If you’re on TikTok as much as I am, you’ve probably seen the viral trend, The Great Lock-In or September Lock-In. It’s pretty much a period of semi-hibernation, or a focus period, between September and December for you to “lock in” and hit your goals by the end of the year—rather than waiting until January 1st.
I first started seeing these lock-in videos all over my For You Page towards the middle of August. And I’ll be honest, at first I thought it’s just another fad to let influencers post aesthetic pictures of matchas and Pilates outfits. But the more I started seeing them, the more I realised—I actually like the idea.
Especially as summer has come to its end, and so many (including me) are probably looking at their New Year’s resolution lists thinking, fuck, I haven’t achieved half of the things I said I would.
It’s a chance to hit factory reset. And rather than waiting for Jan 1st to make yet another list of New Year’s resolutions (basically copied and pasted from last year), we have a head start and can begin right now!
BUT.
Before we get ahead of ourselves and start throwing away all our snacks, or buying cute planners—let’s talk about how we’re actually going to “lock in” in a way that’s healthy, sustainable, and won’t have us burnt the fuck out by October.
What Is The Great Lock-In, Really?
Based on the thousands of videos I’ve seen, essentially the trend is all about being intentional and choosing structure, self-discipline, and self-love—from September through to the end of December.
In a nutshell:
- Minimal unhealthy distractions (say goodbye to brain-rot social media scrolling)
- Make your health and routine a priority (balanced diet, movement, sleep, and H2O)
- Focus on your main goals and how you’re going to reach them (mindset, money, and growth)
- Embrace the grind (main character energy!)
It’s pretty much a sassy reply to that weird sinking feeling we often get at the end of August(ish)—when summer comes to an end, the evenings get darker earlier, and suddenly it’s the Christmas period and you’re wondering where the year has gone!
So basically: don’t wait for 2026 to begin—let’s lock in now!
How To Lock In (Without Locking Yourself In A Stress Prison)
But before we start planning, don’t forget that we are human beings, not AI. Let’s not pile too much on our plate. No toxic positivity allowed!
Here are realistic, burnout-free tips to make the Great Lock-In work for you—not against you.
1. Start With Your Definition Of Success
Before you even think about following the boss babe aesthetic and waking up at 5 a.m., ask yourself this:
What would I actually feel proud of accomplishing by the end of the year?
It can be anything, like:
- Getting more movement in your routine—maybe 5k steps in (not intense workouts that feel like torture)
- Creating a healthier morning or night routine.
- Learning a new skill (maybe there’s one you’ve been putting off for a while).
- Creating a savings plan.
- Eating a more balanced, healthier diet.
I know you’re probably seeing a lot of people’s Great Lock-In lists online, but don’t let that make you feel like you’re not doing something right, or your goals aren’t good enough. Do what suits you.
2. Create Structure—But Make It Soft
You don’t need to have an army-style routine. You just need structure. Not military-level discipline—just guiding points.
Maybe:
- Create a simple morning and night routine you’ll actually look forward to.
- Plan solo dates.
- A few non-negotiables, like drinking 3 litres of water per day, keeping a weekly goal tracker, or exercising 4 times per week.
- A no-phone zone or hours—no scrolling after 8 p.m., or no phones allowed in the bedroom.
These are just a few examples, but you get the idea. Give yourself structure—not complete restriction.
3. Cut Out Distractions—But Not Connection
Cutting off a toxic friendship? I love that for you.
Not meeting up with your day-one friends because you’re “locking in”? Maybe not so much.
Your lock-in doesn’t mean isolating yourself. You still need healthy connections, fun, and relaxation time to nurture your growth.
Yes, establish boundaries—not a steel cage. Refine your circle, but don’t neglect or abandon your sister circle.
4. Do It For Self-Respect, Not Self-Hate!
From my understanding, this trend is all about personal growth—not punishment. So be careful not to lean into self-hate.
Be clear:
- Eating healthier does not equal self-hate.
- Saying no does not make you a bad person.
- Resting does not equal failure.
- Slow progress is still progress.
If you’re locking in to “fix yourself,” be sure to ask yourself why you feel like you need fixing. Because even though I know you are already amazing, maybe you just want to get back to feeling like yourself again.
5. Pick 1–2 Goals And Go Deep, Not Wide
Don’t go overboard and try to change your entire life in 3 months. It’s possible—but let’s be real, it’s not realistic. Life has a lot of moving parts!
Instead, pick a few areas to focus on and really commit. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent.
For example:
- “I want to get to bed by 10 p.m. at least 5 nights per week and incorporate some type of movement into my day at least 4 times per week.”
Which is better than:
- “I will go to bed at 9 p.m. every day, I will go to the gym 6 days a week, do the 75 Hard challenge, cut out all carbs, and start a new business.”
Specifics over chaos, always.
6. Make It Cyclical—Not All Or Nothing
The lock-in ends in December, not you or your goals.
Don’t go into it thinking it’s the be-all, end-all. Think of it as a way to build your self-discipline and self-belief.
Some weeks you’ll feel like you’re smashing it. Other weeks, you’ll be proud of yourself for just making it to work on time and replying to emails.
A win is a win.
You Can Lock In And Be Kind To Yourself
Your Great Lock-In doesn’t have to be intense or Pinterest-worthy. It can be quiet, gradual, and focused.
It doesn’t have to be about becoming unrecognisable. It’s about reacquainting yourself with you again—the you that prioritises your health, wellness, and happiness.
So, lock in if you want to. But do it for you.
Do it with balance, rest, and boundaries that feel like care—not control.
And remember: being disciplined doesn’t mean being unrealistic or hard on yourself.
Tell me your lock-in plans! What are you committing to, and what’s tripping you up? Let’s chat in the comments.
