Think This, Not That: 12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be by Josh Axe Summary

1. Redefine success as who you become rather than what you accomplish.
2. Clarify your purpose through daily intention instead of passive life drifting.
3. Replace victim mentality with heroic action to control your life’s narrative.
4. Build virtues to overpower vices, creating lasting behavioral change.
5. Follow timeless wisdom principles over fleeting popular opinions for decision-making.
6. Visualize strategic outcomes to transform vague goals into actionable plans.
7. Define identity through core values rather than external validation.
8. Assemble a support team to amplify strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
9. Reframe fear as a growth catalyst instead of a progress blocker.
10. Practice perseverance rooted in self-belief to achieve long-term potential.
11. Dr. Josh Axe’s mindshift method replaces 12 limiting beliefs with purpose-driven truths.
12. Cultivate self-awareness to identify blind spots holding back personal transformation.

About the Author of Think This, Not That

Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, bestselling author of Think This, Not That: Rewire Your Mindset for Total Health Transformation, is a leading voice in natural medicine and functional nutrition. A doctor of chiropractic and certified clinical nutritionist, Axe bridges ancient healing practices with modern science in this mindset-focused guide to holistic wellness. His expertise stems from founding Nashville’s renowned functional medicine clinic, co-creating the Ancient Nutrition supplement brand, and growing DrAxe.com into a top natural health resource with over 15 million monthly visitors.

Axe’s prior works—including Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies—explore gut health, metabolic optimization, and herbal medicine, establishing his authority in evidence-based natural healing. He frequently appears on platforms like Dr. Oz and has advised Olympic athletes and corporations like Whole Foods. Think This, Not That expands his legacy by addressing cognitive patterns shaping physical health, drawing from his clinical experience and research-backed frameworks.

Translated into 12 languages, Axe’s books have collectively sold over 2 million copies, while Ancient Nutrition’s products fuel a global wellness movement.

FAQs About Think This, Not That

What is Think This, Not That by Dr. Josh Axe about?

Think This, Not That explores how mindset shapes personal and professional success through 12 transformative mindshifts that replace limiting beliefs with empowering perspectives. Dr. Josh Axe combines principles of personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness to guide readers toward unlocking their potential. Key themes include redefining success, embracing purpose, and overcoming fear of failure. The book blends actionable strategies with psychological insights to foster lasting change.

Who should read Think This, Not That?

This book is ideal for self-improvement seekers, professionals facing career transitions, and individuals struggling with self-doubt or stagnation. It’s especially relevant for fans of Dr. Axe’s holistic health expertise seeking mindset tools to complement physical well-being. Entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone aiming to align daily habits with long-term purpose will find actionable frameworks.

Is Think This, Not That worth reading?

Yes—readers praise its practical, structured approach to mindset transformation, calling it a “roadmap to personal growth”. The 12 mindshifts address universal challenges like imposter syndrome and purpose alignment, with exercises to implement changes immediately. Positive reviews highlight its blend of motivational storytelling and evidence-based strategies, making it valuable for both casual readers and personal development enthusiasts.

What are the key concepts in Think This, Not That?

Core concepts include:

• Redefining success as personal growth rather than external achievements
• Self-awareness to identify limiting beliefs
• Purpose-driven action through “finding your why”
• Fear-to-growth mindset shifts for embracing challenges The book’s framework emphasizes iterative progress over perfection, using relatable examples from health, career, and relationships.

How does Dr. Josh Axe’s background influence the book?

Drawing on his clinical nutrition and natural medicine expertise, Dr. Axe integrates holistic health principles into mindset work. His experience founding a functional medicine clinic and authoring bestselling wellness books informs the emphasis on mind-body alignment. This unique angle connects mental patterns to physical vitality, distinguishing it from generic self-help guides.

Can the mindshifts in Think This, Not That help with career changes?

Absolutely. The “Rewriting Your Role” mindshift teaches readers to view themselves as authors of their professional narratives, not passive participants. Strategies include reframing setbacks as growth opportunities and aligning career choices with core values. Case studies demonstrate how these principles help navigate industries like tech and healthcare during transitions.

What is the main takeaway from Think This, Not That?

“Your beliefs shape your reality”—Dr. Axe argues that swapping fear-driven thoughts for growth-oriented perspectives unlocks untapped potential. For example, replacing “I’m stuck” with “I’m learning” transforms challenges into stepping stones. This principle threads through all 12 mindshifts, offering a systematic way to rebuild self-image and decision-making.

Are there criticisms of Think This, Not That?

While praised for practicality, some readers note the concepts overlap with established psychology frameworks like CBT. However, Dr. Axe’s health-focused lens adds fresh context. A minority desire more data-backed studies, though the book prioritizes actionable steps over academic theory. Overall, critiques are outweighed by its accessibility for mindset beginners.

How can I apply the mindshifts daily?

• Journaling to track belief patterns
• Reframing language (e.g., “I have to” → “I choose to”)
• Weekly “mindshift audits” to assess growth areas Dr. Axe suggests starting with one mindshift monthly, using real-life scenarios like difficult conversations or goal-setting to practice.

How does Think This, Not That compare to Atomic Habits?

While Atomic Habits focuses on behavioral systems, Dr. Axe’s book targets underlying belief systems that drive habits. Both emphasize incremental change, but Think This adds a layer of purpose alignment and identity reframing. The books complement each other—Axe’s mindshifts help sustain habit adoption long-term.

What quotes summarize Think This, Not That?

• “Your circumstances don’t define you—your beliefs about them do.”
• “Success isn’t what you achieve, but who you become chasing it.” These lines encapsulate the book’s focus on internal transformation over external validation. Dr. Axe uses memorable phrasing to reinforce key mindshifts.

Why is Think This, Not That relevant in 2025?

In a post-pandemic era of career volatility and AI disruption, its resilience-building frameworks help navigate uncertainty. The mindshift approach aligns with 2025 trends like “quiet thriving” and values-based work, offering tools to adapt while maintaining mental well-being.