Every September feels like a reset. Our routines finally pick back up after a hectic summer, and suddenly there’s a collective sense of wanting to get our lives together. This year, that energy has taken shape as a social media trend called The Great Lock-In, and it’s quickly becoming the internet’s favourite way to say you’ll “lock in” on goals before the year ends.
The Lock-In runs from September through December, where people commit to strict routines, self-improvement challenges, and ambitious goals. It’s basically New Year’s resolutions, but with the momentum of the back-to-school season behind it.
Why it’s taking off
For students and new grads, the timing is perfect. September already feels like a clean slate – new classes, new jobs, new routines. This is essentially just taking that natural momentum and motivation and turning into a framework for building consistency. Instead of coasting through the fall and waiting until January to set goals, people are choosing to make the final stretch of the year count.
There’s also a big cultural pull at play. In a world that often feels uncertain, the Lock-In offers structure and a sense of control. It’s not so much about one huge achievement and more about showing up day after day for the goals that matter to you.
The upsides (and downsides)
If done well, the Lock-In can be a great way to stay motivated. It gives you four whole months to develop habits that might stick well into the new year. For students, that could mean better study routines or time management, and for new grads, it might mean getting serious about networking, saving money, or sticking to wellness routines. And the built-in accountability of social media can provide motivation when you need it most.
With too many goals at once, however, there’s always a risk of burnout. Social media can also turn the Lock-In into a comparison trap, making you feel like you’re falling behind instead of focusing on your own progress at your own pace. And if you’re the type that treats it as an all-or-nothing commitment, small setbacks can feel like failures rather than a normal part of the process (please keep in mind this is real life and social media is often a highlight reel.)
How to approach it
If you want to give the Lock-In a try, keep it simple. Pick a few goals that feel meaningful and manageable, and focus on creating daily or weekly habits to support them. Leave room for flexibility and be patient with yourself, because life will inevitably throw you curveballs, and adjusting is better than abandoning your efforts altogether.
Remember that the Lock-In isn’t about competing with what others post online. It’s about finding ways to make your own life feel more balanced, productive and/or fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
This is a great reminder that you don’t have to wait until January to start fresh. This season is already about building routines and figuring out what works. Whether you go all-in or just borrow pieces from the idea, the Lock-In can be a really great way to end the year stronger than you started it.