Introduction
Summary of the book Think This, Not That by Josh Axe. Before moving forward, let’s briefly explore the core idea of the book. Imagine stepping into a room where every decision you make, every emotion you feel, and every relationship you form is influenced by the way you think. That’s what this journey is all about—taking charge of your thoughts to shape a more meaningful life. Instead of drifting along on autopilot, you’ll learn to recognize harmful beliefs and replace them with uplifting ones. You’ll discover how to shift from doing things just to impress others toward becoming a person of true character. You’ll see the value of planting virtues in your heart, relying on steady principles instead of shaky opinions, and turning fear into a stepping-stone for growth. As these changes take hold, you’ll find yourself standing taller, facing challenges with courage, and making choices that reflect your best self. In short, you’ll be crafting a life guided by a transformed mind—one that leads to greater purpose and lasting fulfillment.
Chapter 1: Realizing How Transforming Your Inner Thinking Can Dramatically Reshape Your Entire Life.
Imagine living inside a giant invisible bubble that shapes how you see the world, guides your decisions, and influences your feelings about what’s possible. This bubble is made of your own thoughts, beliefs, and the way you interpret life’s events. Many people don’t realize that they have the power to change this inner bubble. Instead, they assume that how they think now is permanent or unchangeable. But what if you discovered that by adjusting a few beliefs and habits inside your mind, you could transform not only your mood, but the entire direction of your life? Transforming your inner thinking doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It’s more like sharpening the lens on a camera, allowing you to see opportunities that were blurry before. When you shift your thinking, it’s like learning a new language that enables you to communicate better with yourself and the world.
Changing your thinking patterns can turn everyday challenges into meaningful puzzles you feel excited to solve. Instead of immediately feeling overwhelmed when facing difficulties, you start asking, What can I learn from this? or How does this obstacle help me grow stronger? For example, consider a student struggling with a tough math problem. If they think, I’m just not good at math, they might give up quickly. But if they learn to say, I can improve my math skills with practice, they’ll put in more effort, seek help, and discover techniques to solve those equations. Over time, this shift in thinking helps them achieve more than they ever thought possible. Eventually, these new thought patterns become habits—powerful mental habits that guide you toward success. By regularly improving how you think, you create a strong mental foundation that enables you to handle bigger challenges, dream bolder dreams, and reach higher goals.
When you treat your mind like a garden, you stop allowing weeds of doubt and negativity to spread without control. Instead, you start planting seeds of curiosity, resilience, and hope. Just like a well-tended garden that needs sunlight, water, and care, your mind needs positive influences, encouragement, and guidance. Over time, these mental seeds grow into strong roots of confidence and self-belief. They help you find hidden strengths inside yourself and give you the courage to step outside your comfort zone. As you adopt these healthier mental habits, you also become more aware of how your thoughts affect your relationships, work, and overall happiness. It’s not about being unrealistically positive all the time, but about recognizing that you have the power to shape your perspective. The more you practice guiding your own thinking, the better you become at steering your life in a direction that feels fulfilling and meaningful.
Shaping your mind is a lifelong project, and it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re 15, 35, or 75, today’s thoughts can influence tomorrow’s achievements. Picture your mind as a flexible instrument that can be tuned to produce clearer, richer music. In the beginning, it may feel hard to change certain beliefs or break free from negative thinking loops. But just like learning a new sport, playing an instrument, or mastering a craft, practicing new ways of thinking becomes easier with time. Soon, you’ll notice that stressful situations don’t knock you down as hard, and you’ll bounce back quicker from disappointments. Gradually, this shift in thinking helps you define what true success means to you, and pushes you to become the best version of yourself. By understanding the power of your inner thoughts, you set the stage for the deeper mind shifts you’ll explore in the following chapters.
Chapter 2: Breaking Free From Mere Accomplishments To Embrace A Deeper Sense Of Becoming.
