What will I learn about: how neutral thinking provides a steady, fact-based alternative to the dangerous extremes of false optimism and paralyzing fear?

Discover how neutral thinking provides a steady, fact-based alternative to the dangerous extremes of false optimism and paralyzing fear.

What will I learn about: Learn to navigate high-pressure situations by stripping away emotional biases and simply asking, 'What is true right now, and what is the next useful step?'?

Learn to navigate high-pressure situations by stripping away emotional biases and simply asking, 'What is true right now, and what is the next useful step?'

What will I learn about: why stress causes the mind to exaggerate danger, and how grounding yourself in reality allows you to take decisive action based on facts rather than panic?

Understand why stress causes the mind to exaggerate danger, and how grounding yourself in reality allows you to take decisive action based on facts rather than panic.

What will I learn about: the art of purposeful preparation by building a mental blueprint and supportive routines that make career-defining moments feel calm and manageable?

Master the art of purposeful preparation by building a mental blueprint and supportive routines that make career-defining moments feel calm and manageable.

What will I learn about: how to map out specific, concrete behaviors instead of relying on vague goals or hope, ensuring you are actively equipped for any challenge?

Find out how to map out specific, concrete behaviors instead of relying on vague goals or hope, ensuring you are actively equipped for any challenge.

It Takes What It Takes

How to Think Neutrally and Gain Control of Your Life

Trevor Moawad with Andy Staples

★ 4.2 / 5(294 ratings)

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Categories:

Motivation & Inspiration Productivity Personal Development

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡What if the secret to peak performance isn’t positive thinking, but a powerful alternative called 'neutral thinking'?
💡Did you know that voicing a negative thought can make it ten times more likely to come true, and are you curious about how to break that cycle?
💡Have you ever wondered why the most successful people focus on 'the next play' rather than their past mistakes or future fears?

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Key Takeaways from It Takes What It Takes

✓Discover how neutral thinking provides a steady, fact-based alternative to the dangerous extremes of false optimism and paralyzing fear.
✓Learn to navigate high-pressure situations by stripping away emotional biases and simply asking, 'What is true right now, and what is the next useful step?'
✓Understand why stress causes the mind to exaggerate danger, and how grounding yourself in reality allows you to take decisive action based on facts rather than panic.
✓Master the art of purposeful preparation by building a mental blueprint and supportive routines that make career-defining moments feel calm and manageable.
✓Find out how to map out specific, concrete behaviors instead of relying on vague goals or hope, ensuring you are actively equipped for any challenge.

Learning Tools

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Mind Map

It Takes What It Takes

Neutral Thinking+

Planning & Visualization+

Controlling Influences+

Role Models & Leadership+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7

What is the primary goal of 'neutral thinking' as described in the text?

A. To completely eliminate negative thoughts and emotions from your mind.
B. To acknowledge reality and emotions without letting them dictate your next action.
C. To maintain a strictly positive outlook regardless of how difficult a situation becomes.
D. To ignore past mistakes and pretend they never happened in order to move forward.

Question 2 of 7

How did the Apollo 13 astronauts exemplify neutral thinking during their crisis in space?

A. They relied purely on their intuition and ignored the advice of ground control.
B. They convinced themselves that the oxygen tank accident wasn't a severe issue.
C. They tackled one problem at a time without letting panic cloud their judgment.
D. They focused heavily on the mistakes that caused the accident to ensure it wouldn't happen again.

Question 3 of 7

When setting goals and making plans, how does the text suggest formulating your actionable steps?

A. By creating broad, long-term resolutions that inspire sweeping life changes.
B. By writing down all the potential obstacles you might face and how to avoid them.
C. By stating them as tangible, present-tense behaviors, such as 'I run every morning.'
D. By focusing entirely on the final outcome rather than the daily process.

Question 4 of 7

What lesson is drawn from Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson's use of gold shoes?

A. Intimidating your opponents is a crucial aspect of competitive success.
B. Structured imagery and visualization can mentally prepare you for success.
C. Investing in high-quality equipment is the foundation of an athlete's confidence.
D. Daydreaming about victory is sufficient to manifest a successful outcome.

Question 5 of 7

What is the purpose of the 'negativity diet' mentioned in the text?

A. To proactively limit pessimistic inputs and replace them with positive or neutral ones.
B. To completely stop consuming all forms of news and social media indefinitely.
C. To cut out all foods that are scientifically linked to causing depression and anxiety.
D. To confront negative people in your life and force them to change their attitudes.

Question 6 of 7

According to the text, how should one approach immense pressure in life?

A. By steering away from it to protect your mental health and well-being.
B. By delegating high-pressure tasks to others who are more equipped to handle them.
C. By steering into it, recognizing it as a catalyst for personal growth and evolution.
D. By relying entirely on your role models to guide you through the stressful situation.

Question 7 of 7

What does the story about the author's simple 'hellos' to a student demonstrate?

A. That educators must verbally instruct their students on the importance of neutral thinking.
B. That you can have a profound, silent impact on others through your everyday actions.
C. That popularity among peers is essential for building a supportive environment.
D. That continuous positive reinforcement is the only way to change a student's attitude.