The Power of Small Goals by Aaliyah

The Power of Small Goals by Aaliyah - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

Setting small goals has been a major game-changer in my journey to improve both academically and athletically. This year, I faced challenges in improving my grades, especially in math, where I struggled. Focusing on small, achievable goals has helped me make steady progress and stay motivated, even when the challenges felt overwhelming.

In math, I faced more difficulty. This year, my grades were lower than I wanted, and I struggled to understand certain concepts. Rather than stressing over the overall grade, I set smaller goals: mastering one math concept each week or dedicating 20 minutes a day to practice problems. These small, focused goals made math feel less intimidating and helped me stay on track. Every time I understood a new concept or improved a test score, it gave me the confidence to keep going. Slowly but surely, my grades improved, and I gained a better understanding of the material.

Setting small goals has taught me that progress doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on what I can accomplish today, I’ve made meaningful strides toward overcoming both academic and athletic challenges. These small goals don’t just keep me moving forward—they build momentum, help me stay motivated, and remind me that improvement is a gradual process.