Learning Life Lessons from Movies? (August 2024)

Recently, while watching an Indian movie, I found myself continuously going back to a number of points we been discussing in Hawan Group since the start of this year. The movie is Mr. And Mrs. Mahi, a 2024 Hindi romantic sports movie. It highlights the implications of not knowing one’s own strengths and weaknesses, at least until late in life, and its impact  on the dynamics of various relationships: husband-wife, parent-child, society, and with oneself.  Since the start of the year, we have been going over assignments in a systematic manner – a framework – to identify our core strengths and weaknesses. Inspired by the thoughts it espoused, we are picking an unconventional assignment this month. Kids are encouraged to watch the movie (of course, with parents, so that they pause and help kids reflect at the key junctures) and answer specific questions relating to the topic of Knowing One’s Own Strengths and Weaknesses . As  kids have different level of maturity and understanding, we have multiple assignments.

1. For elementary schoolers

2. For middle schoolers

3. For high schoolers

4. For college going

5. For recent graduates

6. For parents – don’t be scared; it is optional 🙂

For Elementary School Kids

Question #1 : “Can you think of a time when you had a big dream like Mahima? How did it feel to chase that dream, and who helped you along the way?”

Note for parents : Please encourage kids to relate Mahima’s story to their own experiences and reflect on the support they receive from family and friends.

Question #2 : “How do Mahima and Mahendra help each other in the movie? Can you think of ways you help your friends or family with their goals?”

Note for parents : Focus on teaching kids about cooperation and mutual support in relationships while connecting it to their own behavior.

For Middle School Kids :

Question #1: “Mahendra faces failure in his cricket career but still finds a way to contribute by coaching. What would you do if your first plan didn’t work out? How would you handle that situation?”

Note for parents : Encourage kids to think about resilience and how to find new paths when things don’t go as expected.

Question #2 : “Mahima decides to work very very hard practicing for cricket, even though she was already a doctor and making good money. Why do you think she made that decision? What does it teach you about following your passions?”

Note for parents : This question should make kids see the value of working hard for achieving their goals. Worthy goals demand strong will and sweat.

For High School Kids :

Question : “Both Mahendra and Mahima have moments where they confront their limitations—Mahendra realizes he will never be a cricket star, and Mahima questions whether she can balance being a doctor and a cricketer. How do these realizations shape their decisions, and how do they embrace their strengths instead of focusing on what they can’t do? How does this reflect the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses in real life?”

Note for parents : This pushes kids to think critically about self-awareness. It suggests that acknowledging one’s limitations isn’t a failure but a way to better focus on strengths that can lead to personal success. True growth comes from self-acceptance and a focus on one’s unique abilities.

For College Students :

Question : “ Mahima and Mahendra both face crossroads where they must confront their strengths and weaknesses to make significant life decisions. As you’re preparing for your career, what are some strengths and weaknesses you’ve identified in yourself? How can acknowledging these shape your future career choices?”

Tip : This point should encourage you to reflect on self-awareness as a key to making informed career decisions. By knowing your strengths, you can align yourself with careers that suit your talents, and by recognizing your weaknesses, you can seek out opportunities for growth.

For Recent Graduates (Starting Careers)

Question : Mahima makes the difficult decision to pursue cricket, despite already having a stable career in medicine. As you transition into the workforce, how might understanding your strengths and weaknesses help you choose the right career path or make adjustments along the way?”

Tip :  Think about how your passions align with your strengths and how your weaknesses can guide you toward the right professional path. It shows that career paths are often non-linear, and being adaptable is key.

For Parents :

Just put yourself in the shoes of the key roles: father, mother, son, daughter, coach, and boss, and introspect. No, you will not be asked to stand and share your assignment  🙂

Hope everyone enjoys this unconventional assignment. Really looking forward to deep insights!

Regards,

Harsh Mendiratta

www.hawan.net