Overcoming Avidya in the Workplace: Embracing Clarity & Growth for Performance & Success

Recently, I came across this quote "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." — Stephen Hawking . It got me thinking about how this is similar to some concepts in yoga philosophy and how it is also applicable in the workplace.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of short-term results. But what if we shifted our focus to something deeper—something that could truly unlock potential and growth, both personally and organizationally?

How well do we know ourselves? Do we tend to identify ourselves with our titles, accomplishments, the number of zeros in our paychecks, the perks and benefits? How often do we self-reflect and recognise our ignorances, shadows, the veils in front of our eyes and the smog in our minds eye? It is only when we know where the darkness is, that we can shine the light.

In yogic philosophy, Avidya refers to ignorance or misunderstanding—specifically about who we are and what we’re capable of. By clearing this fog, we open doors to greater clarity, collaboration, and success.

How does Avidya show up in the workplace?

Asmita (Ego-driven Thinking): When we overly identify with our titles or results, we might stifle creativity and teamwork. What if we could lead from a place of shared purpose rather than self-worth tied to outcomes?

Raga (Attachment to Success): Instead of focusing solely on rewards or accomplishments, we can embrace the learning process. This mindset encourages innovation and a growth culture where people feel empowered to take risks and think outside the box.

Dwesha (Avoiding Discomfort): Challenges and tough conversations can be stepping stones to growth. When we face these head-on, we foster a culture where development thrives.

Abhinivesha (Fear of Change): Change is inevitable, but what if we could see it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear? Embracing change builds agility, helping teams to stay competitive in evolving markets.

Mindset shift: From Performance to Practice

The key to overcoming these barriers? Shift from a performance-driven mindset to a practice mindset. Growth comes not from perfection but from continuous learning. It's not about perfection or hitting every KPI—it’s about continuous learning, resilience, and progress.

"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance." — Nathaniel Branden

Just as in yoga, success lies in balancing ease and discomfort—Sukha and Dukha—embracing both wins and setbacks as part of the journey. In the corporate world, success is not just about the “Sukha” (easy, rewarding moments) but also the “Dukha” (challenges and discomfort). Balancing both is key to meaningful progress. A sales team, for instance, that embraces rejection as part of the process is more likely to grow and adapt than one that fears failure or one that has only seen wins. It’s like the stock market, the good investors are those who research & invest smartly so they are not only able to reap the benefits of an up-market but are also able to keep their head above the water when the market tanks.

Defining Real Success

True success in the workplace isn’t about individual recognition or flawless execution. It’s about creating lasting impact, building resilient teams, and embracing challenges that push us forward. As Mahatma Gandhi said, the future lies in what you do today.

For example, consider a company that encourages experimentation and innovation, even if it means occasional failure. Google’s "20% time" policy allows employees to spend a portion of their time on passion projects, fostering creativity and long-term growth—even if not every project succeeds.

Instead of judging ourselves based on short-term outcomes, let’s focus on authentic growth—both personally and organizationally. By overcoming Avidya, we can lead with clarity, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of success.

The Corporate Impact: A Reality Check

Did you know that only 21% of employees globally are engaged at work (Gallup, 2023)? One of the main reasons is the lack of purpose and clarity in roles. When organizations are driven by fear, ego, or attachment, it becomes difficult for teams to stay aligned with their deeper goals.

Similarly, companies that focus on well-being see a 21% increase in performance and a 41% decrease in absenteeism (Deloitte, 2023). This shows the power of clarity, well-being, and mindful leadership in driving growth and resilience.

Moving Forward: Embrace Clarity and Empowerment

Overcoming Avidya in the workplace is about gaining insight into ourselves and our teams. By fostering mindful leadership, we can create environments that prioritize resilience, empathy, and collaboration. This approach isn’t just beneficial for well-being; when the fog clears, it drives business results too.

A Mindful Leadership & Resilience Program can help your team:

• Build emotional intelligence and empathy, creating stronger interpersonal relationships.

• Develop resilience, enabling employees to navigate challenges confidently.

• Use mindfulness to enhance focus, creativity, and adaptability in high-stress situations.

Fun Fact: Companies that implement well-being programs experience a 22% increase in employee performance and a 36% improvement in job satisfaction (2023 Deloitte study). A Gallup study in 2023 indicates 23% increase in profitability in such companies, highlighting the impact of cultivating a healthy work environment.

Is fear, ego, or attachment limiting your team's potential? How can you embrace both comfort and discomfort to lead with greater clarity and impact?

Move beyond the superficial and into the heart of what really matters—unlock potential and foster a work environment that’s collaborative, resilient, and future-ready.

BONUS: Join Our Mindful Management Workshop series

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Jyotsna also offers 1:1 guidance sessions for People Managers and Leaders to partner with them on their journey of mindful management for success in the workplace.

Formerly an HR Business Partner, Jyotsna witnessed firsthand the stress, burnout, and communication challenges many employees face in fast-paced environments. Jyotsna brings a unique blend of corporate experience and mindfulness expertise to the table. She has been a yoga practitioner for the most of her corporate career which spanned over a decade. As a certified yoga teacher for over 5 years, she is passionate about making well-being and resilience accessible to all levels of an organization.

With a deep understanding of the corporate landscape, Jyotsna has crafted these resources to encourage meaningful, lasting shifts in workplace culture. It’s designed to spark self-reflection, inspire growth, and introduce practical, mindfulness-based strategies that enhance both individual well-being and team dynamics.

By blending real-world insights and actionable exercises, this toolkit invites professionals to build a workplace environment that’s not only productive but also genuinely supportive of mental and emotional health.

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