From TikTok to the Office: Applying the “Great Lock-In” to Your Professional Goals

The “Great lock-in” is the latest social media trend that has made the crossover to the work world. It follows in the footsteps of shift shock, quiet quitting, quiet hiring, and lazy girl jobs, and it has caught the attention of those on TikTok, social media, and even the mainstream news. 

With so much buzz, we tasked our Legal recruiters in Toronto to dive in and see how you can apply the principles of the “great lock-in” to your professional goals. 

But, don’t worry – if you are just hearing about the “great lock-in” now, we’ll catch you up. Below, you will learn about what it is, how you can benefit from this trend and use it in your work life. 

What is the great lock-in?

A recent viral trend known as “The Great Lock-In” emerged in mid-August, encouraging individuals to focus on personal development from September 1 through December 31. Commonly used among Generation Z, the term refers to making a dedicated commitment to a goal or activity, serving as an early resolution ahead of the New Year.

“The Great Lock In is really about you defining what moves the needle for you and giving yourself permission to pursue that in a way that’s sustainable and scalable over time,” says Kadie Glenn in The New York Times. 

It’s a motivational trend to help people accomplish everything they had set out to accomplish before 2026. 

What are the benefits of the great lock-in?

Participating in the great lock-in trend can help motivate people to form new habits, become more disciplined, and achieve new goals in various areas of their lives. It can help them prepare and be in the best position possible to be ready for 2026. Here are the key benefits:

1. Build new habits: The three-month timeframe allows sufficient opportunity to establish lasting habits. Studies indicate it takes approximately 66 days to adopt a new behaviour.
2. Greater motivation and focus: The September-to-December period is widely viewed as a productive season for change, offering a concentrated window to pursue personal priorities without the distractions of summer or the pressures of the new year.
3. Develop discipline and consistency: Through small, daily commitments, participants strengthen discipline and resilience, training themselves to maintain steady progress.
4. You can harness the fresh start effect by aligning with the natural sense of renewal that comes with the beginning of fall. This approach leverages psychological momentum to encourage goal-setting and achievement.
5. Year-end transformation: The structured timeline provides an opportunity for meaningful physical, mental, and personal growth, positioning participants to enter the New Year with measurable progress already in place.
6. Goal flexibility: The challenge can be applied to a wide range of objectives, including health, financial management, and personal projects, allowing each individual to tailor it to their own aspirations.

How can you apply the great lock-in to your professional goals?

You can apply the “great lock-in” to your professional goals by using the structured timeframe to focus on career growth and workplace development. This period allows you to set specific, actionable objectives and build consistency before the New Year. Examples include:

1. Reassess your career goals: Take time to review your existing career roadmap and determine if your current goals align with your long-term vision. 
2. Skill development: Commit to completing an online course, certification, or training program to strengthen your expertise.
   
3. Career advancement: Focus on updating your resume, networking, or preparing for internal promotions and new opportunities.
   
4. Improve productivity: Establish better routines for time management, organization, or task prioritization.
   
5. Leadership growth: Dedicate time to developing communication, delegation, and team management skills.
6. Eliminate distractions: Proactively identify and minimize distractions, such as excessive social media use, to protect your focus and ensure consistent progress. 

A final word about the great lock-in and your career

The “great lock-in” offers more than just a viral social media challenge. It provides a structured and intentional way to invest in yourself and your career. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, enhance productivity, or prepare for new opportunities, embracing this trend can help you enter 2026 with focus, momentum, and confidence.

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