It’s common to measure life by what you own, what grades you get, or which awards you win. Many people think success is all about stacking up accomplishments—like trophies on a shelf—to prove their worth. But there is a hidden problem in focusing too much on those outward achievements. When you revolve your identity around simply accomplishing, you might feel empty inside, no matter how many medals or certificates you collect. Why? Because you’re missing something far more important: becoming the kind of person who inspires yourself and others through character, kindness, and meaningful contributions. Shifting from the mindset of What have I done? to Who am I becoming? transforms your goals. Instead of chasing external rewards, you start nurturing your inner qualities—like empathy, patience, honesty, and a willingness to learn. These qualities ultimately define who you are and shape the lasting impact you have on the world.
Think about people you admire, whether they’re famous leaders, loved family members, or community helpers. Often, what makes them stand out isn’t just their achievements, but the kind of people they are. Maybe you respect a teacher who always treats everyone fairly and listens with genuine care. Or perhaps you look up to a neighbor who volunteers selflessly at local charities, making others’ lives better. These individuals show that true greatness goes beyond doing—it lies in becoming. By shifting your focus from what you accomplish to who you become, you give yourself permission to grow from the inside. It means constantly asking, How can I develop qualities that help others and make my corner of the world brighter? Over time, this perspective encourages you to reflect on your actions, learn from mistakes, and evolve into a person whose values remain strong no matter what challenges appear.
Embracing this mind shift doesn’t mean you should stop setting goals or celebrating your wins. Accomplishments still have their place—they’re milestones that highlight progress. But when you view accomplishments as stepping-stones rather than final endpoints, you realize their true purpose: to help you refine your character and your capacity to serve others. For example, imagine training hard to run a marathon. Crossing that finish line feels fantastic, and that achievement is worth honoring. But what did the journey teach you? Did you learn about perseverance, discipline, or compassion for fellow runners struggling alongside you? These character lessons last much longer than the medal you hang on your wall. Over time, collecting these intangible lessons builds a personality that stands strong against disappointment and adversity. It’s about becoming a person whose presence alone can spark hope, curiosity, and motivation in others—someone who leaves a legacy of goodness behind.
As you begin this journey of focusing on who you’re becoming, you’ll notice subtle changes in how you approach daily tasks. You’ll start choosing actions that help you grow in virtue and wisdom, rather than chasing empty victories. Small choices—like helping a classmate understand a tough concept, standing up for someone who’s being treated unfairly, or taking responsibility when you make a mistake—become more important than superficial praise. These quiet acts of character-building may never earn you a trophy, but they shape you into a person of depth and integrity. As you keep practicing this new approach, your sense of self-worth no longer depends on others’ approval or the shiny medals you earn. Instead, it’s rooted in the kind of human being you are growing into. In this way, shifting from accomplishing to becoming starts a journey toward a more genuine, fulfilling way of living.
Chapter 3: Replacing Harmful Habits With Timeless Virtues That Guide Us Toward True Goodness.
At some point, everyone struggles with habits that don’t serve them well. These can be actions driven by negative qualities—like greed, envy, or laziness—that drag you down and pull you away from becoming your best self. Imagine these harmful habits as invisible anchors attached to your ankles, slowing you as you try to move forward. Yet, there is a simple yet powerful solution: focus on cultivating virtues. Virtues are positive qualities such as honesty, courage, kindness, patience, and generosity. Instead of relying on fleeting pleasures or shortcuts, virtues encourage steady, reliable growth. Think of them as sturdy, timeless building blocks that create a strong structure within your mind and heart. Virtues may not always be easy to practice—telling the truth when it’s uncomfortable, or showing kindness when you’re frustrated—but the long-term reward is worth it. As you nurture these qualities, you become a positive influence on yourself and others.
