My Tiny Habits for Success by Jack

My Tiny Habits for Success by Jack - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

Success is different for every person who defines it. Since success is highly personal, the way in which each person works toward success is also very individual. In essence, we can all share our own tips and tricks and we can even call them best practices, but the habits and routines we enlist to reach our own definition of success simply work because we applied consistency and determination to look at the goal and decide that was more important than any distraction along the way.

My definition of academic success includes taking a challenging course load, being involved in extra curricular activities that I enjoy, maintaining a strong GPA and allowing a reasonable balance between school and home where I can unplug and relax. Knowing that I need a mix of all these to achieve my own definition of academic success means having an awareness of how to effectively blend them together without burn out.

One of my small habits is using a white board to write out the tasks into manageable pieces. Being able to see what I need to accomplish with a deadline helps me remain focused on the tasks and move into a more productive mindset. The visual aspect gives me a place to check mark completion of my tasks giving me a sense of accomplishment when several things need to be done. Whether it’s my tough academic schedule, a demanding musical, choir rehearsal or even chores on the weekend, the white board list has come in handy with keeping me calm and focused on the next step ahead.

Another small habit that I embrace with personal success is making sure I have a clean bedroom to retreat to for grounding myself. Sometimes my room gets really messy for a lot of different reasons. I don’t like it and it gives me anxiety to have it cluttered. I look forward to getting it back in order and I do that by always putting on calm music, light a candle and put on my soft lamps. I can feel myself relax when the room is back in order.

Lastly, I’ll share one more habit that I utilize for success in my personal life. Music is my outlet for all things. Every emotion I experience has some connection in how I use music to accompany it. I sit at the piano and play when I need a break from thinking deeply. I sing a variety of music genres depending on my mood and make playlists for different environments I am in. I recognize that when I need a break, I gravitate to music. Practicing piano, singing songs and enjoying new arrangements of songs is a key factor in being a well-rounded person who can follow through with goals and be successful.

Tiny habits like making lists on white boards, having a clean bedroom and keeping music by my side help make me successful academically and in my personal life.