Join the Great Lock In: A Trend for Achieving Your Goals
The recent social media phenomenon known as the Great Lock In began on September 1, 2023, encouraging individuals to focus on personal goals before the end of the year. This trend, popularized on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, emphasizes that one does not need to wait for the new year to implement resolutions or habit changes. Participants are embracing goals ranging from financial improvement to health and fitness, making it an opportune time for self-investment.
The term “lock in” resonates particularly with younger generations, signifying a commitment to a course of action. For instance, Hannah M. Le, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from New York City, initiated her own Great Lock In on September 8. She aims to enhance her strength training by increasing her repetitions and improving her running pace. Le credits the community aspect of the trend for her motivation, stating, “What’s helping me with the Great Lock In is my friends who are either joining me or interested in hearing more about my journey.” This camaraderie serves as her accountability mechanism, where she shares her workout schedule with friends to reinforce her commitment.
Community Support Fuels Motivation
The social dynamics of the Great Lock In play a crucial role in motivating participants. According to Katy Milkman, the James G. Dinan Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, people often require additional motivation to initiate healthy habits. Milkman highlights that seeing others engage in the trend can inspire individuals to take action, with the social aspect acting as a powerful motivator. “’Everybody else is doing it’ is one of the most motivating ways to get people to change their behavior,” she explains.
Similar to New Year’s resolutions, the Great Lock In utilizes a temporal marker to spur action. Nevertheless, Milkman emphasizes that mere motivation is insufficient for achieving goals. Effective strategies include breaking down larger objectives into manageable components, partnering with others, and making the process enjoyable. She advises, “Everything from breaking down big goals into component parts to finding ways to make it fun to pursue your goals is essential for success.”
Hannah Le adopts a personalized approach to her goals. By alleviating the pressure to meet them and focusing instead on the reasons behind her pursuits, she cultivates a positive mindset. “I tell myself, ‘I don’t have to do anything, but I get to do everything,’” she shares. This philosophy encourages her to engage in activities she loves, particularly as winter sports season approaches.
Individualized Commitment in a Challenging Environment
Wellness expert Mona Sharma notes that the Great Lock In provides a tailored approach to commitment, especially after years of uncertainty. “We’ve had a really volatile few years, and people want agency and structures that they can do at home,” she states. The transition into cooler weather and an inclination to spend more time indoors may further inspire individuals to pursue their goals during this period.
Sharma emphasizes that participants should focus on the intrinsic value of their goals rather than becoming fixated on external metrics, such as weight. However, she cautions that the Great Lock In may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those dealing with stress or anxiety. Individuals who tend to adopt an all-or-nothing mindset may risk setbacks if they engage in the trend without balance.
Milkman reiterates the importance of enjoyment in goal achievement, advising participants to approach social media challenges with skepticism. “Look for evidence-based strategies that help people achieve success, rather than solely relying on personal anecdotes from social media,” she suggests.
While the Great Lock In officially commenced on September 1, it is not too late to participate or to make meaningful changes. Milkman encourages individuals to establish realistic, incremental goals that lead to outcomes they can be proud of. “There’s plenty of time to do all sorts of wonderful things,” she concludes, reinforcing that social media trends can provide the necessary motivation for personal transformation.
For those inspired to embark on their own Great Lock In journey, this trend presents a unique opportunity to cultivate positive habits and achieve personal goals.
