Ramadan Notes 1446AH #12: From the Gap to the Gain – A Mindset Shift for the Last Ten Nights

As-salamu alaykum,

As healthcare professionals, we are wired to assess, diagnose, and improve. This problem-solving mindset serves us well in our clinical roles but can sometimes backfire in our personal and spiritual growth. 

With the last ten nights of Ramadan upon us, it’s easy to focus on what we haven’t accomplished: the Qur’an recitation goals we didn’t keep up with, the missed tahajjud prayers, or the dhikr routines that faded after the first week.

This focus on what could have been is what modern researchers have identified as the “gap mindset”—a focus on what is lacking rather than what has been achieved. In coaching and performance psychology, it is well established that this mindset can paralyze us from taking action and making progress. When we dwell on the gap between our goals and our current reality, we become discouraged, and instead of making the most of what remains, we become stuck in self-reproach.

But Ramadan was never meant to leave us in despair.

Divine Wisdom

Allah reminds us of one the essential focus for this month in the verse that references Ramadan:

"Ramaḍân is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful." (Qur’an 2:185)

This verse ends with gratitude. So that you may be grateful. Not so that you may count what you didn’t do nor dwell on your shortcomings. But rather—to cultivate a heart of Shukr (Gratitude) for what you were able to do.

So dear friends and colleagues,

If you’ve managed to fast despite your long shifts, Alhamdulillah.
If you’ve prayed even a little more than usual, Alhamdulillah.
If you’ve been more mindful of Allah in your daily encounters, Alhamdulillah.

Rather than being paralyzed by the gap, Ramadan is an opportunity for us to hone in on the gain mindset—the ability to recognize, appreciate and build on what we have accomplished. Because every bit of sincere effort brings us closer to the mindfulness of Allah that we seek in this blessed month.

Prophetic Wisdom

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted these contrasting approaches in this comprehensive hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA):

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, "if only I had done such and such" rather say "Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha'a fa'ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does)." For (saying) 'If' opens (the door) to the deeds of Shaytan.” Sunan Ibn Majah 79

Shaytan’s intent is to leave us vulnerable to grief and fear, which does not serve us but rather pushes us towards inaction at a time when action is so crucial in this final stretch of Ramadan.

Moreover, the beauty of Islam is that our efforts are never too late as long as we are among the living. The door of Laylatul Qadr remains wide open and is accessible to all of us so long as we are willing to try. A single sincere action for the sake of Allah, a heartfelt du’a in a state of deep vulnerability to our Creator, or an act of kindness, at home or at work, on any one of these nights could be worth more than a lifetime of Ibadah (worship).

So let’s build forward with gratitude and a gain mindset as we lean into this final stretch.

Consider these simple practices for these final nights:

1. 3-Wins Practice: Each morning, before you start your day or go to rest after a night of worship, write down three things you are grateful for over the course of the past day.

2. 3-Lessons Practice: What did you learn over the course of the past day that can make your “showing” stronger the next day? 

3. Du’a Practice: Make du’a to Allah to accept even the smallest of your efforts and for Taofiq (capacity)—to do and be more the next day/night.

Let’s gear up for a strong finish by Allah’s will. Focusing on what is behind us of our shortcomings will not serve us rather we should say as the hadith reminds us "Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha'a fa'ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does) and build forward from the gains we’ve made so far, big or small, in the bountiful nights that we are about to embrace!

May Allah, Al-Shakur (The Most Appreciative), accept our striving, overlook our shortcomings, and put Barakah in what remains of this Ramadan for us so that we will come out among the truly successful and transformed with a heightened mindfulness of our Creator. Amin.

Sincerely,
Sulyman

P.S. If you’re seeking a space to cultivate resilience, deepen self-mastery, and thrive in your career and life—grounded in faith—join us in the SakeenahMD Community. Together, we are committed to faith-driven excellence in healthcare and beyond.

Let’s navigate this journey together. 💙

P.P.S. This Ramadan Notes 1446AH Series will be concluding this week in sha Allah ahead of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. I would love to get your feedback to inform improvements and our overall work at SakeenahMD as we strive to serve you better. Take the brief survey here.