Laying the Groundwork by Rebecca

Laying the Groundwork by Rebecca - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

The alarm goes off, you roll over, and your cozy blanket shields you from the cold room. The clock reads 7:59 AM. Bazinga! The bus leaves at eight. You bolt straight up, realizing you have approximately one minute to throw on some clothes, grab your backpack, and book it out the door. Let’s be so for real, your day is already off to a tragic start. But wait, there was something you forgot. Something small, but vital to the continuance of the day. While making the bed may seem like an insignificant part of the day, this quick and simple act impacts mental and physical success in numerous ways.
When I began making my bed in the mornings, I noticed that I was much more productive. Beginning my day with the accomplishment of completing something boosts my pride. Psychologists mention task completion and momentum repeatedly, stating that finishing the first task of the day compels the mind to complete the next task quicker. Making my bed also increases self-efficacy, the confidence in my ability to perform tasks and achieve goals. This affects my motivation, persistence, and willingness to tackle the challenges in my academic and personal life.
The second benefit of this small habit is the beginning of behavioral momentum. Not only does this routine influence my mental success, but my physical as well. When I wake up, my body requires physical movement to engage the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that manages planning and task initiation. My brain releases tiny amounts of dopamine when a task is completed, reinforcing the behavior. As I convince myself, “Finishing things feels rewarding,” the next challenge will come easier. Physically, staying still puts my body and mind into low energy mode. A quick physical action helps transition the brain and body into an active focused state, rather than staying in inertia.
Lastly, making my bed in the mornings helps me keep self-discipline in my everyday duties. This tiny act increases my confidence in what I am capable of in my personal and academic life. It is a daily reminder that I can handle whatever comes my way. Taking ownership of my responsibilities, I know it just takes one step at a time to reach my goals, however significant they may be.
So, the claim is not “making your bed makes you successful.” But rather, the claim is “starting your day with completion trains your brain to expect productivity instead of avoidance.” Routine, no matter how simple or insignificant it may seem, immensely impacts mental and physical productivity.