1:1 Life Coaching Sessions for High Achievers.

BLOG

• How To Make a Positive Impact in Your Community

  The word “community” gets thrown around a lot and while we may have a vague understanding of what it means, how many of us truly stop to think about the impact we have on our communities or they have on us? There is so much to be said about them and yet many of us feel disconnected or don’t realize how important it is to be intentional about our relationship to the groups we may belong to. Let’s review what community is, where to find it, and how to make a positive impact on it.

  What is Community?

  The Merriam-Webster dictionary has three different definitions of community, starting at “a unified body of individuals” and ending with “society at large”. If the dictionary somehow has a specific yet vague definition of what community is, sociology doesn’t help much either. The truth is you make part of not just one but many communities at a time –and that’s kind of the point. Your community can derive from things like religion, ethnicity, race, to where you live, a hobby you have, or an artist you love. Most of the time, our communities go unseen despite the intrinsic and profound connection we may have with them; think of the people you might regularly work with, take public transportation with, or the people that grow your food, empty the garbage bins of your neighborhood, or clean the streets, just to name a few examples. Community shifts and grows with us, it is the group of people that we influence or influence us, whether directly or indirectly.

  

  Why Does Community Matter?

  You may have heard that humans are “social animals” that are hard-wired for connection. While different people experience different desires to interact with others, the way we affect each other is undeniable. There is extensive research on how caring is not only an evolutionary trait it’s not even limited to humans. We build resilience through community, save each others’ lives after disaster, we change how things are done through community. And the same way we like to be mindful of what we eat and how much we drink, or just how we like to be intentional about our health, so should we be intentional about how we are involved in our communities and the impact we have.

  Examples of Intentional Community Members

  When we think of what an intentional community member looks like, few embody it better than Mr. Rogers, whose intentional practice of everyday kindness taught generations what it means to care. From taking the time to really listen to children to addressing difficult topics like grief and racism with honesty and gentleness, he showed up for the people who needed most in ways that were relevant. On a very different scale but with the same spirit, the Black Panther Party demonstrated radical community care through programs like free breakfast for children and health clinics among other things. This same principle lives on in everyday people doing everyday acts: parents who organize carpools, neighbors who start community gardens or stock community fridges, barbers who offer free haircuts, or people who simply check in on an elderly neighbor. A lot of it comes down to being a good “neighbor”, but neighbor doesn’t just mean the people you live close to, it can be the people who you more directly impact in your life.

  Where to Find Community

  Community often begins in the places closest to us. For some, that means investing in our families and nurturing the relationships that directly shape our lives. Stepping beyond our immediate circles, we can find community in public spaces like the local library, where bulletin boards are filled with events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. You might also discover connection in neighborhood gatherings, local markets, classes, art collectives, faith groups, or sports clubs. The key is presence: showing up, again and again, until you start to recognize people and build bonds.

  Of course offline isn’t the only way to connect. In 2020, when COVID first started, having to stay indoors showed us the relevance and possibilities of taking things online. However, online communities have existed since the internet first entered the mainstream media. Our desire to be able to reach each other gave way to many social media networks (long before Facebook, and still after) that changed how we saw each other and used the vocabulary of friendship. Think about it: when else did you ever use the word “unfriend” before social media? Websites like Discord and Mastodon have seen an unmistakable rise in the last five years as people continue to seek community in digital spaces.

  Making a Positive Impact

  The most important part about creating an intentional positive impact is by being consistent and reliable. Here’s a few things to consider:

  • Strengthening emotional intelligence allows us to listen better, respond with empathy, and build trust.
  • Asking others what they need and allowing them to lead you in learning to care for them while you learn to negotiate your limits incites community autonomy.
  • Small acts like checking in, following through, and sharing your time or skills plant seeds of resilience.
  • Investing in the well-being of those around you and actively participate in their lives in a way that suits you both allows us to form bonds.
  • Volunteering, mentoring, offering your expertise, or simply being the person others can count on, strengthens bonds and supports mutual aid networks.
  • Know your strengths, understand your limits, and set boundaries that keep your care sustainable.
  • Study what local and other foreign community leaders are doing and support the cause either locally or digitally to add quality to the numbers.
  • Become a community leader by getting the ball rolling on a project that your community might need. Initiative is essential fuel for change. This can look like throwing a block party to get to know the neighbors, hosting a clothing swap, or starting a book club.
  • Define what role you can play. There are so many ways you can contribute to different communities, and having a clear understanding of it can feel empowering as well as help you stay consistent.