Historically, great thinkers and teachers across different cultures have emphasized the value of virtues. Their message is that a good life doesn’t just happen; it’s created through consistent, virtuous choices. By focusing on virtues, you learn to balance your inner world, preventing extremes that lead to vices. For example, courage sits between cowardice and recklessness, while generosity stands between stinginess and wastefulness. Practicing virtue is like carefully adjusting the volume on a stereo to find the perfect balance between too quiet and too loud. Over time, as you focus on developing virtues, you notice you’re calmer under pressure, kinder to strangers, and more understanding of others’ struggles. When moments of temptation arise—like taking credit for work you didn’t do or turning a blind eye to someone in need—your well-built character steps in, guiding you to make choices that keep you on a path of genuine, lasting goodness.
In addition to shaping a better version of yourself, virtues also strengthen the communities and relationships you care about. Imagine a group of friends who consistently practice honesty, patience, and compassion. They trust each other more, support each other’s dreams, and work through conflicts without tearing each other down. Their virtues become like a powerful glue that keeps their bond strong. On a larger scale, when more people prioritize virtues over vices, entire communities benefit. Neighborhoods feel safer, teamwork becomes more natural, and problems are faced with respectful collaboration. When virtues guide everyday interactions—whether at home, school, or work—you foster an environment where everyone can thrive. This isn’t about pretending to be perfect; it’s about aiming for improvement every day. Each time you choose patience over anger, kindness over cruelty, or courage over fear, you add another brick to the strong foundation of a virtuous, happy life.
The process of developing virtues isn’t always smooth. Sometimes you’ll slip, give in to frustration, or fail to meet your own standards. That’s normal. Virtue-building is more like a marathon than a sprint, requiring time, effort, and commitment. The good news is that every decision to practice a virtue—no matter how small—counts. Over weeks, months, and years, these tiny acts accumulate like drops of water filling a bucket. Before long, you’ll notice significant changes in your self-control, empathy, and sense of purpose. This shift in focus, from harmful habits to purposeful virtues, becomes a guiding compass in the journey of becoming who you truly want to be. Instead of feeling trapped by your weaker impulses, you feel encouraged by your capacity for growth. Gradually, your mind, heart, and actions line up in harmony, allowing you to shine as a person who uplifts others and enriches the world.
Chapter 4: Standing Firm On Unshakable Principles Instead Of Being Easily Misled By Opinions.
In a world swirling with countless opinions—from social media influencers shouting their views to friends and classmates repeating popular trends—it’s easy to get lost. Opinions are everywhere, changing like the weather and often based on incomplete information or fleeting emotions. Principles, on the other hand, are like solid rocks that don’t move with the wind. They are tested truths, guiding values, and proven ideas that remain stable over time. By learning to rely on principles rather than chasing every new opinion, you gain a clearer path forward. For example, the principle that honesty builds trust is timeless, regardless of how many people argue otherwise. Principles help you avoid being swept away by persuasive but shallow arguments. They encourage you to think deeply, question, and seek truth. Instead of blindly following what’s popular, you learn to stand firm, confident that the foundations beneath your feet are solid and reliable.
To develop a principles-based mindset, you start by asking thoughtful questions. Instead of accepting claims at face value, dig deeper: Why do I believe this? Where does this idea come from? Is there evidence to support it? Over time, you learn to distinguish between opinions rooted in quick reactions and principles grounded in careful reasoning. Tools like the Five Whys method can help. You start with a question—Why am I doing this?—and keep asking why until you uncover the core reason. Similarly, First Principles Thinking encourages you to remove assumptions and get to the very heart of an issue. This kind of mental exploration trains you to think like a detective, examining clues and testing facts before forming conclusions. With practice, you become someone who isn’t shaken by gossip, rumors, or half-truths. Instead, you stand tall, supported by an inner framework of meaningful, unchanging principles.
