This challenge has struck a chord with people who are tired of feeling scattered and unproductive – especially after realising, somewhere around August, that those shiny New Year’s resolutions have begun to collect dust.

At its core, the Great Lock-In is about commitment. The idea is to choose just a few key areas to work on and build routines over these 121 days (fewer days now that we are in December, of course). The flexibility is its biggest appeal: unlike rigid programmes with one set of rules for everyone, people define their own “lock-in” habits. This makes it feel personal and adds motivation.

The execution of the challenge varies largely among its participants: some are taking it to extremes – deleting every social app, waking up at 5am, journalling, hitting the gym, etc.

Others are doing softer versions – enforcing no-scroll mornings, stopping the procrastination or trying to eat healthier.

Why I actually get it

The pitfalls

The same intensity that makes the Great Lock-In exciting also makes it dangerous. Experts already warn that the challenge can slide into perfectionism or burnout. When people treat every day like a test, missing one habit feels like failure – which is exactly how burnout starts.

Some creators are even monetising it with affiliate links, while brands are using it as an excuse to promote their products.

Should you do it?

I think it’s worth trying – but only if you do it on your own terms. You don’t need a 5am wake-up call or a super-strict routine to make it count. I suggest picking one or two things you actually care about, the stuff you keep saying you’ll get to ‘when life slows down’. Cut one distraction that’s been eating your time. And most importantly, do it for yourself, without turning it into spectacle online.

If the Great Lock-In becomes a way to reset and to finish the year feeling proud instead of worn out, great. But if it turns into another source of stress and pressure, it’s missing the point. Do it because it makes your life feel a little clearer – not because everyone else is posting about how “locked in” they are.