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Manifesting the life we want starts with intention. By planning our days thoughtfully, we can build the future we envision and make our dreams come true.
Now, a powerful practice that’s gone viral is inspiring people to take charge of their lives and realize that anything is possible with focus and determination. The trend is called “locking in,” according to Refinery29.
What is the Locking In Trend?
Locking in is a movement where TikTokers embrace discipline, cut out distractions, and pursue long-term goals with laser-like focus. Whether applied to professional ambitions, academic performance, or fitness routines, locking in involves consistency, structure, and purpose.
The trend is a significant departure from the previously popular “soft life” aesthetic, and is filling social media feeds with early alarms, to-do lists, speed typing, productivity playlists, motivational soundbites, and meal-prepping. TikTok videos which feature the trend empower people to push themselves to take action.
“The ‘soft life’ was about rest and protecting peace, but I think a lot of us realized that soft living isn’t sustainable long-term without some structure or achievement to back it,” Samia, a 23-year-old London-based student, tells Refinery29.
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How to Lock In and Achieve Your Goals
Locking in can last anywhere from hours to a year, The Times reports. But how do you follow the trend? The main idea is to focus on your goals without any distractions. For many that means putting the phone down, avoiding short-term pleasures like socializing or going out, and intentionally directing your attention toward what you would like to accomplish. It’s a short-term commitment that pays off in the future.
Aleena Joseph, 22, is embracing the trend. After graduating from university, she moved back in with her parents to save money in their home in Belfast and is now working as a paralegal. “I would say I am locking in financially,” Joseph tells The Times. “Every paycheck I put away two thirds of my money, I’m learning to invest and reading up all about it so I’m also locking in on that.”
She plans on living with her parents for one year, and avoiding distractions including socializing and holidays for the time being. “When you lock in on something that becomes your top priority and you have to decide where everything else fits,” she adds.
Joseph is one of many who have chosen to lock in. So has Ilia Jamasb, 22, a final year computer science student at King’s College London. He’s been spending his time studying hard, exercising, eating healthily, and even learning a new skill — baking. Jamasb says all of these have required focus.
The Significance of Self-Awareness While Locking In
However, it’s important to embrace the trend in a healthy way. “Being self-aware is important,” Dr. Audrey Tang, a psychologist specializing in resilience, burnout, and performance culture, tells Refinery29.
“If you find your reaction to missing a workout (or whatever your routine is) is out of proportion to the event itself, then you would do well to engage in self-reflection to see if ‘motivation’ has turned into overly rigid discipline, which may not be healthy,” says Tang. “The key is knowing when to push and when to pause,” adds 23-year-old Samia, a student based in London.
Growth is a journey, and through checking in and being mindful, you can lock in smoothly and accomplish your dreams. With purpose, patience, and self-kindness, locking in may be the key to a more fulfilling life.
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