How 5 Killer Habits changed my perspective and can change yours too.

Before reading this book, I was a bit skeptical. I was more focused on the second part of the title of this book. Why would the author want us to be a “REBEL”?Generally, we associate this term, REBEL, with someone who is deviant of societal norms, who has been working against the prescribed values set by the people around us. Most of the time, it has that negative connotation, which is usually discouraged by our parents or teachers or even peers. But after going through the book, I realized the author here doesn’t talk about the rebels who are known for creating chaos in the society, rather the one who brings positive changes around.

In the very first chapter, the author talked about the fundamental needs of the body. We often heard this famous saying, early to bed, early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise. It fits really well in this context.Waking up early tends to make our brain function well and helps to make critical decisions in our life. A good 8-hour sleep is the need for the body to rejuvenate itself and helps the brain to release all the toxins out, thus making a person to be more goal-oriented and utilize those early morning hours to become productive, which ultimately leads to his personal development. Speaking of myself, just like the author, I used to stay up late during those crucial academic years of Class 10 and 12.I believed it was necessary, but eventually realized that this habit was having a negative impact on my body and hindering my learning process. To break this chain, I began taking small steps. I gradually shifted my bedtime — first to 12 AM, then 11 PM, and eventually to 10 PM. I also adjusted my waking hours accordingly. To my surprise, I developed the habit of waking up early while still getting a full 8 hours of sleep. This significantly boosted my energy levels and productivity throughout the day. This experience taught me that even small, consistent steps along with being disciplined it feels like half the battle is already won. Before moving to the insights of the next chapter, I would like to talk about some instances which I observed while commuting in Delhi Metro. I hardly saw anybody offering their seats to elderly women or men or making an attempt to leave the designated wheelchairs area in the crowded coach. The feeling of compassion is declining in the current society. Thus, the author here talks about the need for volunteering, the selfless attitude to serve the society without expecting anything back from it. The feeling of altruism is what makes the foundation of a good leader. It makes one realise their passion and encourages them to serve the purpose. Here the author talks about one of the profound selflessness and compassion of organ donation and giving “meaning to the death if not the life”.Apart from that one can volunteer themselves to the nature’s cause. As environmental awareness and protection are the need of the hour. We hardly make any attempt to go sustainable or focus on circular economy, whose consequences are faced by those third world countries whose lives are dependent on the environment at large.Thus to become a hero, you need to make a stunt by actively volunteering for real causes and make an impact in the society. In further chapters, As I already briefed in my previous assignment. Travelling solo opens up one’s horizon of thinking and makes them look around differently and appreciate little things in their lives.Traveling awakens a giant within, makes us inclined towards gaining experiences more than having worldly possessions. One develops a sense of confidence and learns from their surroundings. Thus, helps us to actually seek the meaning of life and be where we exactly belong. The author also talked about developing the habit of reading. I personally believe that when we actually read a book we consider ourselves as one of the characters in the book whether it’s the main protagonist or anyone who left a lasting impact on us. In that due course of completing the whole book we find ourselves completely immersed in that world. Technically, we are living that life. Reading is not just a pastime or a hobby. It creates a whole different viewpoint in our mind regarding human behaviour, we tend to understand them more. Some tend to divert from the true agenda of reading books and turn out to hold onto radicalism, corrupting innocent minds. Thus, picking up the right book is what brings change in the mindset.

Lastly, To be the REBEL one must be curious. Usually it was believed that ‘curiosity killed the cat’ which means that unnecessary inquisition may cause more harm than good but not really asking questions can cause the end of rationality. Human beings occupy the top level among all the other species because of our ability to reason which comes because of our curiosity to know things. Most of the world’s greatest inventions took place due to someone’s curiosity which fuelled up their spirit to make subsequent experiments despite facing failures. The author highlights the role of religion, the superstructure which shapes our beliefs and faiths and bound us in that respective sphere-failing to get the answers regarding those faiths and beliefs one seeks it from Godmen or from cult leaders, who further creates more confusions and superstitions regarding one’s religion. The faith for God turns into fear-that one gets punished if they commit any sin. Thus seeking right knowledge from religion helps us stay grounded and look for all those questions which are necessary for life. At the end, this book delves into the deeper insight of how to transform oneself to become a REBEL, who stands out from the society for the better cause and to bring that transformation in the society. To become a Rebel is not about resistance rather about responsibility-to oneself and to the world.

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