Principled thinking matters in all areas of life. In health, solid principles might say that nourishing your body with balanced meals and regular exercise is beneficial, regardless of trendy diets that promise quick fixes. In finance, timeless principles might involve living within your means, saving regularly, and investing wisely, no matter how flashy new schemes appear. In relationships, principles like respect, honesty, and empathy guide you more faithfully than any short-lived wave of opinion. In learning, a principle might be that hard work and curiosity outlast any shortcut. By grounding yourself in these principles, you develop a kind of mental compass that points toward what’s right and reliable. Even when the world feels confusing, these principles shine like a lighthouse, helping you find your way. They allow you to build a life that’s not constantly rattled by passing judgments or fast-changing cultural tides.
Over time, living by principles rather than opinions shapes your character and reputation. People recognize you as someone who thinks for yourself and doesn’t just follow the crowd. They trust your judgment because they see that your decisions aren’t based on fickle popularity, but on enduring truths. This trust becomes a valuable asset, helping you form stronger friendships, create more stable teams, and solve problems more effectively. While opinions can shift with every new trend, principles remain a steady anchor in your life. Sure, sometimes principles ask you to be patient or stand up for what’s right when it’s not easy. But these moments help you grow stronger and more confident. By staying loyal to well-founded principles, you discover an inner certainty that no temporary opinion can match. This is the power of thinking deeply and choosing wisely, a power that leads you toward lasting growth and integrity.
Chapter 5: Embracing Growth Over Fear To Transform Obstacles Into Stepping-Stones Of True Success.
Fear often acts like a heavy chain that keeps you from moving forward. Whether it’s fear of failing a test, fear of public speaking, or fear of not meeting expectations, it can feel paralyzing. But what if you could see fear not as a final roadblock, but as a signal that you’re entering new territory where growth is possible? Embracing a growth mindset means understanding that setbacks and mistakes aren’t the end of the story—they’re just chapters in a longer book of learning. Instead of thinking, I’ll never be good at this, you learn to say, With time and practice, I can improve. This shift helps you transform obstacles into stepping-stones. Each time you face a challenge and push through your fear, you discover abilities you didn’t know you had. Over time, these small victories add up, showing that growth always hides on the other side of fear.
Historically, many great successes were born from moments of doubt and uncertainty. People who achieved remarkable things—scientists who cured diseases, athletes who broke records, artists who changed the world—often faced intense fear. The difference is that they chose to keep going despite it. They understood that fear is just one feeling among many, not a reason to quit. By interpreting failure as feedback rather than a personal flaw, they built resilience. Each attempt taught them what to do differently next time, gradually leading them toward their goals. This doesn’t mean fear magically disappears. Instead, it means you learn to carry fear with you in a healthier way. It becomes a reminder that you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone. Over time, your confidence grows because you prove to yourself again and again that you can overcome difficulties. Embracing growth over fear turns you into a more courageous, accomplished version of yourself.
Practical steps can help you strengthen this growth mindset. For example, consider something that scares you—maybe speaking up in class or trying a new sport. Instead of avoiding it entirely, start small. Practice your speech in front of a close friend or attempt a simpler version of the new skill. Each time you face a small portion of that fear, your brain learns that fear isn’t a permanent stop sign. Gradually, you can increase the difficulty and intensity. Over weeks and months, what once seemed terrifying becomes manageable, even comfortable. By facing fears bit by bit, you build mental muscles of courage and adaptability. This approach is similar to exercising your body. Just as lifting small weights over time makes you stronger, regularly challenging your fears helps you grow mentally. The result is a braver you—someone who doesn’t let fear define what’s possible.
As you learn to embrace growth over fear, you’ll find that your definition of success changes. Instead of equating success with never failing, you start seeing it as having the courage to try, learn, and improve. You realize that every stumbling block on your path is actually a valuable lesson shaping your future achievements. This perspective makes you more compassionate toward yourself and others. You understand that everyone battles fears and insecurities, and it’s normal to struggle. What matters is how you respond to these struggles. When you choose growth over fear, you rise above limitations and step into a world of expanding possibilities. You become more open-minded, more willing to take calculated risks, and more appreciative of your own resilience. Ultimately, embracing growth helps you become a person who views life’s difficulties not as reasons to give up, but as opportunities to reach new heights.
