winter arc
noun
a three-month period dedicated to focusing on goals before the new year
What does winter arc mean?
The term winter arc is used to refer to a time of the year (October – December) that is dedicated to entering a state of extreme focus and discipline to get a head start on self-improvement goals before the new year.
Examples of winter arc
I took my winter arc so seriously. I’m so proud of myself. My road to turning 30 is about to be so epic
—@brethawriter, X (formerly Twitter), 30 Dec. 2024
Winter arc is going to start a little early for me. I had so much fun. But we gotta lock in
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For many of those trying the trend, the Winter Arc involves utilizing the cold, dark earlier months of winter to turn inward and get a jump start on their goals, with the intent of having them in place by the time Jan. 1 rolls around.
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Where does winter arc come from?
The use of winter arc in reference to entering a state of focus appeared on the internet around 2022; however, the term was popularized on social media in the fall of 2024 as the name of a self-improvement challenge that encourages participants to use the last three months of the year to get a head start on goals instead of waiting for the new year. The trend began with an emphasis on wellness and fitness but has since broadened to include a wide range of personal goals. The arc in winter arc comes from the concept of a character arc, a journey or transformation that a character experiences throughout a story.
How is winter arc used?
Winter arc is used as a noun to reference this period. It is often capitalized and used interchangeably with the Great Lock In, the name of a similar trend that began circulating social media in the fall of 2025.
