Able to Say No by Sarah

Able to Say No by Sarah - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

As the new year begins, I find that there are many things that I could resolve to change in my life. Being a human being, I am far from perfect. There is, however, one thing that stands out to me as being extremely important for me as a student: discipline. Though it is difficult to obtain, discipline is what determines the outcome of a day and provides many benefits that change your life for the better.
What is discipline? To me, it means that you stick to what you have decided and keep yourself within necessary boundaries that enable you to do well. Whether it is studying for a test instead of going out for ice cream or settling into bed early in order to rise at a decent hour, it most definitely is not the easiest path to take. It takes dedication and focus. Self-discipline is what makes a student.
Discipline affects every aspect of your day. At this stage in my life, I am working toward further education which requires filling out applications, scholarships, and forms that all have a deadline. My teachers are assigning work that is preparatory for college, and each one comes with a due date. My alarm clock rings out at six o'clock in the morning. Failure to wake up could cost me an important part of my day and would very easily turn the day into a rush. In all of these examples, discipline is needed to succeed.
There are many advantages to being disciplined. You are able to say, “No.” You can see your full potential because you are focused and dedicated. You can choose to do what is truly best for you in the long run and not what is pleasing only for a short time. It enables you to make the necessary sacrifices. I believe that discipline can determine whether you pass or fail school, a career, and even your life.
These reasons and many more are why I have resolved to bring more discipline to my life this year. Without discipline, it is difficult to keep a routine and stick to a plan. It can be very easy to become distracted and sidetracked. Discipline isn't solely beneficial. It is necessary.