For Sachin Gupta, Chief Rating Officer & Executive Director at CareEdge Ratings, peak performance is not just about mastering complex data sets or making high-stakes decisions — it is equally about cultivating mental clarity, balance, and resilience.
From mindful morning routines and yoga to strategic board games and family walks, Gupta shares how simple yet consistent practices help him remain calm under pressure, think several moves ahead, and make better decisions in demanding professional environments. Edited Excerpts –
Q) Thanks for taking the time out. How do these daily mental routines influence your focus and problem-solving abilities at work?
A) Mental routines are like quiet anchors in an otherwise busy day. Whether it’s a few minutes of mindful reflection in the morning or taking short mental breaks during work, these habits help me stay centred.
They create a sense of clarity that’s crucial when you’re dealing with complex data or making analytical judgments. Over time, I’ve realised that problem-solving doesn’t always need more information — sometimes it just needs a calmer mind.
Q) You practice yoga regularly — how does it contribute to your sense of balance and resilience both personally and professionally?
A) Yoga has been a real teacher in patience and awareness. It’s not just about the flexibility of the body, but the flexibility of the mind. Professionally, it helps me remain composed during high-pressure situations — a kind of inner steadiness that doesn’t easily get shaken. Personally, yoga has helped me slow down, breathe deeper, and be more present in the moment. I think that sense of balance — between effort and calm — spills over into every aspect of life.
Q) Playing badminton and walking with family members sound like wonderful family rituals. What role do these physical routines play in maintaining your energy and clarity amid a demanding work schedule?
A) Playing badminton or going for evening walks with family is both energising and grounding. It’s amazing how physical activity and small talks with loved ones can dissolve the day’s stress.
Professionally, it keeps my energy levels high and my thoughts sharp. Personally, it keeps me connected with a sense of purpose beyond the office.
Q) How do you stay consistent with your fitness routine despite travel or workload pressures?
A) It is indeed a challenge to manage my routine during times of travel. Since it is difficult to fit in a full workout, I typically do short stretches and a brisk walk. In addition, I am also mindful of my food, keep it light for me.
Q) Do you think mental fitness practices like puzzles and strategy games can help professionals handle stress better in high-stakes environments?
A) Absolutely. Cryptic crosswords and strategy games are great mental workouts. They help me think a few steps ahead, stay patient when things don’t go my way, and find solutions under pressure — all skills that directly translate to the workplace.
They also help me in lateral thinking and approach problems more creatively. Plus, they make learning and problem-solving enjoyable, which is important in a corporate environment.
Q) What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from board games that applies to decision-making in your professional life?
A) Board games have a simple but profound lesson — you can’t control every move, but you can control your strategy and attitude. They remind me that in business, as in games, you win some, you lose some — but the key is to keep thinking ahead and adapting.
Another big takeaway is the value of timing — knowing when to act, when to wait, and when to change course. That balance between strategy and flexibility has served me well in professional decision-making.