  

  Community Means Committed Participation

  Whether we are actively participating in them or not, there are all types of intentional communities with their own agendas happening around us. Being intentional about our impact empowers us and those around us. However, it takes active practice, time, and energy. Community is something we build, nurture, and tend to over time. It asks for awareness, reciprocity, and a willingness to grow alongside others. When we learn to show up – imperfectly, but intentionally – we become part of the crucial work that keeps the world humane. Our communities shape us as much as we shape them. And in choosing to care, we participate in something far bigger than ourselves.

  Self-Improvement for High Achievers Group on Telegram

  Get daily insights, support, and discussions to improve your leadership skills, mindset, work/life balance, time and energy management, as well as overcoming perfectionism, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and more...

  Join group

  Relevant Reading

  • How We Show Up - Mia Birdsong
  • The Art of Gathering - Priya Parker
  • The Art of Community - Charles Vogl
  • Belonging Design Principles (Free PDF) - Ashley Gallegos Cecilie Surasky
  • Mutual Aid - Dean Spade

  

  Resources:

  • https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community
  • https://sociology.institute/introduction-to-sociology/characteristics-defining-community/
  • https://puresociology.com/what-is-community/
  • https://www.knowyourmobile.com/fediverse/what-is-the-fediverse/
  • https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/02/is-social-connection-a-basic-need-like-food-water/
  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00199/full#B40
  • https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emma-Stokes/publication/226540253_Effect_of_Snare_Injuries_on_the_Fig-Feeding_Behavior_of_Chimpanzees_of_the_Budongo_Forest_Uganda/links/02e7e529e5726e63fe000000/Effect-of-Snare-Injuries-on-the-Fig-Feeding-Behavior-of-Chimpanzees-of-the-Budongo-Forest-Uganda.pdf
  • https://humanresilienceproject.org/guides/community-resilience/
  • https://www.nuffieldbioethics.org/wp-content/uploads/Community-engagement-after-Hurricane-Katrina.pdf
  • https://www.accessinst.org/blog/the-radical-vision-of-mr-rogers-neighborhood-what-does-it-mean-for-mental-health-and-our-community
  • https://www.forbes.com/sites/scotthutcheson/2025/01/28/what-leaders-can-learn-from-mr-rogers-about-the-power-of-kindness/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Breakfast_for_Children
  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5024403/
  • https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org/

  

  Check out the Vision to Action Digital Planner PDF for only 5$

  More info

  Quiz: What Is Blocking Your Success?

  This quick quiz will help you figure out which mental or behavioral pattern might be holding you back from achieving your full potential. Identifying your specific success blocker is the first step toward breaking through to new levels of achievement and fulfillment.

  Read each question and choose the answer that feels most true to your situation.

  No email or payment is required to complete the quiz and receive your personalized insights.

  Paloma Chiara

  Read blog

• What Is the “Winter Arc” Challenge?

  What Is the “Winter Arc” Challenge?

  The phrase “winter arc” has taken over social media in the last couple of years, but it’s more than just a catchy buzzword. At its core, the winter arc challenge is about using the colder, quieter season to intentionally work on yourself. Just like characters in a story have arcs of growth, struggle, and transformation, a “winter arc” is your personal storyline where you commit to becoming a stronger, more disciplined version of yourself.

  Let’s break it down question by question.

  What Does It Mean to Be in a Winter Arc?

  To be in a winter arc means deliberately entering a season of self-improvement during the colder months. Winter is a natural metaphor for retreat, reflection, and preparation. When everything outside slows down — the days are shorter, social events are fewer, and people tend to stay indoors — the winter arc asks you to use that time for building yourself from within.

  This could look different for everyone. For some, it’s about mental clarity: journaling, meditating, and cutting off toxic habits. For others, it’s about discipline: waking up early, studying hard, and staying consistent in routines. The idea is that while everyone else might “hibernate” passively, you’re building momentum so that by spring, you emerge stronger, sharper, and more aligned with your goals.

  Why Is the Winter Arc So Popular?

  The winter arc has gained popularity because it taps into two powerful cultural ideas: storytelling and self-improvement. Social media thrives on narrative, and the term “arc” makes your personal growth feel cinematic. Instead of saying “I’m working on myself this winter,” saying “I’m in my winter arc” makes it sound like you’re the main character of your own story — and who doesn’t love that?

