A Strategy for Success by Caroline

A Strategy for Success by Caroline - December 2017 Scholarship Essay

“This is not a project that can be completed over night.” Thousands of teachers have said these exact words when referring to an assigned school project. Yet only a few students actually heed this warning. The hamartia many students’ grades is procrastination. We trick ourselves into thinking that two weeks is more than enough time to do a project and we can wait to the last minute. I have fallen victim to this mindset many times throughout my school career. As a senior, these past mistakes have taught me that the most efficient strategy for completing a project is to start early. Having enough time to thoroughly research, plan, and carry out the assignment allows for reduced stress throughout the process and overall, a better result. Even if it is a short project and can be completed within a couple of days, I have realized that getting it out of the way is less worrisome and eliminates a task I have to focus on later in the week.

Not only does this practice limit anxiety, but it promotes punctuality. This is a crucial characteristic that is necessary for college and future jobs. Being on time and even early is more respectable and proves trustworthiness to one’s superiors. Rushing the night before a project is due will likely produce an incomplete and messy presentation. My strategy to avoid procrastination has only benefitted my grades and my character. The best way to ensure success is to complete the school project as soon as it is assigned and plan enough time to be able to put the maximum amount of effort into it.