Reflections from the Life Class: A Journey Through the 7 Habits (Class Alpha)
The Life Class sessions held on the 26th and 27th of September were more than just workshops—they were enriching, transformative experiences that left a lasting impression on all of us. I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the 7 Habits and Love-Alpha workshops, thoughtfully guided by the ever-inspiring Vandana Ma’am and Shivali Ma’am.
Over the course of four days, we were invited to pause, reflect, and engage deeply with ourselves and our learning. Inspired by Stephen R. Covey’s timeless book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the sessions were designed not just to teach concepts, but to guide us on a journey of self-discovery and purposeful living.
Days 1 & 2: Foundations of Effectiveness
The first two days focused on laying the foundation for personal effectiveness. Habit 1: Be Proactive was explored through an interactive group activity where we were given scenarios to act out while others guessed the situation. This exercise was fun and insightful, helping me truly experience the power of taking initiative and responsibility in daily life.
Day two introduced Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind, which pushed us to confront one of life’s ultimate truths—our own mortality. While the topic was heavy, the facilitators handled it with sensitivity and grace, helping us realize that reflecting on the end encourages us to live with intention and purpose every single day.
Days 3 & 4: Deepening Awareness and Collaboration
After a short break, we reconvened for Days 3 and 4, diving into the art of listening and prioritization. Through activities and sharing exercises, we explored the different types of listening and recognized how often we engage in selective listening. This made me more aware of the importance of active listening in building meaningful connections.
Habit 3: Put First Things First came alive through a simple yet powerful activity—a video demonstration of stones in a bottle. It was a vivid reminder that prioritizing what truly matters ensures that everything else falls into place naturally.
On Day 4, Habit 6: Synergize was brought to life with a team planning game. This exercise emphasized collaboration, Win-Win thinking, and the power of collective effort. Setting aside individual egos, we worked together for a greater goal—and the satisfaction of winning the final challenge together was immense! The session also offered an opportunity to connect with fellow teachers, learning from their experiences and insights.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Renewal and Reflection
The final habit, Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw, encouraged us to invest in self-renewal to maintain balance and avoid burnout. The concept perfectly reflected the spirit of these two days: a blend of learning, playing, reflecting, and connecting.
We concluded the journey by watching Chak De! India, a film that beautifully tied together the lessons of teamwork, persistence, and leadership. Reflecting on the movie in the context of the 7 Habits brought everything full circle, leaving us inspired and motivated to apply these principles in our personal and professional lives.
Final Thoughts
The Life Class was not just a series of workshops—it was a journey of growth, self-awareness, and connection. Each habit, each activity, and each discussion helped us uncover tools to live more intentionally, listen more deeply, and collaborate more effectively. The sessions reminded us that personal growth is continuous, and with reflection, purpose, and synergy, we can make every moment count.
I left the Life Class feeling energized, inspired, and grateful for the thoughtful guidance of Vandana Ma’am and Shivali Ma’am, and for the opportunity to share this transformative experience with fellow educators.