  On a deeper level, winter already feels symbolic. It’s a season where many people feel stagnant or even struggle with seasonal depression. The winter arc flips that narrative, turning what could be a season of decline into one of progress. It’s also perfectly timed with the new year, when people naturally reflect on resolutions and long-term goals. Put all that together, and the winter arc becomes both a trend and a mindset that resonates across cultures and platforms.

  Who Invented the Winter Arc?

  There isn’t a single person who can be credited with inventing the winter arc. Like many internet trends, it evolved organically. The use of “arc” to describe phases in life comes from anime, storytelling, and fan culture, where characters go through arcs of growth or transformation. Online, people started applying it to real life: villain arc, healing arc, soft arc, etc.

  The winter arc likely spread on TikTok and Twitter around the same time people were looking for motivation during the colder months. Influencers and everyday users began documenting their routines under the label of “winter arc,” and the idea snowballed. So while it doesn’t have one inventor, it has many contributors who helped turn it into a shared cultural phenomenon.

  Self-Improvement for High Achievers Group on Telegram

  Get daily insights, support, and discussions to improve your leadership skills, mindset, work/life balance, time and energy management, as well as overcoming perfectionism, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and more...

  Join group

  Where Did the Term Winter Arc Come From?

  The root of the term is the word “arc.” In stories, an arc is the journey of a character: their struggles, challenges, and eventual transformation. Online culture picked this up as a way to frame real-life growth. Just like a hero in a story has a redemption arc or a training arc, regular people began describing their personal journeys in the same way.

  Winter, of course, was the perfect season to attach to the idea. In mythology and literature, winter often symbolizes death, stillness, and waiting. But it also carries themes of rebirth and preparation. By combining the concept of “arc” with “winter,” the term created a vivid metaphor: a time where you disappear into the cold and emerge changed.

  What Does Winter Arc Mean in the Gym?

  Although this post focuses on the philosophical side, it’s worth mentioning how the winter arc is often used in fitness. For gym-goers, the winter arc is often the “bulking season,” where the focus is on eating more and training heavier to build strength. The idea is that you use the season to grow, then “cut” in the spring for a leaner summer physique.

  This interpretation overlaps nicely with the self-improvement angle: both see winter as a time to build — whether it’s building muscle, building habits, or building mental toughness.

  

  How to Start Your Winter Arc

  Starting a winter arc doesn’t mean overhauling your entire life overnight. It’s about creating intentional habits that align with your goals. Here’s how:

  1. Define your vision. Ask yourself: who do I want to become by spring? More disciplined? Healthier? More confident?
  2. Set clear goals. Break your vision into concrete actions: e.g., journal 10 minutes a day, exercise three times a week, cut out mindless scrolling.
  3. Design your environment. Winter can feel isolating, but that’s also its strength. Create a cozy, distraction-free space that supports your goals.
  4. Build consistency. The arc isn’t about a single dramatic change but small, daily actions that accumulate over weeks.
  5. Document your journey. Journaling or vlogging not only keeps you accountable but also makes your “arc” feel like a real narrative you can look back on.

  

  Check out the Vision to Action Digital Planner PDF for only 5$

  More info

  How Long Is the Winter Arc?

  Traditionally, the winter arc lasts the duration of winter — roughly three months, from December through February (or November through March depending on your climate). But it’s not a fixed rule. Some people start as early as fall to get ahead, while others extend their arc until spring if they’re still chasing their goals.

  The key isn’t the exact timeframe, but the mindset: committing to a season of transformation rather than a quick two-week challenge. By giving yourself several months, you allow time for real habit formation and noticeable change.

  Is the Winter Arc Good or Bad?

  Like most self-improvement trends, the winter arc can be both good and bad depending on how you approach it.

  The good:

  • It encourages discipline during a season when people often lose motivation.
  • It creates a sense of narrative, making personal growth feel exciting rather than tedious.
  • It provides structure and purpose during darker months.

  The bad:

  • Social media can make it competitive, leading people to compare their “arc” to others.
  • If approached with perfectionism, it can cause burnout or guilt.
  • It may encourage isolation, even though people actually improve faster with the right support.

  Ultimately, the winter arc is good if it’s about sustainable growth and self-discovery. It turns harmful if it becomes a pressure-filled performance.

  Can You Fail the Winter Arc?

