The Power of a Small Habit by CASSIDY

The Power of a Small Habit by CASSIDY - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

One small habit that has made a big difference in both my academic and personal success is keeping a daily planner. At first, I thought it would be unnecessary. I had always been organized enough to remember deadlines and assignments in high school, but when I entered college, I quickly realized that I could no longer rely on memory alone. College life brought more independence, more responsibilities, and a heavier workload than I had ever experienced before. I had multiple classes with different assignments, readings, and projects, along with work and community commitments, and I often felt overwhelmed. I realized I needed a system to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and track my progress. That’s when I began using a daily planner.
At first, using a planner was simple. I wrote down all my assignments, exams, work shifts, and volunteer activities for the week. However, what started as a simple tool quickly became a powerful habit. Each morning, I would review my schedule, identify the most important tasks, and set realistic goals for what I could accomplish. This small routine helped me focus on what needed to be done instead of feeling stressed about everything at once. By breaking my day into smaller, achievable tasks, I was able to complete assignments on time, prepare thoroughly for exams, and balance my work and volunteer responsibilities. Over time, I noticed that my grades improved and my confidence increased because I was no longer constantly anxious about forgetting something or falling behind.
One of the most important lessons I learned through this habit is the power of breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, during my first semester of college, I had a research paper that initially seemed impossible to complete. I used my planner to set smaller goals, such as researching a specific topic one day, writing an outline the next, and completing sections of the paper over several days. By the time the deadline arrived, I had completed the work steadily and systematically. This approach not only reduced stress but also taught me the value of consistency. I realized that consistent effort, even in small amounts each day, can lead to major accomplishments over time.
Keeping a planner has also helped me balance academic, work, and personal responsibilities. In addition to classes, I work part-time and volunteer at a local elementary school, helping students with homework and organizing activities. Without planning, I would have struggled to manage my time effectively. By writing down all my commitments and scheduling time for each, I can ensure I meet my responsibilities while still taking care of myself. This habit has allowed me to maintain a healthy balance between academics, work, community involvement, and personal time, which has been essential to my overall well-being and success.
Another unexpected benefit of keeping a planner is improved mental health. During my first semester of college, I experienced anxiety as I struggled to adapt to the increased workload and independence. Feeling overwhelmed was common, and I often didn’t know where to start when faced with multiple tasks. By writing everything down, breaking tasks into steps, and scheduling time for them, I reduced my anxiety and felt more in control. Seeing my tasks clearly laid out allowed me to focus on one thing at a time and gave me a sense of accomplishment as I crossed off completed items. Over time, this small habit helped me develop coping strategies for stress and improved my confidence in managing challenges.
Using a planner has also taught me discipline and responsibility. I have learned to hold myself accountable for completing tasks on time and meeting deadlines without needing constant reminders from others. This skill has carried over into other areas of my life, including my volunteer work and my part-time job. My commitment to staying organized has shown me that small, consistent habits can have a ripple effect, improving not only my academic performance but also my personal growth and relationships with others.
I know that the skills I have developed through this habit, organization, time management, discipline, and stress management will continue to be valuable in the future. As I pursue a career in elementary education, I will be responsible for planning lessons, managing a classroom, and supporting students with diverse needs. The habits I have developed through using a planner will help me stay organized, manage multiple responsibilities, and create a structured and supportive learning environment for my students. I also plan to model these habits for my students, showing them how planning and consistency can help them succeed both academically and personally.
In conclusion, what started as a small habit, using a daily planner, has had a major impact on my academic and personal life. It has helped me stay organized, manage my time, reduce stress, and develop discipline and consistency. It has taught me the value of breaking large tasks into manageable steps and the importance of planning. Most importantly, it has helped me navigate challenges, including balancing college responsibilities and coping with anxiety. This habit has shaped the person I am today and will continue to guide me as I pursue my education, career, and personal goals. I have learned that even small, consistent actions can lead to big results, and I plan to carry this lesson with me throughout my life.