Life Changing Habits and Attributes

Date: 18 March 2026

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Venue: Hindustan Auditorium, Guindy Block

Participants: IGCSE, AS and A Level Students& Teachers

Speaker: Lt. Gen, Bobby Mathews, Executive Director, HISG

A highly insightful and motivating session on “Life Changing Habits and Attributes” was conducted by our esteemed Executive Director, Lt. Gen. Bobby Mathews, for the students and teachers of Grades IGCSE, AS, and A Level. The session aimed at instilling essential values and habits that contribute to both personal and professional excellence.

Lt. Gen. Mathews emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong foundation of habits that shape an individual’s character and future. He elaborated on ten key attributes that students should consciously develop:

1. Reading Extensively – He encouraged students to develop the habit of reading beyond textbooks to expand knowledge, improve thinking, and gain diverse perspectives.
2. Power of Observing – While explaining observation, he highlighted the difference between seeing and observing. He stated that seeing is a passive act where one simply notices things without much thought, whereas observing is an active process that involves attention, analysis, and understanding. Through careful observation, individuals can notice details, learn from situations, and make better decisions.
3. Power of Listening – While speaking about listening, he clearly explained the difference between hearing and listening. He pointed out that hearing is simply the physical act of perceiving sound, whereas listening is an active process that requires attention, understanding, and interpretation. He further emphasized the importance of listening to respond, rather than just listening to react. By doing so, individuals can engage in meaningful communication, respond thoughtfully, and avoid misunderstandings.
4. Humility – He reminded students that being humble opens doors to learning and builds strong relationships.
5. Respect – Respect for others, regardless of their role or background, was identified as a fundamental value.
6. Orderliness and Cleanliness – Maintaining discipline in one’s environment reflects inner clarity and responsibility.
7. Self-Control – He spoke about the importance of managing emotions and actions to make thoughtful decisions.
8. Personal Grooming – Proper grooming and presentation were emphasized as reflections of self-respect and confidence.
9. Loyalty – Loyalty towards one’s institution, family, and nation was described as a defining trait of strong character.
10. Pride of Being Indian – He urged students to take pride in their identity and contribute positively to the nation.

A significant part of the session focused on how Japan has successfully ingrained many of these values into its culture. He cited Japan as an example of a nation where discipline, cleanliness, respect, and collective responsibility are practiced naturally by its citizens, contributing to its global reputation.

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Mathews introduced a practical exercise for students to enhance their learning habits. He advised maintaining a personal diary in which students should dedicate two pages to topics they are unfamiliar with. They were encouraged to research, read, and gradually build knowledge on those topics, thereby fostering curiosity and continuous self-improvement.

The session was highly engaging and left a lasting impact on both students and teachers. It served as a reminder that success is deeply rooted in everyday habits and disciplined living.

Overall, the session was enlightening and inspiring, motivating everyone present to adopt these life-changing habits and strive towards becoming responsible and well-rounded individuals.