Building Transformative Habits

The first crucial step in my turnaround was establishing a routine that aligned with my aspirations. I discovered the concept of habit stacking through S.J. Scott’s book, "Habit Stacking: 127 Small Changes to Improve Your Health, Wealth, and Happiness." Intrigued, I decided to implement this strategy in my daily life. Here’s how I crafted my routine:

• Early Morning Boost: I began waking up at 5:30 AM, dedicating an hour to uninterrupted study before the world stirred. These serene morning sessions became my secret advantage, setting a focused tone for my entire day.
• Active Class Participation: I committed to being fully engaged during lectures. No distractions or daydreaming; it was just me, the lecturer, and my notebook. I asked questions, took thorough notes, and ensured I understood the key concepts before leaving the classroom.
• Evening Review: My evenings were reserved for a two-hour deep dive into the day’s lessons. This was my time to connect the dots, revisit challenging concepts, and practice coding until I grasped it fully.
• Nightly Reflection: Before bed, I dedicated another hour to reviewing everything I learned that day. This practice not only reinforced my understanding but also ensured I slept with a clear, focused mind.

These habits enabled me to not just survive but to flourish. Gradually, I began to notice progress, and what once felt unattainable started to seem within reach.

Linking Habits to Outcomes

As I cultivated these routines, I observed tangible improvements tied directly to my habits:

• My morning sessions became essential for mastering new concepts, as my mind was fresh and free from distractions. For example, grasping the fundamentals of algorithms became less intimidating during those quiet hours.
• Engaging actively in class allowed me to grasp material effectively on the first attempt, saving me hours of re-learning. I found that participation often illuminated doubts I hadn’t even recognized.
• The evening deep dives were where I truly experienced breakthroughs. The dedicated time enabled me to tackle challenging coding problems that had once seemed insurmountable.

By consciously linking my habits to specific results, I witnessed the direct impact of my efforts, reinforcing the significance of my routine.

Setting Clear Goals

As I established my routine, I recognized the importance of setting well-defined goals. My ambition extended beyond merely passing classes; I aspired to excel. To achieve this, I decomposed my overarching goal of graduating with top honors into smaller, actionable steps:

• Strategic Planning: I devised a comprehensive study plan covering everything from daily sessions to assignment deadlines and exam preparations. This roadmap kept me organized and focused.
• Active Engagement: I made it a priority to engage actively in every lecture by listening attentively, asking questions, discussing topics, and delving deeper into the subject matter. I aimed to own my knowledge rather than just memorize it.
• Balancing Academics with Life: I understood the importance of leisure, so I carved out time for relaxation and social interactions. Spending time with friends and pursuing hobbies helped me recharge, preventing burnout.

Breaking down my ultimate goal into manageable daily tasks allowed me to maintain a sense of achievement and progress, keeping my motivation alive.

Finding Joy in the Journey

As I progressed, I stumbled upon an unexpected revelation: the joy inherent in the process itself. The exhilaration of finally comprehending a complex concept, the satisfaction of solving a tough problem, and the pride in witnessing my progress became the fuel that propelled me forward. I learned to celebrate small victories, making the journey as gratifying as the destination.

• Daily Reflection: I adopted a habit of reflecting on my daily progress, which bolstered my confidence and motivation during challenging times.
• Gratitude Practice: I initiated a simple gratitude practice, noting three things I was thankful for each day. This approach helped me concentrate on the positives, even when faced with difficulties.

This shift in perspective was pivotal. Instead of dreading the grind, I began to embrace it, viewing each challenge as an opportunity for growth.

Staying Grounded

One of the most surprising yet essential elements of my journey was the influence of spirituality. Engaging in spiritual practices—whether through mindfulness, prayer, or reflection—helped me remain centered. It instilled a sense of purpose beyond academics and encouraged compassion and mindfulness in all aspects of life.

The Power of Persistence

Persistence is paramount! My transition from a bewildered beginner to a computer science gold medalist taught me that success is less about innate talent or intelligence and more about creating a personalized routine, setting clear objectives, welcoming challenges, and maintaining a positive outlook.

To highlight the recognition I received: I was awarded a gold medal for achieving the top position in my department for the Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, an honor presented to me by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, in 2022.

Receiving this accolade was an incredibly humbling experience, representing years of hard work, dedication, and the effective habits I cultivated throughout my studies. This recognition validated my efforts in every lecture, study session, and exam preparation.

The medal symbolized not just academic excellence but also the power of persistence and a well-structured routine. It demonstrated that with the right mindset and habits, extraordinary achievements are within reach—even at a national level.

Focusing on these principles allowed me to attain academic success while also discovering a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. Winning the gold medal and being honored by the President reaffirmed my dedication, yet more importantly, it illustrated that the right habits and mindset can lead to remarkable accomplishments.

This achievement marked just the beginning of my journey. Inspired by this success, I am now pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK, specifically in London. But that’s a story for another time...