empowering belief, however, would be to build the virtue of discipline. By developing discipline, they can overcome procrastination, manage their time effectively, and complete tasks in a timely manner. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 8 can be applied in a practical way.

9. Turn Off Opinions and Turn On Principles

Mindshift 9, titled “Turn Off Opinions and Turn On Principles,” confronts the limiting belief of allowing others’ opinions to dictate our actions and decisions. This belief can lead to inconsistency and a lack of authenticity, as we may find ourselves constantly trying to please others or fit in.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the importance of adhering to our own principles. Principles are our core values, the fundamental truths that guide our actions and decisions. They are constant, regardless of changing circumstances or opinions.

For instance, consider someone who is constantly swayed by the latest trends or the opinions of their peers. They might find themselves constantly changing their stance or behavior to fit in, leading to a lack of consistency and authenticity. This is the limiting belief. The empowering belief, however, would be to stand firm on their own principles. Whether it’s honesty, kindness, or perseverance, these principles guide their actions and decisions, regardless of what’s popular or what others might think. By adopting this mindset, they can maintain their authenticity and integrity, even in the face of changing opinions or trends. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 9 can be applied in a practical way.

10. Flip the Fear to Turn On the Growth

Mindshift 10, titled “Flip the Fear to Turn On the Growth,” confronts the limiting belief of allowing fear to control our actions and decisions. This belief can lead to avoidance, stagnation, and missed opportunities.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the idea of flipping fear to foster growth. It encourages us to view fear not as a barrier, but as a catalyst for personal development and growth.

For instance, consider someone who has a fear of public speaking. This fear might prevent them from taking on opportunities to present their ideas or lead a team. This is the limiting belief. The empowering belief, however, would be to flip this fear and view it as an opportunity for growth. They could see each public speaking opportunity as a chance to improve their communication skills, build confidence, and become a better leader. By adopting this mindset, they can transform fear from a hindrance into a powerful motivator for personal and professional growth. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 10 can be applied in a practical way.

11.cVisualize to Realize

Mindshift 11, titled “Visualize to Realize,” confronts the limiting belief of not visualizing our goals. This belief can lead to a lack of direction and motivation, as we may not fully grasp what we’re striving for.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the practice of visualization. It encourages us to create a vivid mental image of our goals, imagining not just the end result, but also the steps we need to take to get there.

For instance, consider someone with a goal of running a marathon. The limiting belief would be simply setting the goal without visualizing it. The empowering belief, however, would be to visualize not only crossing the finish line, but also the training process – the early morning runs, the gradual increase in distance, the feeling of resilience as they push through fatigue. This detailed visualization can provide a roadmap towards their goal, boosting motivation and guiding their actions. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 11 can be applied in a practical way.

12. Power Up Your Potential with Positive Perseverance

Mindshift 12, titled “Power Up Your Potential with Positive Perseverance,” confronts the limiting belief of underestimating our own potential. This belief can lead to self-doubt and missed opportunities, as we may not strive for goals that we’re capable of achieving.

The empowering mindset that this mindshift promotes is the belief in our own potential and the power of perseverance. It encourages us to recognize our capabilities and to persistently work towards realizing our full potential.

For instance, consider someone who dreams of becoming a writer but believes they lack the talent. This is the limiting belief. The empowering belief, however, would be to recognize their potential to become a writer and to persistently work towards improving their writing skills. By adopting this mindset, they can overcome self-doubt, persist in the face of challenges, and work towards realizing their potential. This is just one example of how the principles in Mindshift 12 can be applied in a practical way.

Key Takeaways

  • “Think This, Not That” is a comprehensive guide to personal growth and self-improvement. It delves deep into the concept of mindset and its impact on our lives.
  • The book is structured around 12 key mindshifts. Each mindshift addresses a specific limiting belief that holds us back and promotes an empowering mindset that propels us forward. These mindshifts cover a wide range of topics, from our attitudes towards failure and success, to our perception of ourselves and our potential, to our approach to personal growth and development.
  • The lessons from the book are not just theoretical, but highly practical. They can be applied in everyday life to foster personal growth, overcome mental barriers, and become the best version of ourselves. Whether it’s changing our attitude towards failure, becoming more self-aware, or finding a strong ‘why,’ these mindshifts provide actionable strategies for personal transformation.

Personal Reflection

As a reader, I found “Think This, Not That” to be a transformative guide. It’s not just a book, but a roadmap to personal growth and fulfillment. The book has had a significant impact on my mindset. It has challenged me to examine my own beliefs and attitudes, to identify my limiting beliefs, and to make conscious efforts to adopt more empowering mindsets. It has provided me with valuable insights and practical strategies for personal growth and self-improvement. It’s a book that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking to transform their life through the power of mindset.

Actionable Summary

This guide translates the key ideas from Dr. Josh Axe’s “Think This, Not That” into actionable steps you can take to transform your life. Here’s how to tackle those limiting beliefs and embrace empowering mindsets:

Step 1: Identify Your Limiting Beliefs

1. Self-Reflection: Take time to journal or talk to a trusted friend/coach. Reflect on areas of your life where you feel stuck or unfulfilled. What negative thoughts or beliefs might be holding you back?

2. Challenge Your Assumptions: Don’t accept limiting beliefs as facts. Question their validity. Are they based on fear or reality? For example, if you believe “I’m not good at math,” consider times you’ve grasped new concepts or excelled in similar subjects.

Step 2: Adopt Empowering Mindsets

The book offers 12 mindshifts. Here are 3 examples with actionable steps:

Mindset Shift 1— Unleash Your Potential: Instead of focusing on perceived limitations, identify areas for growth. Set achievable goals and celebrate progress.

Mindset Shift 2— Success is a Journey, Not a Destination: Focus on the skills you develop and experiences you gain as you work towards goals. Enjoy the process, not just the finish line.

Mindset Shift 3— Become Self-Aware: Take personality assessments or explore self-help resources to gain a better understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions.

Step 3: Take Action and Transform Your Life

Develop a Personal Growth Plan: Based on your self-reflection and the mindshifts that resonate with you, create a plan that outlines specific goals and actions to achieve them.

Seek Support: Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people who believe in your potential. Consider working with a mentor or coach for extra guidance.

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This reinforces positive behaviors and keeps you motivated.

Change takes time and effort. Be patient and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. By consistently applying these steps, you can break free from limiting beliefs and unlock your true potential.

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