If you’ve been scrolling on TikTok lately, you’ve probably come across the Winter Arc Challenge. This challenge encourages you to use the winter months to transform into the best version of yourself by accomplishing specific goals you've set. Many users start this challenge before the new year, so they can enter 2025 already feeling fulfilled and accomplished, instead of waiting for January to begin their journey.
In the months leading up to the new year, the days are shorter, temperatures drop, and many people experience a sense of discouragement—especially those who are prone to seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms of depression can make it harder to stay motivated. The thought of lounging on the couch binge-watching holiday movies often feels much easier (and more enjoyable) than waking up at 6 a.m. on your day off for a run.
However, if you want to use this time to feel refreshed, get organized, and work toward a goal—whether big or small—the Winter Arc Challenge can help. To reach your goals before the new year, you might have to force yourself. Force yourself not to hit the snooze button. Force yourself to get outside and take a walk every day. Force yourself to read before bed and put your phone away 30 minutes before sleeping. By doing so, you train your body to adjust to these habits, which will eventually become part of your routine.
That said, it’s important not to force yourself to do things you physically or mentally can’t handle. For example, if your body is craving a certain food, don’t deprive yourself of it. If you need to sleep in until 9 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., it’s okay to compromise. But don't let your work toward your goals stop. Even if you really don’t feel like working out one day, remind yourself of how good you feel afterward, whether it’s from a run or a Pilates class. You could even reward yourself with a coffee or a treat to reinforce the positive side of following through with your goals.
This is the time to be strict with yourself—if you’re committed to becoming the best version of yourself by the time 2025 arrives. Why wait until the new year to set goals when you can achieve them now and wake up on January 1st already feeling on top of the world?