What is a small habit or routine that has made a big difference in your academic or personal success? by Keyon

What is a small habit or routine that has made a big difference in your academic or personal success? by Keyon - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

A small habit that has really helped my academic success is working on my procrastination every single day. In the past, I would wait until the last minute to start assignments, which almost always left me stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. I would rush through my work just to meet deadlines, and because of that, the quality of my work wasn’t always my best. I was stuck in a cycle of putting things off and then panicking when due dates got close.

Eventually, I realized that this habit was affecting both my mental health and my performance in school, so I decided to make a change. Now, I try to start my assignments as soon as they’re given and finish them one or two days early. Even making this small adjustment has made a noticeable difference. My stress levels have gone down a lot, and I feel much more organized and in control of my time.

Having extra time has also been a huge benefit to me. I can relax without feeling guilty, review my work, or focus on other interests, like growing my photography business. Overall, this change has helped me feel more balanced, motivated, and productive as a college student.