The Great Lock In: Is Gen Z’s Latest Self-Improvement Trend the Key to Success or a Recipe for Burnout?

Sep 10, 2025 | Articles, Litmos and Learning Industry News

Key Takeaways:

  • “The Great Lock In” is a Gen Z-led social media trend encouraging intense focus on personal and professional goals from late summer until the end of the year.
  • The trend emphasizes discipline, side hustles, and minimizing distractions to achieve significant progress in a short period.
  • While it can be a powerful motivator, “The Great Lock In” also raises concerns about hustle culture, burnout and the pressure to constantly optimize one’s life.
  • HR and L&D leaders who embrace this trend can motivate learners, but should do so in a balanced and sustainable way

As the summer sun fades and the year enters its final stretch, a new trend is taking over social media feeds: The Great Lock In of 2025. This Gen Z-driven movement is all about intense focus and dedication to personal and professional goals. But is this just another fleeting internet challenge, or is it a sign of a deeper shift in how we approach professional development? This article will delve into the phenomenon, exploring its origins, what it entails, and the potential pitfalls of “locking in.”

What is “The Great Lock In?”

“The Great Lock In” is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a full-fledged movement that has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). At its core, the trend is a call to action for individuals to dedicate the final months of the year to intense self-improvement. It’s about “locking in” on your goals, whether they’re related to your career, fitness, finances, or personal projects.

The trend encourages participants to:

  • Embrace discipline: This means cutting out distractions, whether it’s endless scrolling on social media, binge-watching TV shows, or going out with friends every weekend.
  • Focus on a side hustle: Many participants are using this time to launch or grow a side business, learn a new skill, or create content.
  • Prioritize health and wellness: This can include everything from a strict workout regimen to a healthier diet and a consistent sleep schedule.

The appeal of “The Great Lock In” is understandable. In a world of constant connectivity and endless distractions, it’s appealing to take a break to intensely focus on a specific goal that you’ve always wanted to achieve. In this way, you’re reclaiming your time and energy to make tangible progress toward your professional goals and personal ambitions.

The Allure and the Pitfalls of “Locking In”

The trend has been met with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. On one hand, it’s a powerful motivator for those who feel stagnant at work or in their personal lives, and want to end the year on a high note. As one creator posted on TikTok, “The great lock in of August to December 2025 can make generational change for your life.”

For business leaders, this trend presents a unique opportunity to channel employee ambition. Instead of letting the pressure lead to burnout, organizations can support their teams’ drive for growth. A great way to start is by using a structured approach to motivation, like the Litmos motivational eLearning design checklist, to keep employees engaged and focused without the risk of overload.

Download our free motivational design checklist to get started.

However, there’s a fine line between healthy ambition and toxic hustle culture. The pressure to constantly be productive and to optimize every moment of your life can lead to workplace burnout, anxiety, and a feeling of inadequacy. It’s important to remind employees that rest and relaxation are critical for their mental health and that the best quality work comes from teams who take time to recharge.

Finding a Healthy Balance

Whether you’re looking to reset your personal life, kickstart your career, or motivate your Gen Z employees, the key to a successful “Great Lock In” is to approach it with a sense of balance and compassion. Here are a few tips:

  • Set realistic goals: Don’t try to overhaul your entire life in a few months. Instead, focus on a few key areas where you want to see the most improvement.
  • Schedule in rest: Burnout is the enemy of progress. Make sure to schedule in time for rest, relaxation, and activities you enjoy.
  • Celebrate your progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small they may seem.

Ultimately, “The Great Lock In” is what you make of it. It can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and employee motivation, but it’s important to approach it in a way that is healthy and sustainable. For business leaders, aligning this trend with your company’s values and priorities is also critical.

Capitalize on the Moment: A Call to Action for Leaders

“The Great Lock In” isn’t just a personal trend; it’s a golden opportunity for learning and HR leaders. With employees more motivated than ever to focus on their growth, now is the time to channel that energy into meaningful professional development. By providing engaging learning opportunities that align with their ambitions, you can keep your teams engaged, prevent burnout, and turn this wave of self-improvement into a powerful engine for organizational growth.

Ready to harness this momentum? Reach out to a Litmos expert to see how our LMS can help you keep your team “locked in” on success.