Lessons in Critical Thinking – Reflecting on Day 3 and Day 4 of Life Class

Completing Days 3 and 4 of the life class on critical thinking has truly deepened my understanding of what it means to think objectively and analyze situations beyond surface-level judgments. These sessions weren’t just about enhancing analytical skills they were a practical exploration into how critical thinking applies to both personal values and real-life choices.

One of the standout tasks was a thought-provoking exercise where we had to “kill” our favorite brand or something we hold dear. This involved thoroughly evaluating both the positives and negatives, pushing us to question our attachment and take an unbiased perspective. While challenging, this task helped me see the importance of examining things critically, even those that hold personal significance. It emphasized that critical thinking isn’t just a tool for analyzing external issues; it’s equally vital for making balanced decisions in personal matters and avoiding overly biased attachments to ideas, products, or practices.

Another impactful activity involved discussing various controversial topics, where we were encouraged to weigh the pros and cons with a neutral stance. This exercise required us to carefully analyze different viewpoints and make fair, unbiased assessments. It was eye-opening, particularly as it underscored how easily personal biases can influence decision-making. I found myself examining my own opinions, questioning where they originated and whether they were truly fair or just habitual. The task taught me that sometimes, choosing neutrality or taking a balanced perspective is the best approach, especially when emotions or preconceived notions could cloud judgment.

Through these exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of critical thinking’s role in shaping not just decisions but also attitudes toward the world around us. These activities served as reminders that critical thinking isn’t only about solving complex problems it’s about cultivating a mindset that questions, reflects, and seeks balanced understanding. As I continue with the life class, I look forward to sharpening this skill, knowing that it equips me to approach both everyday and life-defining decisions with greater clarity and fairness.

Day 3 – 4

Day 3 & 4 of Life classes were truly enjoyable. Day 4, spent out on the field, was filled with joy and energy as we embraced our competitive spirit in a fun way. The sports activities illustrated the value of trust, strategic planning, and the drive to think creatively—key elements for any team’s success. Our facilitator noted how teamwork not only reveals our strengths but also teaches us more about who we are. We learned how to synergize and leverage each person’s unique strengths, showing that collaboration elevates both individual and group potential. Overall, it reinforced collaboration as an essential ingredient for growth.

It was a transformative experience, blending visuals, activities, and real-life examples that effectively conveyed profound insights from Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” I learned to identify obstacles to my ideal life, shift my paradigm, and understand the power of choice in response to life’s challenges. This structured approach clarified my goals, helped me expand my circle of influence, and encouraged proactive language. The collaborative activities and movie Chak De! India reinforced synergy and teamwork. I am deeply grateful to Puja Aggarwal Ma’am and Muskan Mittal Ma’am for their guidance and support throughout this enriching journey.

7 Habits Life and Love- Alpha

Attending the “7 Habits and Love” Life class was an exceptional experience that transformed my perspective and empowered me to live more intentionally. This class bridged the gap between theory and practice, equipping me with actionable tools to overcome self-doubt and challenges. Puja Ma’am and Muskan Ma’am’s personal experiences and suggestions made it deeply relatable. This transformative approach has made it easy to apply these basic but important “7 habits” in my daily routine. This journey indeed sparked a positive change in my life and helped me increase my self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Kudos to both facilitators for conducting such amazing life classes; I’m really grateful to be a part of them.

Life classes Day 3 & 4

The life classes conducted for habits 4 to 7 helped me develop a deeper understanding of the importance of relationships, collaboration and personal well-being. All three are integral to long-term success. Each habit builds on the previous ones, and the effectiveness lies on how we integrate these habits into our overall lifestyle; which would require conscious effort on our part. On the whole the key takeaways for me, from all the activities that were conducted ( thoroughly enjoyed each one of them especially the field activities on Day 4 and the listening activity on Day 3) were :

  1. The importance of collaboration. One must move beyond self reliance to interdependence as co operation and understanding leads to greater personal growth as well as greater successes.
  2. Effective communication : The importance of deep listening and clear empathetic exchanges to ensure effective collaboration. ( my buddy and I very effectively executed the same for our pair game leading to our victory).
  3. Synergizing will always lead to more creativity and innovation as experienced during the different role play group activities and on field games whilst strategizing.
  4. The importance of self care as it is important to stay healthy and balanced over long term.

Circle of Concern/influence

The concepts of the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” are incredibly insightful. Focusing on our Circle of Influence allows us to take proactive steps in areas we can actually impact, rather than getting bogged down by concerns we can’t control. This shift in mindset not only empowers us but also enhances our effectiveness in daily life. It’s a great reminder to channel our energy where it can make a real difference!

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