For my yoga teacher exam, I got to explore two foundational concepts from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—Abhyasa and Vairagya. These concepts have not only shaped my personal yoga practice but have also deeply influenced my approach to live and lead.

Abhyasa: The Power of Consistent Practice

Abhyasa, which translates to “consistent practice,” has been one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned as both a yogi and a leader. It’s about showing up every day, doing the work, and staying focused—no matter how challenging or uncertain the path ahead may seem.

In leadership, this is about dedication and discipline. It’s not just about the big moments of success; it’s about staying committed, even in the small daily actions. It’s about practicing presence, making time to listen, and building trust over time. The impact doesn’t always show immediately, but the steady practice of doing your best, day in and day out, is what builds a strong foundation for leadership.

I’ve realized that leadership isn’t just about the big decisions or dramatic moments. It’s about the quiet, consistent practice of showing up with clarity, intention, and dedication. Abhyasa reminds me that true leadership is in the process, not just the results.

Vairagya: The Art of Letting Go

On the flip side, Vairagya—the practice of non-attachment—has been just as transformative. At first, this concept felt counterintuitive. In the world of high-pressure leadership, letting go can feel like a luxury. But what I’ve come to understand is that Vairagya isn’t about being passive or disengaged. It’s about releasing the need to control every single outcome.

In leadership, this means trusting your team, knowing when to step back, and letting things unfold naturally. It’s about recognizing that we don’t have to control everything to achieve great results. I’ve learned that the more I can let go of the obsessive need for perfection or control, the more I can create an environment of trust, creativity, and innovation.

This has been a huge shift for me. I used to think that the harder I worked and the more I controlled, the better the outcomes would be. But the truth is, when we let go of attachment to results and allow space for flow, things often work out better than we could have imagined.

Integrating Abhyasa and Vairagya in Leadership

The balance between Abhyasa and Vairagya is where the magic happens in leadership. It’s not enough to just push harder; we also need to learn to trust, let go, and allow things to unfold. Abhyasa teaches us to show up and put in the work. Vairagya teaches us to surrender and trust the process.

In my leadership journey, I’ve learned that this balance allows me to lead with clarity and confidence. When I’m deeply rooted in consistent practice but not attached to every outcome, I am able to create a work environment where people feel trusted, empowered, and free to perform at their best.

My Personal Reflection

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve found that these principles are not just theoretical. Over the years, I’ve struggled with the tension between effort and attachment to results. In my early career, I often felt like I had to control every detail to ensure success. But as I’ve grown, I’ve come to see that leadership isn’t about micromanaging every outcome. It’s about staying present and aligned with my values, and guiding others with patience and trust.

The balance of Abhyasa and Vairagya has helped me find peace in my leadership. I’ve learned that showing up consistently with a calm and open heart—while releasing the need to control every aspect of the journey—has been the most powerful way to lead authentically.

A Call to Embrace Balance

True leadership, isn’t about doing more. It’s about aligning your effort with trust, staying grounded in your practice, and allowing things to flow. If you find yourself caught between pushing harder and letting go, I encourage you to explore these principles. Leadership isn’t a race; it’s a journey, and finding the balance between effort and surrender can help you lead with more grace, authenticity, and impact.