Our mind is very powerful. Yet, if you are like most people, you probably spend very little time reflecting on the way you think. After all, who thinks about thinking? This March issue of Eagle REMINDS us to pause a while, and reflect on the relationship between thoughts and actions, and perhaps consider some adjustment for the better.
The mission of the Cornerstone Eagle is to be your Faithful Companion / Coach / Mentor on your life and career journey, supporting you to discover yourself and offering good advice regarding the SIX important aspects of your professional Life: Identity, Money, Career Options, Health, Relationships and Your Future (spiritual and your legacy reminders).
Globally, Cornerstone International Group’s Vision is to be the best executive recruiting group worldwide. We achieve this by being passionate and knowledgeable on industries and business practices that are relevant globally; as well as a true mentor and coach, one-on-one, with our clients, candidates and partners locally. We believe the way to do it is to promote our 3C VALUES of Community, Credibility, and Continuity. We succeed when our partners have achieved Healthier Businesses and Lives. The Cornerstone Eagle is not a sales letter to promote activities of our 60+ offices globally, but a 3C tool to inspire you to maximize your personal and professional potential to be a Better Leader and a Better Person both at home and at business.
We pray that these powerful wings of the Eagle shall continue to enable you to soar to new heights.
Best Wishes,
Simon Wan Chief Executive Cornerstone International Group Phone No.: +86 21 6474 7064 |: simon-wan@cornerstone-group.com
When Thoughts Become Reality
Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts are an appropriate start to this topic, as it takes us a step back on how our mindset and behaviour are shaped.
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”
The way you think about yourself turns into your reality. If you draw inaccurate conclusions about who you are and what you’re capable of doing, you’ll limit your potential.
The Link Between Thoughts, Feelings And Behavior Your thoughts are a catalyst for self-perpetuating cycles. What you think directly influences how you feel and how you behave. So if you think you’re a failure, you’ll feel like a failure. Then, you’ll act like a failure, which reinforces your belief that you must be a failure.
This happens often in life. Someone may think, “I’m just not good enough to advance in my career.” That assumption leads the person to feel discouraged and causes him/her to put in less effort. That lack of effort prevents the person from getting a promotion.
Or, someone will say, “I’m really socially awkward.” So when that individual goes to a social gathering, he /she stays in the corner alone. When no one speaks to them, it reinforces their belief that they must be socially awkward.
Your Beliefs Get Reinforced
Once you draw a conclusion about yourself, you’re likely to do two things; look for evidence that reinforces your 
belief or discount anything that runs contrary to your belief.
Someone who develops the belief that they are a failure, for example, will view each mistake as proof that they are not good enough. When the person does succeed at something, they will chalk it up to luck.
Consider for a minute that it might not be your lack of talent or lack of skills that are holding you back. Instead, it might be your beliefs that keep you from performing at your peak.
Creating a more positive outlook can lead to better outcomes. That’s not to say positive thoughts have magical powers. But optimistic thoughts lead to productive behavior, which increases your chances of a successful outcome.
Challenge Your Conclusions Take a look at the labels you’ve placed on yourself. Maybe you’ve declared yourself incompetent. Or perhaps you’ve decided you’re a bad leader.
Remind yourself that you don’t have to allow those beliefs to restrict your potential. Just because you think something, doesn’t make it true.
The good news is, you can change how you think. You can alter your perception and change your life. Here are two ways to challenge your beliefs:
• Look for evidence to the contrary. Take note of any times when your beliefs weren’t reinforced. Acknowledging exceptions to the rule will remind you that your belief isn’t always true.
• Challenge your beliefs. Perform behavioral experiments that test how true your beliefs really are. If you think you’re not good enough, do something that helps you to feel worthy. If you’ve labeled yourself too wimpy to step outside of your comfort zone, force yourself to do something that feels a little uncomfortable.
With practice, you can train your brain to think differently. When you give up those self-limiting beliefs, you’ll be better equipped to reach your greatest potential.
Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and the author of the bestselling book “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.”
How would You Like to be Remembered?
When thoughts become actions … About a hundred years ago, a man looked at the morning newspaper and to his surprise and horror, read his name in the obituary column.
The newspapers had reported the death of the wrong person by mistake. His first response was shock. Am I here or there? When he regained his composure, his second thought was to find out what people had said about him.
The obituary read, “Dynamite King Dies.” And also “He was the merchant of death.” This man was the inventor of dynamite and when he read the words “merchant of death,” he asked himself a question, “Is this how I am going to be remembered?”
He got in touch with his feelings and decided that this was not the way he wanted to be remembered.
From that day on, he started working toward peace. His name was Alfred Nobel and he is remembered today by the great Nobel Prize.
Just as Alfred Nobel got in touch with his feelings and redefined his values, we should step back and do the same. What is your legacy? How would you like to be remembered? Will you be spoken well of? Will you be remembered with love and respect? Will you be missed?
Quotes to share on thinking and attitude
Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.
Benjamin Disraeli
Being miserable is a habit. Being happy is a habit. The choice is yours
Tom Hopkins
Risk more than others think is safe.
Care more than others think is wise.
Dream more than others think is practical.
Expect more than others think is possible.
Claude T. Bissell
Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.
Earl Nightingale
The Bible
Sometimes we have no control as to what thoughts enter our minds, however we are able to take control of these thoughts. God’s Words help us to recognize our thoughts for what they really are, and how to act (or not act) upon them.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Our Editor, Nancy Chu at nancy-chu@cornerstone-group.com would love to hear from you if you have special thoughts to share.
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