How to Get Ahead of Your Goals For 2025: Winter Arc Edition
Hi hi hello my beautiful friends!
Whether you want to call it winter arc, locking in, glowing up or resetting, it all means the same thing: using the last couple months of the year to really lay the foundations and build and stick to routines and habits, so we go into the new year already ahead of 99% of the rest AND our ourselves. We’re setting the tone for the new year, because while I love new years resolutions (I’m a new years resolutions freak), they pretty much never work sorry not sorry.
I realized that there’s no need to wait 2 months for the new year to roll around to FINALLY be consistent in the gym when I could be doing those things right now and see the benefits on January 1st instead of March 1st.
So we’re doing it together (I may or may not be writing this to keep myself accountable because Lord knows I struggle with this). Whatever your goals are, lock in this season. So when new years rolls around, you’re already well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself and 2025 will actually be your best year yet.
Balance Discipline With Grace
Okay, let’s get real: achieving our goals requires a little discipline, but it doesn’t have to feel like a military boot camp! Discipline keeps you on track and helps you stick to your routines, while grace allows you to be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between being committed and being kind to yourself.
Life isn’t a straight line, and neither is your journey. So when you stumble (because, let’s face it, we all do), give yourself a little grace. Dust yourself off, laugh it off, and keep moving forward. This balance will help you to stay committed to your goals without the weight of perfectionism holding you back (especially during the holidays because we are going to be enjoying those!).
Set Smart Goals and Find a Way To Track
Setting goals is vital, but how you set them matters just as much. Goals are like that friend who needs a little direction to avoid getting lost—set them up for success with the SMART framework. Think Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of the classic, “I want to be fit,” go for something like, “I will dance in my living room for 30 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday.” You’ll not only have fun but also track your progress like a boss!
Don’t forget to track your progress—whether it’s through a planner, an app, or good old-fashioned pen and paper—whatever works for you. Keeping tabs on your goals helps keep you accountable and gives you that little motivational nudge when you need it.
Fix Your Damn Sleep Schedule Asap
Sleep is often the unsung hero of productivity! I mean, who can tackle their goals when they’re running on two hours of sleep and a questionable amount of caffeine? Set a bedtime that doesn’t make you cringe, and stick to it! Aim for those sweet 8-9 hours, us women need more sleep than men so 7 isn’t going to cut it.
Create a cozy nighttime ritual to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down—maybe a warm cup of herbal tea or a few minutes of reading. Your future self will thank you for not showing up to January 1st looking like a zombie.
Your Mind(set) Deserves Better
Your mindset plays a crucial role in achieving your goals but I know it can be hard to do a 180 on your mindset when you’ve been in this funk for so long. So here’s a fun trick: turn your mindless chores into a positivity party! As you wash those dishes or fold laundry, repeat or listen to affirmations that uplift you. I love listening to these affirmations on YouTube.
Try something like, “I am a magnet for good vibes” or “I’m turning my dreams into reality, one dish at a time!” It sounds silly, but it’s all about training your brain to focus on the good stuff. Plus, it makes those chores way more bearable! Whenever you have time to put on your headphones and listen to music, you have time to listen to affirmations until they become second nature.
You Come First Everyone Else Comes Second
As you dive into your goals, remember this golden rule: you come first. Seriously, it’s okay to prioritize yourself. Let go of those energy vampires who don’t bring anything good to the table and hinder your progress. Surround yourself with people who cheer you on, inspire you, and make you feel like the amazing woman you are! Healthy boundaries are your best friend, and they help you show up as your best self for the people who truly matter.
Find a Way of Eating and Movement That Works for You
There’s no universal blueprint or one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness—what works for one person might not work for you. It’s all about discovering what makes your body feel good! Try out different meals, workouts, and activities until you find what makes you feel energized and fulfilled. Whether it’s dancing like nobody's watching or trying out that new smoothie recipe, make it enjoyable! The key is to create a lifestyle that you enjoy and can maintain in the long run. This approach will help you sustain your progress and keep you motivated throughout the winter arc and beyond.
I personally have switched to more walking, pilates, easy weightlifting exercises, and yoga to not only build muscle and stamina, but to also keep my nervous system regulated. I found that with lots of cardio and high intensity workouts all the time, my hormones started to ask me what the f*ck I was doing and let me know it was time to take it down a notch.
Focus on getting in enough protein and healthy fats, especially in the morning. Eat your complex, healthy carbs. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just avoid foods in packaging with a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce and you’ll be good.
Show Up As The Girl You Imagine Her To Be Next Year
Visualize the best version of yourself in 2025 and ask yourself: What does she look like? How does she carry herself? What habits does she practice? Now, start embodying that version of yourself today. This doesn’t mean you have to change overnight, but small, intentional actions can lead to significant transformation over time.
Dress like her, speak to yourself like her, and take actions that align with her values and vibe. How does she romanticize her life? Does she light a candle while doing her skincare? Start doing that tonight. Is her home always filled with a bouquet of fresh flowers? Let’s get some flowers today By stepping into that identity now, you pave the way for her to flourish in the new year.
Conclusion
Your don’t need to change your whole life overnight to have a successful winter arc. You don’t need to spend lots of money on crazy superfoods, a new wardrobe or workout gadgets to glow up. Your winter arc is about building the routines before 2025 so when you enter the new year you’ll already have gone through the hardest part of the progress: sticking to your routines and building them into habits so it feels natural to you. Remember, consistency > intensity.
You’re going to be most successful, loved, healthy, wealthy, and beautiful woman in 2025, that’s a fact. All you need to do now is use the last months of 2024 to give yourself a head start and become that woman before the year is over. I believe in you.
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