Truth be told, since joining Tahir Heart Institute in 2007, I had committed and recommitted myself to the idea of “going high” many times. This had always been with earnest prayers, seeking Allah’s much needed help, and hard work.
During the long journey we have gone through hard-hitting campaigns and decision making battles, trying to navigate our ‘ship’ through turbulent waters in public’s eye. In the present unfortunate failures, we invoke the idea of “going high” as we feel we are being tested as a reminder to steady ourselves confronted by a moral challenge.
These days, when my colleagues ask me to explain what it means to “go high”, I sometimes sense a slightly less polite question riding on its back, tinged by natural skepticism. Guidance, motivation, prayers, and support from elders have stood by us as “go high”, it’s a reminder to pause, re-organise and above all pray.
With such uncertainties are we still supposed to be “going high”?
My answer is Yes. We need to keep trying to “go high”. Working with integrity matters. It will matter forever. It is a tool, God willing.
Clearly, “going high” is something we do rather than merely feel. It is about how we fight, for change. It’s about how we go around trying to solve the problems we encounter, and how we sustain ourselves long enough to be effective rather than burn out.
I realise that this is a process and not always quick solution. It can take time and patience. For me “going high” usually involves taking a pause with prayers before I reset. It is a form of self comfort, a time laid between our best and worst impulses. “Going high” is about resisting temptation to participate in shallow fury and corrosive contempt and instead figuring out how to respond with clear voice to whatever is shallow and corrosive around you. Emotions are not plans and don’t solve problems or right any wrongs.
With prayers, taken the construction role and only than we’ll be “going high”.
A. Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can greatly enhance one’s experience and success in any challenging endeavor, including “going high”. It involves an optimism and proactive effort, focusing on strengths, celebrating progress, and gaining experience from failures.
There are quite a few things, some quite simple, to “going high”,
1. Gratitude and prayers;
This remains the cornerstone to all values of “going high”, Acknowledge and appreciate the good aspects of your life and surroundings.
2. Keep yourself organised;
Effective organisation reduces stress and makes it easier to stay optimistic and on track.
3. Negate negative thoughts;
In case of negative thoughts try to identify their causes, and challenge them with realistic perspectives.
4. Nurture a growth attitude;
One ought to believe in one’s ability to learn and grow. Challenges create opportunities to grow.
5. Positive teamwork;
Work with people who are supportive and encouraging, and shun those people who sap your energy. A network of friends, family, or mentors can provide encouragement and guidance.
6. Taking care of oneself;
Prioritise mental and physical health through regular exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep, and adopting stress management techniques.
7. Moments of self reflection;
Constantly assess your feeling and thoughts when you can be more positive. Also, make concentrated efforts to shift your perspective.
8. Learning from failures;
Failures are the stepping stones of success. Use them to refine your success and improve your performance.
The “going high” story in the context of Tahir Heart Institute typically involved, healthcare facility that started with limited resources and inadequate facilities, but through hard work, dedication, and strategic growth, transformed into a successful and well regarded institution
B. Strategic Thinking
“Going high” in the context of strategic thinking, means following a path of resilience, futuristic vision, and integrity even when confronted by adversity or negative behavior. It focuses at solutions, a positive attitude, and acting in alignment with one’s values and principles.
Following is breakdown of strategic thinking related to “going high”
1. Beyond feeling;
“Going high” is not just an emotional response but a positive act in a constructive manner.
2. Focus on solutions;
It involves shifting the focus from dwelling on negativity to pursuing effective solutions.
3. Long-term vision;
It is appropriate to consider long-term implications of actions and options rather than concentrating only on immediate reactions.
4. Proactive thinking;
Anticipating potential problems and developing ways to solve them and capitalise on opportunities.
5. Creativity & Innovation:
Thinking outside the box to find innovative answers to complex issues.
6. Building Resilience;
Developing strategies to bounce back from failures and maintaining optimistic outlook.
7. Conflict resolution;
Addressing conflicts amicably, seeking common ground and finding mutually long lasting solutions.
8. Leadership;
Leading by example is the key to good strategic thinking. Integrity and fostering a positive environment.
9. Personal growth;
Using difficult adversaries as opportunities for learning and development, and growth mindset.
10. Teamwork;
Collaborating with team members, even when there are differences, and working towards common goals.
The “going high” story in the context of Tahir Heart Institute typically involved, healthcare facility that started with limited resources and inadequate facilities, but through hard work, dedication, and strategic growth, transformed into a successful and well regarded institution. This journey often involved overcoming difficult obstacles and embracing resilience in the face of adversity.
A patient from Burkina Faso (Africa) remarked; “The hospital inspite of insufficient staffing and a lack of funding performs incredibly well. I am most impressed!”
Another patient from an African country, Sao Tome, said; “The hospital faces competition from established healthcare providers. Inspite of navigating through complex healthcare regulations the hospital has gained trust and respect of the masses. I’ve had the best of experience.”
A businessman from Lahore said;
“The hospital is known for its excellent service, compassionate care, and positive patient outcome. God gave me a second lease of life.”
An elderly couple from Canada who underwent successful angioplasty spoke with charged emotions;
“The hospital is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and resilience of its staff and leadership. Our stay and experience has been far better than health services in Canada. The bottomline in its success story is that every interventional procedure starts and ends with prayers. God bless them all.”
With limited resources and struggling for latest state-of-art technology could be the “rags” part of the story. Through funding, the hospital hires specialised doctors, volunteers from overseas i.e. UK, USA and Spain, is attracting patients from neighboring towns and even from abroad is fast becoming a regional referral center. The hospital’s reputation for compassionate care and high-quality services grows, leading to increased volume and recognition as a leading healthcare provider in the area. This would be a “rags to riches” story for the hospital, showcasing its journey from humble beginning to a thriving and respected institution.
As I sit back after almost 20 years of struggle; I asked myself with prayers; “Where was my actual power”, I knew it didn’t reside in my heart and rage. My power lay in prayers and whatever I could manage to do with that heart and rage, where I could take it. With prayers and hard work I could elevate those feelings on a platform that would become difficult for others to write-off. A call to action in the direction of “going high”.