As college students, we’re often praised for our achievements, whether it’s acing exams, leading student organizations, or completing internships. But despite everything I’ve accomplished in my time here, something has still weighed me down. When freshmen ask me about my biggest regret, I used to not have an answer. But recently, I realized that my biggest regret was not learning discipline sooner. I spent a lot of time putting my mental health on the backburner because I didn’t have the discipline to prioritize myself.

As I entered my final semester, I decided to challenge myself in a way I hadn’t before: I took on a 50-day self-discipline challenge to finally learn the value of consistency, focus, and self-care. I wanted to push myself to develop habits that would carry me through college and beyond, so I created a checklist of daily activities that I committed to completing for 50 days straight.

The challenge wasn’t easy, but it was eye-opening. I started with something that seemed simple but wasn’t easy: choosing a diet and sticking to it with just one cheat day per week. At first, it felt restrictive, especially with my busy schedule. But as the days passed, I realized that it wasn’t about depriving myself—it was about making mindful choices that helped me feel better physically and mentally. That one cheat day became something I could look forward to, but it also kept me grounded in my goal to stick to a routine.

Next, I committed to working out for 45 minutes twice a day. On days when I was swamped with assignments and projects, it felt impossible to fit in two workouts, but I pushed through. The physical and mental benefits were immediate. Exercise became my stress relief. Even on the toughest days, moving my body helped me clear my head, reduce anxiety, and boost my energy.

I also made sure to drink 3 liters of water every day. It might sound like a small thing, but hydration had a huge impact on how I felt. Staying hydrated helped me stay focused and energized, and as the days went on, I started noticing the difference. It reminded me that self-discipline is also about taking care of the basics—things like staying hydrated and fueling your body properly.

Reading 10 pages of a motivational nonfiction book every day became a way for me to keep my mindset sharp and positive. These books weren’t just for learning—they were a reminder of the power of growth and pushing through challenges. They inspired me to stay focused on my goals, even when the road got tough.

Lastly, I incorporated one self-care activity each week. It wasn’t about taking a break from the challenge, but about recognizing the importance of balance. Self-care was just as vital to my progress as sticking to the other tasks. Whether it was a mental health day, journaling, or simply taking time to relax, these moments reminded me that discipline is also about nurturing yourself.

By the end of the 50 days, I learned that discipline isn’t just about following a checklist—it’s about creating habits that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The challenge helped me understand that being disciplined isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being consistent, finding balance, and pushing yourself to grow.

As students, we often juggle multiple priorities, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But building self-discipline—whether in terms of our studies, health, or personal growth—can make all the difference. This challenge helped me recognize that small, consistent actions lead to big changes. The lessons I learned over these 50 days will stay with me long after I graduate