Chapter 6: Infusing These Mind Shifts Into Everyday Life To Inspire Lasting Positive Change.
Now that you’ve explored the power of shifting your mindset in different areas—becoming instead of just accomplishing, choosing virtues over vices, standing on principles rather than opinions, and embracing growth over fear—it’s time to bring these ideas into your daily life. Think of these mind shifts as tools in a toolbox. Each one helps you build a better, more fulfilling life structure. Your challenge is to use them consistently, even when you feel stressed, uncertain, or tempted to slip back into old habits. Small steps add up. Start your mornings by reminding yourself of the kind of person you want to become. Check in with yourself before making decisions: Is this action guided by my principles? Will this choice help me grow? Is there a virtue I can practice right now? Over time, these questions guide your thinking and steer your actions in more positive directions.
Infusing these mind shifts into everyday routines means recognizing that every situation, no matter how ordinary, can be a chance to strengthen your character. For example, during a group project, instead of worrying about getting credit, focus on contributing your best work and encouraging your teammates. When disagreements arise, rely on solid principles and empathy rather than quick judgments. If you feel fearful about a new challenge—like learning a new language or joining a club—remind yourself that growth often hides behind discomfort. Even something as simple as waiting in a long line can be an opportunity to practice patience and kindness. These small choices gradually shape who you are. The more you practice, the more naturally these mind shifts become part of your personality. Soon, you’ll realize you’re acting with greater integrity, resilience, and depth, inspiring others to consider their own thoughts and choices, too.
Integrating these shifts doesn’t require perfection. You’ll have days when impatience wins or fear sneaks back into your thinking. The goal is progress, not perfection. When you notice yourself slipping into old habits, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself what went wrong and how you can do better next time. This reflective practice turns mistakes into lessons, keeping you on the path of continual improvement. Over time, these strategies begin to shape the atmosphere around you. The positivity, honesty, and kindness you cultivate within become evident to others. Your friends might comment on your newfound calmness, your teachers might notice your increased focus, and your family might appreciate your more thoughtful responses. By steadily applying these mind shifts, you don’t just improve your own life—you become a force that helps raise the quality of life around you. It’s like lighting a candle in a dark room, brightening the space for everyone.
As these mindset changes settle into your daily routines, you’ll see your goals, relationships, and view of the world evolving. You feel more in charge of your thoughts, less shaken by challenges, and more purposeful in your decisions. Though nobody can guarantee an easy life, living with clear mind shifts helps you handle obstacles with courage, face uncertainty with principles, and treat setbacks as stepping-stones rather than dead ends. You realize that true success isn’t found in accumulating trophies or following passing fads, but in developing character, wisdom, and resilience. With each new day, you have the choice to build on these mind shifts, solidifying them as part of who you are. Over time, these shifts form a solid foundation that supports all your dreams and efforts, allowing you to create a life filled with meaning, contribution, and the quiet confidence that comes from mastering your own mind.
All about the Book
Unlock your potential and transform your mindset with ‘Think This, Not That’ by Josh Axe. This insightful guide provides actionable strategies to enhance your health, wealth, and happiness through positive thinking and practical decision-making.
Josh Axe is a renowned doctor of natural medicine, author, and wellness expert, dedicated to helping others achieve optimal health through holistic nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Nutritionists, Life Coaches, Psychologists, Fitness Trainers, Wellness Entrepreneurs
Healthy Cooking, Mindfulness Meditation, Personal Development, Yoga, Gardening
Negative Thought Patterns, Emotional Well-being, Food Choices and Nutrition, Life Stress Management
Your thoughts shape your reality; choose to think positively and watch your life transform.
Drew Brees, Misty Copeland, Sara Evans
Best Health Book of the Year, Gold Medal for Health and Wellness, Readers’ Choice Award
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