The Winter Arc, yes a TikTok trend but also a subconscious integration period. In this episode, I'm breaking down what a winter arc actually is from a subconscious perspective, why the Christmas period specifically matters for your brain and how to use this season to lock in your 2026 identity before the calendar even flips.

This is the hidden work that makes everything easier when January comes.

Topics covered on The Winter Arc | How I'm Locking In Before 2026:

1. What a winter arc actually is (the subconscious version, not the aesthetic version)
2. Why your brain is naturally moving into a reorganisation period right now
3. Why the Christmas period specifically matters for identity work
4. The three subconscious mechanics that make this season incredibly powerful
5. How to use this time wisely (the DOs and DON'Ts from a brain mechanics perspective)
6. My personal lock in process before 2026

Quote:

"Your 2026 identity is forming right now. Not in January. Right now. In these quiet weeks, your subconscious is reorganising itself based on what you're practising, what you're rehearsing, and what you're allowing to become familiar." Rebecca Haydon

Connect with Rebecca Haydon:

• Apply to work with me
• The Subconscious Membership
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Part One: Recognising Your Current Identity

What identity was I operating from this year?

• When I made decisions, who was I being?
• What did I believe about myself and my capabilities this year?
• If I had to name the version of me that showed up most often this year, what would I call her?

Where did that identity feel aligned?

• When did I feel most like myself this year?
• What moments felt easy, natural, and congruent?
• Where did my actions match my desires without resistance?
• What decisions came from a place of clarity and leadership?

Where did that identity feel too small?

• When did I feel like I was playing a role that didn't fit anymore?
• Where did I notice myself holding back or dimming down?
• What opportunities did I talk myself out of because "that's not who I am"?
• Where did my current identity feel like a ceiling rather than a foundation?

Where did that identity feel reactive?

• When was I responding to external pressure rather than internal direction?
• Where did I make decisions based on what others might think?
• When did I act from obligation rather than alignment?
• Where was I moving from fear or scarcity instead of leadership?

Part Two: Identifying What's Ready to Update

Where did I make decisions from old beliefs?

• What beliefs about myself did I operate from that are no longer true?
• Where did I let past versions of me make current decisions?
• What "I'm not the type of person who..." thoughts showed up this year?
• Which beliefs about money, success, or worthiness were still running the show?

Where did I move from overthinking instead of leadership?

• When did I get stuck in analysis paralysis?
• Where did I ask for too many opinions instead of trusting myself?
• When did I overcomplicate something that could have been simple?
• Where did I confuse thinking with doing?

Where did I play into patterns I've outgrown?

• What old habits did I fall back into even though I know better?
• What patterns showed up that I thought I'd already released?

Part Three: Recognising the Identity That's Emerging

When did I surprise myself this year?

• What did I do that felt like a stretch but turned out to be natural?
• Where did I show up differently than I expected?
• What moments hinted at the next version of me?

What did I do this year that the "old me" would never have done?

• What boundaries did I hold that past versions of me wouldn't have?
• What decisions did I make that showed growth?
• Where did I choose alignment over comfort?

What identity is trying to emerge for 2026?

• Who am I becoming?
• What does she believe about herself?
• What feels natural and automatic for her?
• What standards does she hold?
• What pace does she move at?
• How does she make decisions?

Find the full show notes & more resources at www.rebeccahaydon.com/podcast/