Dr Ashish Bhatia delivered a thought provoking talk at our recent DisruptHR Bristol event. Here’s an outline of his key take-aways with a link to the video.
Are we ready to dive into a journey of self-reflection and growth? Let’s take a moment to prepare ourselves. A deep breath in, hold it for a second, and then release. Feel the tension easing away. Pausing and breathing seems so simple, yet we are going to explore how in just 30 seconds it can transform our neurobiology and profoundly change our lives.
Ready? Now, let’s begin with some bold questions.
Have you ever made a mistake?
Research suggests that humans make approximately six mistakes every hour. While that might not be surprising, it leads to another critical question: How does it feel when the inevitable happens, and we’re wrong? Feelings like regret or disappointment often arise. This discomfort can lead to an instinctual desire to avoid mistakes altogether.
However this might be wrong!
We only notice the feeling when we realise we are mistaken. But it’s humbling to accept that we’ve probably been wrong for quite a while before we even became aware.
But here’s another thought to consider: What if being wrong is not just a misstep but an opportunity for growth?
Mistakes can be a blessing in disguise. They invite reflection and humility, leading to deeper understanding. When the realisation dawns that mistakes are part of the learning process, a significant shift occurs—from fear to empowerment.
Through experience, it becomes clear that embracing humility is transformative. Acknowledging mistakes opens the door to genuine growth. This shift from thinking “Oh no” to “Yay, now I know” when making a mistake can reshape the approach to challenges.
Research has shown that even professionals like judges improve their decision-making and compassion when they take a moment to pause. For example, individuals are 75% more likely to receive favourable parole decisions if they meet with judges after the judges have taken a break. This principle extends beyond the courtroom—it applies to various professions and can influence organisational culture.
In the realm of medicine, integrating pauses and moments of mindfulness into consultations can enhance the overall effectiveness of doctors. By shaping medical curricula to emphasize the importance of breathing and pausing before engaging with patients, the goal is to cultivate a more compassionate and understanding approach.
Embracing mistakes not only fosters personal growth but also enhances professional effectiveness. So, as the journey unfolds, remember that mistakes are not the end of the road but stepping stones toward greater understanding and empathy.
The good news is that you can harness the power of humility in just 3 breaths.
If you are feeling courageous here is a link to a free animation showing you how. https://humble.info/breathe/
Watch the video here