Take A Deep Breath by Leah

Take A Deep Breath by Leah - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

A small habit that has made a big difference in my academic and personal success is ending each day with a brief reset and reflection. It only takes about fifteen minutes, but it has changed the way I manage stress, approach my responsibilities, and recognize my own growth. At the end of each evening, I write down what I completed that day, identify my top three priorities for tomorrow, and prepare anything I need ahead of time. This simple routine helps me transition from a day that may feel overwhelming into one that feels organized and intentional.

Before I started this habit, I often carried everything in my head. I would worry about assignments late at night, feel anxious about forgetting responsibilities, and start my mornings feeling rushed. Even when I worked hard, I sometimes felt like I was falling behind because I couldn’t clearly see my progress. The daily reset changed that. By writing things down, I stopped relying on memory alone and gave myself permission to rest once my plan for the next day was set. I began waking up with a sense of direction rather than uncertainty.

Academically, this routine improved my time management and productivity. Breaking my schedule into three main priorities prevents me from becoming overwhelmed by long to-do lists. Instead of procrastinating because everything feels equally urgent, I focus on the tasks that matter most. Preparing my materials the night before—whether that means organizing notes, checking deadlines, or setting out what I need for class—also saves valuable time and reduces last-minute stress. Over time, I noticed that my assignments became more thoughtful and my study sessions more efficient because I approached them with a clear plan.

Personally, the most meaningful part of this habit is the short reflection I include at the end. I make a point to acknowledge at least one thing I did well each day. It might be finishing a difficult assignment, speaking up in class, or simply pushing through a challenging moment. This practice has helped me build confidence and resilience. Instead of focusing only on what I still need to accomplish, I recognize how far I’ve come. That shift in mindset has made me more patient with myself and more motivated to continue improving.

This small routine has also strengthened my sense of balance. High school can be demanding, especially when juggling academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal challenges. Having a consistent closing ritual creates a clear boundary between work time and rest. Once my reset is complete, I can relax without feeling guilty or distracted by unfinished thoughts. That balance has improved my mental well-being and allowed me to approach each new day with more energy and focus.

The biggest lesson I have learned from this habit is that success does not always come from dramatic changes. Often, it grows from small, consistent actions repeated over time. Fifteen minutes each evening may not seem significant, but those minutes have helped me develop discipline, organization, and self-awareness. They have taught me how to approach challenges with a plan and how to celebrate progress along the way.

As I continue my academic journey, I plan to carry this routine with me and adapt it to new environments and responsibilities. College and future careers will bring new challenges, but the ability to reflect, prepare, and prioritize will remain valuable. This simple daily reset has shown me that even small habits can create meaningful change, shaping not only my academic performance but also my confidence, resilience, and overall sense of purpose.