Winter Arc

For me, a winter arc is not really about habit building but rather building on habits that you already have. For me, it is a more intensified version of your day-to-day routine, mainly because you must find balance within the holidays, be motivated to combat the early darkness, and even get out of bed when nothing is forcing you to. A winter arc for me encompasses mostly the gym because that is something I do in my day-to-day routine already, but if that is something that you do not enjoy then your winter arc may be expanding your mind, whether that be with puzzles, books, language learning, or learning new topics, or maybe it’s to wake up earlier, or pick up an extra day at work, but whatever it may be, it’s about maintaining a lifestyle and finding discipline even when the days are gloomy and the motivation is not there for you. 

I sort of like the idea of winter arc better than New Year’s resolutions because you don’t have to wait until January first to start changing your life or chasing your goals. You can start today. Would you rather it be day 1 of starting or day 31 of starting? This is where change truly happens;  when you stop thinking of anything as only a short window but rather a lifestyle. The winter arc or a new years resolution is really just supposed to be the steppingstone into something more.   

I think when thinking about creating a winter arc for yourself, you should not look at what other people’s goals are. Just because someone else is doing one thing does not mean that thing suits your goals. This is just an example, but I think a lot of people in the fitness community view winter as a time of bulking as far as diet is concerned, however this is not something a person is obligated to do if it does not align with their own fitness goals. Point being, your timeline does not have to align with others timelines, and nobody has to understand your goals if they are yours. I know my sure doesn’t. I mean, I’m graduating this December at only 20 years old so my path or goals of many other 20 year olds is not going to be the same. And that’s okay. Just because your timeline is different does not mean it’s wrong. However, I do believe having a routine of your own can be very beneficial. Whatever routine is going to suit your life is the best routine of them all, not what everyone else is doing. I think the best thing I ever did for myself was to stop viewing my day as a 9-5 job and actually do things no matter what time. This is where success comes from, being unique as compared to the standards society tells you to live by.  

Lastly, I do believe that winter is also a time to rejuvenate and reflect. I think reflecting on the year you have had and making changes where you were not happy is great. Reflecting is the key to improvement. But I believe that any good change comes from actively changing it. Stop planning so much that you forget to actually live. I think often times we watch podcasts, we make lists and goal sheets, and we view others so much as inspiration that we forget to actually do the thing. I have been guilty of this and this is one thing I have been working on myself.  

Also take this time to internally work on yourself, whether that be getting the extra rest that you need to thrive, taking care of your skin, your mind, or your body, but understanding when enough rest is enough. Rest is crucial but too much is determinantal. So, get up this winter and be who you want to be and who you are meant to be. Seasons come and go and the best thing to do is to stop waiting for the next season of life to roll around when that season of life is now.