Surgeons save lives with steady hands and razor-sharp focus. Yet, when challenged on small things like communication or schedules, even these extraordinary professionals can unravel. This reveals the hidden truth: mastering technical skills isn’t enough. What we forget and desperately need is emotional navigation. It shapes every decision, relationship, and moment of resilience. Without it, brilliance falters. This invisible skill is the missing curriculum of life, yet it holds the keynot just to surviving, but truly thriving.

Mixed emotions are a common occurrence. One piece of research suggests that we experience them up to 36% of the time in our daily lives. Moments of delight are often intertwined with disappointment. We might feel deep love for our partner while also grappling with all-consuming frustration. The excitement of a new adventure comes hand in hand with fear. Pride and joy in a child’s accomplishments are coupled with the sad realization that they are growing up. But in spite of how common these emotions are, they often create a sense of unease, disorientation, or resistance that typically comes from unfamiliarity. The long and the short of it - we struggle with allowing opposing emotions to co-exist.