  Failure in the winter arc is subjective. You can “fail” if you give up completely or abandon your goals without reflection. But setbacks and mistakes aren’t failure — they’re part of the arc. Remember: in stories, characters stumble before they transform.

  The real failure is refusing to learn. If you fall off your schedule but get back up, you’re still in your arc. If you quit because you think you “ruined it,” then you’ve missed the point.

  What Are the Rules of a Winter Arc?

  There are no official rules, but common principles include:

  1. Consistency over intensity. Small habits done daily beat extreme efforts that fizzle out.
  2. Intention over appearance. Your arc is about growth, not showing off online.
  3. Discipline over mood. You won’t feel motivated every day — that’s where discipline carries you.
  4. Reflection over results. Tracking progress and learning from mistakes matters more than perfection.

  Think of these as guiding principles rather than rigid rules. Every winter arc is personal and unique.

  What Does the Winter Arc Schedule Look Like?

  There’s no one-size-fits-all winter arc schedule, but a sample could look like this:

  • Morning: Wake up early, journal or meditate, set intentions for the day.
  • Daytime: Focused work or study sessions, limiting distractions.
  • Afternoon: Exercise, skill-building, or personal projects.
  • Evening: Wind down with reading, reflection, or gratitude journaling.
  • Weekly focus: Meal prepping, digital detoxing, or deep cleaning to maintain order.

  The point isn’t to copy someone else’s exact routine but to craft a structure that keeps you disciplined, productive, and aligned with your goals during the season.

  Quiz: What Is Blocking Your Success?

  This quick quiz will help you figure out which mental or behavioral pattern might be holding you back from achieving your full potential. Identifying your specific success blocker is the first step toward breaking through to new levels of achievement and fulfillment.

  Read each question and choose the answer that feels most true to your situation.

  No email or payment is required to complete the quiz and receive your personalized insights.

  Paloma Chiara

  Once you have your primary success blocker, you have clarity about what’s been holding you back. This awareness is powerful—many people spend years struggling without understanding the specific pattern that’s limiting their progress.

  Remember, these patterns aren’t permanent character traits but rather habitual ways of thinking and behaving that can be changed with the right guidance and practice.

  If you’re ready to break through your specific blocker and achieve the success you know you’re capable of, send me an email to try out a coaching session. Your breakthrough awaits!

  Read blog

• What Is "the Great Lock-In" and Should You Try It?

  In recent years, “challenges” have become a popular way to motivate personal growth, spark creativity, or simply test our limits. From 30-day fitness routines to digital detoxes, these challenges give people a structured way to push themselves. But one challenge that has been catching attention lately is the Great Lock-In Challenge. Unlike typical challenges, it’s not about quitting sugar or waking up at 5 a.m.—it’s about commitment, focus, and testing your ability to work within strict boundaries for a period of time.

  The concept is simple but deceptively difficult: participants commit to locking themselves in a controlled environment—physically, digitally, or mentally—for a defined period, in this case a 120-day period, often starting on September 1st and ending on December 31st. During this time, they focus on a single project, personal goal, or skill development without distractions from the outside world. It’s a test of endurance, self-discipline, and mental clarity, and those who complete it often report transformative results.

  Self-Improvement for High Achievers Group on Telegram

  Get daily insights, support, and discussions to improve your leadership skills, mindset, work/life balance, time and energy management, as well as overcoming perfectionism, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and more...

  Join group

  Why Is The Great Lock-In Challenge Gaining Popularity?

  The Great Lock-In Challenge appeals to people for several reasons. First, it addresses a common problem in modern life: distraction. We live in a world of endless notifications, social media updates, and constant external demands. Even when we think we’re focusing, attention is fragmented. The Lock-In Challenge forces participants to confront this reality head-on by creating a space where distractions are minimized, and attention is fully devoted to one pursuit.

  Second, it’s inherently rewarding. When you lock yourself into a focused environment and work uninterrupted, the sense of accomplishment is magnified. Unlike smaller, fragmented tasks completed during a chaotic day, the achievements during a Lock-In are often more tangible, more visible, and more satisfying. People who take part in this challenge often finish with a tangible project, a completed skill, or a meaningful step toward a larger goal.

  Finally, it appeals to those who enjoy testing their limits. The challenge is a controlled experiment in self-discipline and endurance. Many people underestimate how difficult it is to fully commit to a period of intense focus. Completing the challenge becomes proof of resilience, willpower, and the ability to prioritize long-term goals over immediate gratification.

