You ever feel like there's a tiny, annoying commentator in your head that just won't shut up? I'm talking about that voice that reminds you of every mistake you made in 2014 while you're trying to sleep. Honestly, it's exhausting. We all do it. We wake up, look in the mirror, and instead of seeing potential, we see the "not enoughs." Not thin enough, not successful enough, not smart enough. It’s a loop. A bad one.
Joel Osteen, the guy with the famous smile from Houston’s Lakewood Church, basically built a global ministry on the idea that this loop can be hacked. His 2023 book, Think This Not That, isn’t some dense theological dissertation. It’s more like a pocket-sized manual for your brain.
What exactly is the "Think This Not That" framework?
The core premise is pretty simple, almost deceptively so. It’s about cognitive replacement. Most of us are walking around with "software" in our heads that is riddled with viruses—negativity, guilt, and low expectations. Osteen argues that your mind is like a computer. If you put the wrong software in, you can’t be surprised when the program crashes.
He identifies 101 specific "breakthrough thoughts." Think of them as scripts. Instead of letting the default negative thought run its course, you manually hit the override switch.
For instance, the "That" thought might be: "I’ve had so many setbacks, I’ll never reach my goals."
The "This" thought (the Osteen way) is: "These setbacks are actually setups for a comeback. Every closed door is leading me to a better one."
Kinda cheesy? Sure. But there is actual psychological merit to it. It’s basically a faith-based version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). You identify the distortion and swap it for a more functional reality.
Why people are actually buying into this
Let’s be real. The world feels heavy lately. Whether you're religious or not, the constant barrage of bad news and social media comparison makes it hard to stay optimistic. People gravitate toward Think This Not That Joel Osteen because it offers a sense of agency.
It’s not just about "wishing" things were better. It’s about the internal dialogue you have while things are still messy.
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I remember talking to a friend who was going through a brutal divorce. She told me she started using these "This/Not That" swaps. Not because she thought it would magically fix her legal fees, but because it stopped the spiraling. It gave her enough mental breathing room to actually function. That’s the "breakthrough" Osteen talks about—it’s emotional and mental before it’s ever circumstantial.
The controversy: Is it "Theology Lite"?
You can’t talk about Joel Osteen without mentioning the critics. And there are plenty. Many traditional theologians argue that this message—often labeled the "Prosperity Gospel"—ignores the grit and suffering inherent in the human experience. They’ll tell you that the Bible isn't just a self-help book meant to make you rich or happy.
Critics often point out that:
- It minimizes the concept of sin.
- It makes God sound like a celestial vending machine.
- It puts too much pressure on the individual to "think" their way out of poverty or illness.
Honestly, both sides have a point. If you’re looking for deep, historical exegesis, you probably won't find it here. But if you’re looking for a way to get through a Tuesday without a panic attack, Osteen’s "Think This Not That" approach hits a different chord. It’s about the psychology of hope.
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Breaking down the daily practice
So, how do you actually use this without feeling like you’re just lying to yourself? It’s about the "Delete" button. Osteen often uses the analogy of an email inbox. You don’t have to open every message that pops up. When a thought comes in saying you’re a failure, you don't have to meditate on it. You can hit delete.
- Catch the "That": You have to be an observer of your own mind. "Oh, there’s that thought again telling me I’m going to fail this presentation."
- Apply the "This": Immediately follow it with a pre-planned truth. "I have the talent I need. I am prepared. I’m going to do my best and leave the rest to God."
- The Repetition Factor: You can't just do it once. You’ve been thinking the negative stuff for twenty years; the positive stuff needs some reps.
It’s about building a new mental muscle. It feels clunky at first. Sorta like trying to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand. But eventually, the "This" becomes the new default.
Actionable insights for a better headspace
If you’re wanting to try the Think This Not That Joel Osteen method, start small. You don’t need the book to begin shifting your narrative today.
- Audit your morning: What’s the first thing you say to yourself when you wake up? If it’s "Ugh, I’m so tired, today is going to suck," try swapping it for "I’m grateful for another day and I'm looking for the good in it."
- Identify your "Label": We all have them. "I'm the clumsy one." "I'm the one who's bad with money." These are just stories. Start challenging the labels that limit you.
- Limit the "Inputs": If you're trying to think "This," but you're spending four hours a day on doom-scrolling or hanging out with "That" people who only complain, you're fighting an uphill battle.
The goal isn't to be delusional. It’s to be intentional. You are the gatekeeper of your own mind, and you get to decide which thoughts get a seat at the table.
To really put this into practice, pick one negative thought that has been on a loop this week. Write it down. Then, write down a "This" statement—a hopeful, faith-filled alternative—and say it out loud every time the negative one pops up. It sounds simple because it is, but the shift in your energy might just surprise you.