Do you know the new fad of Generation Z? This is the Great Lock In. Since September 1, thousands of users on TikTok and Instagram have taken on this challenge which consists of locking in their goals for the last four months of the year. Objective: move forward now, without waiting for January 1st.
Finish the year strong: the philosophy of the Great Lock In
Weight loss, finances, mental health, fitness or even moving… everyone chooses their goal. On TikTok, tagged videos
#GreatLockIn accumulate thousands of views. The principle: share your progress to stay motivated. A young woman recommends “walk 30 minutes every day“while another advises to”prepare your outfit the day before to save time in the morning“.
Why is the challenge so attractive?
According to Katy Milkman, a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, this trend is based on a powerful collective driving force: “It’s the most motivating way to get people to change their behavior. They look around and say: This is a trend, I don’t want to miss it.”
Like New Year’s resolutions, the Great Lock In creates a time marker. But unlike January, which is often synonymous with pressure, this back-to-school period is conducive to recovery. “The second half of the year is ideal for setting goals. Autumn brings back a certain routine: the days get shorter, life reorganizes. It’s the perfect time to stop procrastinating.” explains Jennifer Teplin, founder of Manhattan Wellness.
Moreover, writing down your objectives increases the chances of success: “Goals are four times more likely to happen if you write them down.” underlines the expert.
Tips from the pros to stay motivated
No strict rules here, unlike other challenges like 75 Hard. The Great Lock In is intended to be flexible and caring: each participant chooses the duration and intensity of their challenge. But to last in the long term, it is better to avoid aiming too high. In a previous article, psychologist Siyana Mincheva recommended defining achievable and measurable goals. “Setting realistic, short-term goals strengthens well-being. Once you achieve success, it is important to encourage yourself by saying: ‘I am proud of myself’. This self-validation stimulates serotonin and dopamine, thus strengthening self-confidence.”
Another tip: establish regular habits. “Finding an activity that boosts you and applying it throughout the week allows you to maintain constant motivation“, underlines the expert.
Social interactions also play a key role. “Having a supportive and encouraging environment helps us stay committed to our goals.“, she adds.
And to avoid mental exhaustion, she recommends:
- Regular physical activity, to release endorphins and improve mood;
- A stimulating hobby, to maintain motivation;
- Time for yourself, to recharge the batteries;
- And small rewards after the effort, in order to associate pleasure and action.
The other side of the coin of the Great Lock In
Like any viral trend, the Great Lock In can also generate pressure. Showing your progress online can increase perfectionism or comparison with others.
And once the year is over, it remains to be seen whether these habits will continue…
But used well, this challenge offers a great opportunity to reconnect with yourself before the new year. The main thing, as the psychologist reminds us, is to “find a balance between ambitions and kindness towards oneself“.