  How Should You Prepare for the Great Lock-In Challenge?

  Preparation is essential. While it might sound exciting to “lock yourself in” spontaneously, the challenge is most effective when you plan ahead. Here are some steps to consider before starting:

  1. Define your goal: The first step is to decide what you want to accomplish during the Lock-In. Are you finishing a project, learning a new skill, decluttering your space, or completing a creative work? Clear goals make the challenge more structured and satisfying.
  2. Create your environment: Choose a space where you can control distractions. This might mean a quiet room, a dedicated studio, or even your workspace with notifications turned off. Some participants even go as far as turning off Wi-Fi or leaving their phones in another room to remove temptation.
  3. Gather resources: Make sure you have everything you need beforehand. If you’re writing, have your laptop or notebook ready. If it’s a creative project, gather your tools. The last thing you want is to be interrupted by the need to fetch supplies.
  4. Set a time frame: Decide on the duration of your Lock-In. It could be 24 hours, 48 hours, or a full week. Be realistic about your energy levels and obligations. While pushing limits is part of the challenge, overextending yourself can backfire.
  5. Plan breaks and self-care: Intense focus is not sustainable without rest. Schedule short breaks, meals, and moments for hydration and stretching. Think of these as fuel to keep your mind and body functioning optimally.
  6. Document your journey: Journaling, vlogging, or using your habit tracker helps to keep you accountable.

  

  Check out the Vision to Action Digital Planner PDF for only 5$

  More info

  What Are the Different Types of Lock-Ins You Can Try?

  The Great Lock-In Challenge can take many forms, depending on your goals:

  • Digital Detox Lock-In: Avoid social media, emails, and online distractions to focus fully offline.
  • Creative Lock-In: Writers, designers, or artists dedicate uninterrupted time to a project.
  • Skill Acquisition Lock-In: Learning a new language, coding, or music practice takes center stage.
  • Minimalist Lock-In: Declutter spaces, simplify routines, and organize life.
  • Habits Lock-In: Letting go of bad habits and replacing them with healthier ones.

  No matter the type, the core principle is the same: deep, focused effort in a controlled environment.

  How Can You Increase Your Chances of Success?

  Success in the Great Lock-In Challenge is about preparation and mindset. Here’s what works:

  • Start small: Try shorter periods if you’re new to focused challenges.
  • Track progress: Journaling or logging accomplishments helps maintain motivation.
  • Embrace discomfort: Expect boredom or self-doubt—they’re signs you’re pushing limits.
  • Plan a reward: Celebrate completion with a meaningful treat or recognition.

  

  What Transformative Effects Can You Expect from Completing the Challenge?

  The benefits go beyond completing tasks. Participants often report:

  • Improved self-discipline: Learning to focus without constant external input.
  • Clarity on priorities: Recognizing what truly matters and what is noise.
  • Increased resilience: Confidence grows when you accomplish a difficult goal.
  • Lifestyle shifts: Some continue to reduce distractions and prioritize meaningful work long after the challenge.

  By dedicating concentrated time to a goal, the challenge serves as a blueprint for long-term productivity and personal growth.

  …So, Should You Participate in the Great Lock-In?

  Deciding to take on the Great Lock-In Challenge depends on your current goals, level of focus, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. If you’re struggling with distractions, feeling stuck in projects, or seeking a boost in productivity, this challenge can provide a structured way to reset your habits and deepen your focus. Even starting with a shorter Lock-In can offer insights into your work patterns, mental resilience, and personal priorities, making it a worthwhile experiment for almost anyone.

  Quiz: What Is Blocking Your Success?

  This quick quiz will help you figure out which mental or behavioral pattern might be holding you back from achieving your full potential. Identifying your specific success blocker is the first step toward breaking through to new levels of achievement and fulfillment.

  Read each question and choose the answer that feels most true to your situation.

  No email or payment is required to complete the quiz and receive your personalized insights.

  Paloma Chiara

  Once you have your primary success blocker, you have clarity about what’s been holding you back. This awareness is powerful—many people spend years struggling without understanding the specific pattern that’s limiting their progress.

  Remember, these patterns aren’t permanent character traits but rather habitual ways of thinking and behaving that can be changed with the right guidance and practice.

  If you’re ready to break through your specific blocker and achieve the success you know you’re capable of, send me an email to try out a coaching session. Your breakthrough awaits!

  Read blog