The Great Lock-In: Transform Your Habits Before the Year Ends
Posted by Gym Direct,
12th September 2025
Lock TF In: A TikTok Trend That Actually Works
Every now and then, TikTok spits out a trend that’s more than just a dance or a meme; it’s a movement. Enter The Great Lock-In. Starting in August, creators began hyping September 1st as the day to “lock TF in.” Forget waiting for January and those overhyped resolutions. This challenge is all about digging deep, building discipline, and setting yourself up to finish the year strong.
Think of it as the ultimate reset button, but instead of hitting snooze, you’re hitting go mode.
What Is The Great Lock-In?
At its core, The Great Lock-In is a commitment to focus. TikTok users post about their personal goals—fitness, health, career, or mindset—and declare that from now until December 31, they’re dialled in. No excuses. No waiting for “new year, new me.”
It’s a public promise to stay disciplined in the so-called “winter arc” for the northern hemisphere. But here in Australia? We’re doing it through spring and the silly summer season, arguably when distractions are at their peak.
Why This Trend Hits Different
Most challenges fade within a week, but The Great Lock-In resonates because it’s not about a one-off stunt. It’s about showing up every single day.
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It gamifies discipline.
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It creates accountability through community.
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It’s flexible; you define your own “lock-in” rules.
It’s like having a group chat of thousands all cheering you on (and calling you out when you slack).
@kadieglenn Since everyone is doubling down on the great lock in, here’s a how to on building self-trust brick by brick: ✅ Start with credible commitments (small > sustainable > scalable) ✅ Track visible wins daily (proof > belief > identity) ✅ Never miss twice (bounce back > shame loop) ✅ Create friction & flow (design your environment for success) It’s not about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about stacking evidence that you are that girl, one consistent win at a time. #greatlockin #thegreatlockin #lockin #winterarc #winterarcchallenge ♬ original sound - kadieglenn
The Core Pillars of Locking In
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, you’ll notice common themes in what people commit to. The checklist reads almost like a starter pack for productivity:
Daily Movement
Many creators pledge 10,000 steps a day—a small but consistent way to keep moving, especially if you’re glued to a desk. Discover more about the truth of the steps here.
Hydration Goals
We’re talking 3–4 litres of water daily. Sure, you’ll get acquainted with your bathroom, but the energy boost is real.
Workout Routine
The sweet spot seems to be 4–5 workouts a week. Some push weights, others do cardio, and some mix both. The point? Consistency, not perfection.
Nutrition Discipline
A popular mantra is: hit your protein goal daily. Pair that with eating whole foods, and you’ve already levelled up your health game. Explore delicious high-protein meals here.
Mindful Growth
The Great Lock-In isn’t just physical, it’s mental. Many set the goal to read 10–15 pages daily. It’s small enough to stick with but big enough to build momentum. Find out more about mindful growth here.
Quality Sleep
Eight hours. Non-negotiable. Because let’s be real: no amount of hustle survives on burnout.
Spring Cleaning Your Life
Locking in isn’t just about ticking off habits; it’s also about reshaping the environment that surrounds you. A cluttered space creates a cluttered mind, and when your surroundings feel chaotic, discipline is ten times harder to maintain. The Great Lock-In is the perfect excuse to reset, refresh, and create a space that supports your goals instead of sabotaging them.
Declutter Your Room
Start small. Go through your wardrobe, desk, or bedside table and strip away what no longer serves you. Donate, recycle, or toss the excess. By clearing physical clutter, you’re also making mental space for clarity and focus.
Revamp Your Gym Space
Your training zone sets the tone for your workouts. If your gym/ space feels stale, it’s time for a glow-up. That could mean upgrading to compact gym equipment, like investing in multifunction and dual-use machines that allow you to train smarter without overcrowding the room. For those looking to take things further, gym equipment packages are a cost-effective way to get everything you need in one go, while commercial-grade fitness equipment brings durability and performance that lasts.
And don’t forget the layout itself. Sometimes it’s not about adding more gear, but rethinking how it all fits together. With our 2D and 3D gym design services, you can literally reimagine your gym from the ground up, ensuring your space feels functional, motivating, and tailored to your lock-in goals.
Digital Detox
Spring cleaning isn’t just physical; it’s digital too. Audit your phone, unfollow accounts that drain your energy, and curate your feed so every scroll inspires you to keep going. Little tweaks like rearranging your home screen or silencing notifications can make a massive difference in staying focused.
Locking In for the Summer Season
While Americans talk about their “winter arc,” Aussies face the opposite: summer BBQs, parties, holidays, and the ever-tempting “oh, I’ll start fresh next year.”
But here’s the twist: the more distractions around you, the stronger your commitment has to be. Picture this: everyone’s sipping cocktails poolside, and you’re still smashing your workouts, drinking your water, and reading your 15 pages. That’s discipline. That’s being locked in.
The Mental Side of Being Locked In
At first glance, this challenge looks like a checklist of healthy habits. But the deeper win is mindset. Locking in teaches you:
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To choose long-term gains over short-term pleasure.
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To build confidence by keeping promises to yourself.
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To push through discomfort, proving you can do hard things.
It’s less about “self-obsession” and more about self-respect.
How to Start Your Lock-In Journey
Not sure where to begin? Keep it simple.
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Pick 3–4 non-negotiables. Maybe steps, sleep, water, and workouts.
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Track progress visibly. Use a journal, whiteboard, or an app.
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Share it. Post on TikTok, tell your mates—accountability is gold.
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Expect setbacks. Missing a day doesn’t break you. Quitting does.
Tips to Actually Stay Locked In
Anyone can start strong. The trick is staying consistent when motivation fades.
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Stack habits. Read after brushing your teeth, stretch after your walk.
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Reward progress. Hit your goals for a week? Treat yourself (non-destructively).
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Batch prep. Meal prep, lay out gym clothes, automate small decisions.
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Remember the why. Write down why you’re doing this. Look at it daily.
Is Locking In Right for You?
If you’re chasing quick hacks, probably not. But if you’re ready to commit, even in small ways, The Great Lock-In could be the nudge you’ve been waiting for. It’s not about perfection; it’s about momentum.
And momentum, once built, carries you far past December 31st.
The Great Lock-In isn’t just a TikTok trend; it’s a lifestyle shift disguised as a challenge. By choosing to lock in now, you’re rewriting the story of how you close out your year. No more waiting for January, no more excuses.
So, what’s it going to be: stay on autopilot, or lock TF in and see just how much you can achieve before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st?
FAQs
Do I have to follow all the common goals (steps, water, workouts, etc.)?
Nope! The Great Lock-In is flexible. Pick the habits that matter most to you.
What if I fall off track for a day or two?
That’s normal. The key is getting back on track quickly rather than quitting altogether.
Is The Great Lock-In only for fitness goals?
Not at all. Many people use it for studying, career projects, or personal growth.
How long does the challenge last?
From September 1st until the end of the year—around four months of consistent focus.
Can I join late?
Absolutely! The best time to start was September 1st. The second-best time is right now.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or consultation. Always consult with a qualified fitness trainer or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen or making significant changes to your fitness routine, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or health concerns. The authors and publishers of this article do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the content and shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of information contained herein. You are solely responsible for your health and fitness decisions, and any actions you take based on the information presented in this article are at your own risk.
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