In the United States, TikTok is once again having an impact on habit formation and goal-setting. The latest viral trend, called “The Great Lock In”, inspires users to focus on improving their personal finances, productivity, and mental health during the last four months of 2025, from September to December.
This challenge works as a brief but effective reset before the year 2026 begins, unlike conventional New Year’s resolutions that’s frequently gone by spring.
The concept is about planned progress rather than perfection or rigorous discipline. The Great Lock In has rapidly developed into a place where the online community helps one another’s development in real time, whether members are saving money, organizing their lives, or improving their emotional health.
The idea behind The Great Lock In
According to Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist and host of the Mind Money Balance podcast, The Great Lock In feels like “New Year’s resolutions’ little sister.” It’s short, simple, and practical—easy to stick with. Instead of setting huge resolutions in January, participants use the fall as a time to refocus on achievable goals.
Bryan-Podvin explains that people connect with it because it feels realistic. “It’s short-term, practical, and feels doable,” she told AP. There are no rigid rules, just motivation to stay consistent, and that actually make it easier to do. The goal can go from paying off a credit card to creating better morning routines or spending less time on social media.
From viral trends to real-life habits
The Great Lock In’s flexibility is different from other viral challenges. Participants choose objectives based on their needs, whether they be emotional, physical, or financial. According to Ben Markley, host of Sketchy Advice by YNAB and personal finance educator, the trend is most effective when people concentrate on systems instead of perfection.
“Find systems that last beyond the challenge,” is Markley‘s advice. Using habit trackers or budgeting apps like YNAB, keeps it going all the way to 2026. He compares it to doing a 5K run rather than a marathon because it’s motivating, short, and manageable.
For experts, these simple and repetitive activities help mental and emotional well-being, because when people make progress they feel more capable and confident with themselves and that’s where the constructive cycle of inspiration and motivation starts.
A small challenge, a big community
The Great Lock In’s power is mostly in the community, just like many of TikTok trends. Using the hashtag, people participating celebrate milestones, share accomplishments, and post updates. For Mercedes, who’s joint the challenge, “Seeing people keep up with my journey motivates me.”
More than just a social media trend is teamwork. And that makes the trends more valuable.
But as any teamwork, pressure can appear too. Experts like Markley warn against about this, though. “If this doesn’t work for you, that’s OK… There are other ways to build stability without turning life into a challenge.”
Making resolutions for 2026 well ahead
The Great Lock In is mostly about establishing better productivity habits, taking care of people’s mental health, or improving personal finances. It demonstrates how discipline and introspection can be promoted by TikTok and the online community without the need for pressure or perfectionism.
The challenge is not that complicated after all. You just need to use these last months of 2025 to establish routines that support your goals and mental well-being. But you have to be consistent though, whether you goal is saving money, workout, or cutting back on social media.
Most of the people try to following resolutions every single year, and by February the majority have left it hanging. So why not trying a few months before and see if it sticks?