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

Wow. Dr. Josh Axe really delivered something special with this guide to mental transformation. I initially expected a standard health book given his background, but this is a deep dive into the psychology of how our internal narratives shape our reality. The 12 mindshifts are incredibly practical for anyone struggling with those nagging voices of self-doubt that keep us stuck in place. I found the section on the nocebo effect particularly eye-opening because it explains how negative expectations can physically manifest in our lives. While some parts felt a bit heavy on personal anecdotes, the overall wisdom packed into these pages is undeniable. It is an easy read that doesn't sacrifice depth, making it perfect for a morning study session or a quiet evening of reflection. Frankly, the way he breaks down complex psychological barriers into actionable steps is exactly what I needed this year. This book provides a much-needed roadmap for anyone ready to stop just surviving and start truly becoming the person they were meant to be.

Not what I expected, but exactly what I needed to hear right now. Dr. Axe has a way of explaining why we get in our own way that just clicks. I’ve struggled with a 'victim' mindset for years due to past setbacks, and the chapter on rewriting your role in the story hit me like a ton of bricks. He doesn't just tell you to think positive; he explains the mechanics of how our beliefs dictate our destiny. The distinction between a placebo and a nocebo effect was a lightbulb moment for me. I also appreciated the emphasis on building an unshakable identity that isn't tied to external status or the opinions of others. Truth is, most of us are far too concerned with what people think, and this book gives you permission to let that go. It’s a call to excellence that is both challenging and encouraging. I’ve already recommended it to several friends who are feeling stuck in their careers. This is a must-read for anyone ready to break through their mental ceilings.

The chapter on 'Busting Vices by Building Virtues' alone makes this book worth the price of admission. In a world that often ignores the importance of character, Dr. Axe makes a compelling case for why moral integrity is the true foundation of success. I loved the way he discussed how even the business world values character over performance in the long run. The writing is clear, punchy, and filled with nuggets of wisdom that you’ll want to underline and revisit. I particularly enjoyed the section on 'conversational narcissists' and the barriers that block true self-awareness. It made me reflect on my own interactions in a way that was both uncomfortable and necessary. Look, if you want a book that will coddle you, this isn't it. But if you want a book that will push you to be a better person in every area of your life, you need to pick this up. It is a fantastic resource for anyone serious about personal transformation and living a principled life.

Finally got around to finishing this and I am feeling incredibly inspired. This isn't just another 'think positive' book; it's a comprehensive manual for rebuilding your life from the inside out. Dr. Axe addresses the limiting beliefs that keep us in a 'flourishing mindset' vs. a 'fear-based' one with such clarity. I loved the practical tips for assembling a team and finding mentors, as we often try to do everything on our own. The emphasis on 'Divine Identity' and 'Divine Virtues' provided a sense of purpose that I haven't found in other secular self-help titles. It feels like a very holistic approach to success that includes your spirit, mind, and character. The QR codes and external links provided even more value for those who want to dive deeper into the concepts. I’ve already started my vision board and I’m feeling more optimistic about my future than I have in a long time. If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start making progress, this book is your new best friend.

This book is a refreshing departure from the typical 'hustle harder' mentality that dominates the self-help genre today. Dr. Axe focuses on the concept of 'becoming' rather than just 'accomplishing,' which is a distinction we often overlook in our achievement-obsessed culture. I was especially intrigued by how he incorporated Joseph Campbell’s 'The Hero’s Journey' to help readers visualize their own life stories. It makes the process of personal change feel like a grand adventure rather than a chore. My only real gripe is that some of the success stories he shares involve multimillion-dollar empires and celebrity inner circles. Those examples felt a bit out of reach for the average person just trying to pay their mortgage and find some peace. Still, the core principles of replacing limiting beliefs with empowering truths are universal. The writing is accessible and the chapters are structured in a way that makes it easy to digest one mindshift at a time. It’s definitely worth a spot on your shelf.

Gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised by the actionable nature of the advice found in these chapters. Many authors in this space stay way too high-level, but Axe provides specific frameworks like the STARS method to help you actually implement change. I’ve been applying the 'First Principles Thinking' to some of my professional hurdles, and the clarity it provides is quite remarkable. The book moves quickly and the conversational tone makes it feel like you are having a coffee with a mentor. I did notice some repetition in the middle sections, as if the same points were being hammered home just to fill space. Also, be prepared for a lot of talk about virtue and moral character, which is great, but it occasionally veers into 'preachy' territory. Despite those minor flaws, the focus on building a community of greatness and seeking out mentorship is incredibly valuable for anyone feeling isolated in their journey. It is a motivating read that offers a lot of wisdom for daily living issues.

As someone who has followed Dr. Axe’s health advice for years, I wasn't sure what to expect from his foray into psychology. I was impressed by the breadth of research he cited, from Daniel Goleman to Viktor Frankl. The book does a great job of bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern success strategies. I found the '10x Strategy' and the tips for transforming beliefs to be very helpful for my current business goals. One thing that stood out was his willingness to share his own major health challenge at the end of the book. It humanized him and made the rest of the advice feel much more earned. My only critique is that the stories of his 'inner circle' felt a bit like name-dropping at times, which can be a little distracting. However, the core message of using your skills for the good of others is powerful. It’s a solid 4-star read that offers a lot of practical value for anyone looking to upgrade their mental software.

After hearing so much hype, I jumped in expecting a purely psychological deep dive into overcoming limiting beliefs. The first few chapters on mindset and the power of thoughts were genuinely fascinating and grounded in interesting concepts. However, about a third of the way through, the tone shifted quite abruptly toward a very specific spiritual perspective that I wasn't prepared for. While I respect the author's faith, the heavy reliance on religious examples and Judeo-Christian theology felt out of place in what was marketed as a general self-help book. He uses figures like MLK Jr. to illustrate virtue but paints a somewhat one-dimensional picture of these complex historical characters. To be fair, there is still plenty of good advice here regarding character development and vision boards. I just wish the promotional materials had been more transparent about the strong religious undercurrents throughout the text. It’s a solid read if you share that worldview, but it might feel slightly alienating if you are looking for a strictly secular approach to personal growth.

Picked this up because I enjoy Dr. Axe’s podcasts, but I have mixed feelings about the finished product. On one hand, the central premise of challenging your mindset is incredibly important and the 12 mindshifts are well-organized. He covers everything from finding your 'why' to mastering self-awareness and building better habits. On the other hand, the book feels a bit repetitive and I found myself skimming through certain sections that seemed to drag on. The transition into faith-based content was a bit jarring, even though I don't necessarily mind that perspective in general. It just felt like the book was trying to be two different things at once: a scientific look at the brain and a spiritual manifesto. I think it would have been more effective if it picked one lane and stayed there. It’s a decent introductory book for someone new to self-development, but seasoned readers might find it a bit surface-level. It’s an okay read, just don't expect it to reinvent the wheel.

Personally, I found this book to be quite a disappointment compared to the author's previous work in the health and wellness space. It felt less like an original exploration of the mind and more like a collection of quotes and ideas pulled from other famous motivational speakers. At times, it honestly read like a college research paper where the author just stitched together findings from various sources without adding much new insight. The constant mentions of his high-powered friends and massive business successes made it very difficult to relate to his struggles on a human level. I struggled to stay engaged when the advice felt like it was coming from someone living in a completely different reality than most readers. While the final chapter about his personal health crisis was moving and finally showed some vulnerability, it came far too late in the book to save the experience for me. If you’ve read any major self-help titles in the last decade, you have likely heard most of these concepts before in a more compelling way.