Author

Many high school students are under so much competitive pressure. They are sometimes taught that if they don't have a 4.0 GPA, score in the 99th percentile on admissions tests, and demonstrate leadership in sports and participate in clubs, they won't get into college anywhere. Even highly credentialed professionals get caught up in this.

From Elizabeth Thornton

The key to creating the mental space before responding is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of being present: paying attention to and accepting what is happening in our lives. It helps us to be aware of and step away from our automatic and habitual reactions to our everyday experiences.

From Elizabeth Thornton

There are times when we are just not very kind to ourselves. The problem with our negative thoughts is that the latest science has revealed that thoughts are very powerful, even impacting us physically.

From Elizabeth Thornton

We are not a victim of our emotions or thoughts. We can understand our triggers and use them as tools to help us respond more objectively.

From Elizabeth Thornton

To be an effective leader and make sound decisions, you must be able to gather data by seeking out diverse perspectives and be willing to consider points of view other than your own.

From Elizabeth Thornton

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that sometimes our assumptions and preconceived notions are wrong, and therefore, our interpretation of events is incorrect. This causes us to overreact, to take things personally, or to judge people unfairly.

From Elizabeth Thornton

When we are fully conscious and aware, we actually know when we are about to overreact. When we are mindful, we have the mental space and are aware of when our moods change. When we are mindful, we are aware of when our mental models are being challenged and when expectation does not meet with reality, which can trigger an emotional response.

From Elizabeth Thornton

Our brains have the ability to reorganize themselves by forming new neural connections throughout our lives. This ability is called neuroplasticity.

From Elizabeth Thornton

Most of us know when we are about to react emotionally. We can feel it. Often there is a brief warning before the amygdala hijack. For some of us, it is butterflies in the stomach; for some, it is an increased heart rate, and for others, it is a feeling of agitation.

From Elizabeth Thornton

To increase our objectivity, we must learn to switch off the mini-movies. Objectivity requires us to be mindful, present in the moment, and experiencing what is happening without judgment.

From Elizabeth Thornton

Elizabeth Thornton

Notable Quotes

Authors with Similar Views

Russel Honore

Shane Carruth

Susan L. Taylor

Deepak Chopra

Eckhart Tolle

Authors with Opposing Views

Cameron Monaghan

Comte de Lautreamont

Damien Hirst

Flora Lewis

Henepola Gunaratana