My journey of resilience and commitment by Mekhi

My journey of resilience and commitment by Mekhi - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

A small habit that has made a big difference in my academic and personal success is something
very simple: taking ten minutes at the end of each day to reset and plan for the next one. It
doesn’t involve fancy planners or complicated systems, just a notebook, honesty, and
consistency. What started as a way to feel less overwhelmed slowly became one of the most
important routines in my life.
Before I built this habit, I often felt like my responsibilities were constantly piling up. Between
classes, assignments, extracurriculars, and personal obligations, it was easy to fall into a cycle
of procrastination and stress. I would tell myself I’d “figure it out tomorrow,” but tomorrow usually
came with even more pressure. I realized that my biggest challenge wasn’t intelligence or
motivation it was organization and mental clarity.
Each night, I write down three things: what I completed that day, what I need to do tomorrow,
and one thing I learned or felt proud of. This process forces me to pause and reflect instead of
mentally carrying unfinished tasks into the next day. Writing things down helps me break large
responsibilities into manageable steps, which makes starting assignments feel less intimidating.
Even when my day didn’t go perfectly, acknowledging progress no matter how small helped me
stay motivated.
Academically, this habit improved my time management and consistency. I began turning
assignments in earlier, studying more intentionally, and preparing for exams with less anxiety.
Instead of reacting to deadlines at the last minute, I felt more in control of my schedule. Over
time, this routine helped me build discipline, which translated into stronger academic
performance and greater confidence in my abilities.
Personally, this habit helped me develop self-awareness and resilience. Taking a few minutes to
reflect each day allowed me to notice patterns in my stress levels, focus, and energy. I became
more patient with myself and learned that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
On difficult days, the routine served as a grounding moment a reminder that tomorrow is another
opportunity to do better.
What makes this habit powerful is its simplicity. Ten minutes a day may not seem like much, but
the consistency of showing up for myself has made a lasting impact. It taught me that success is
not always about dramatic changes, but about small, intentional actions repeated over time.
This routine has helped shape the way I approach challenges, manage responsibilities, and
believe in my ability to grow.