Planning for Progress by Anjali

Planning for Progress by Anjali - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

One small habit that has made a big difference in my academic and personal success is planning the next day the night before in my digital planner. Each evening, I organize my personal, academic, and exercise goals, events, and tasks for the following day. This routine allows me to approach each day with a clear plan, prioritize what matters most, and maintain balance across multiple responsibilities. At the end of the day, I reflect on what went well, what was challenging, and what I can improve tomorrow.

This habit has been especially valuable during periods of high stress and physical limitation. After my ACL and meniscus surgery, balancing my full course load and rehabilitation often felt overwhelming. By having a structured plan in place, I was able to break each day into manageable steps and stay on track even when pain or fatigue made tasks more difficult. For instance, completing a single priority item, like finishing a reading assignment or a set of rehabilitation exercises, reminded me that I was still making progress.

Over time, this habit strengthened my self-discipline, time management, and self-awareness. What began as a simple planning tool became a framework for resilience and growth. It taught me that small, consistent actions can have a big impact, and that progress is built one deliberate step at a time.