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The concept of “locking in” has become increasingly popular recently, especially on social media. It’s not about being physically trapped somewhere but rather about focusing deeply and committing to challenging oneself for future benefits—be it in fitness, work, or personal growth. The idea encourages starting immediately rather than postponing, emphasizing that distractions should be pushed aside in favor of concentrated effort. This phrase has gained remarkable traction this year, with searches reaching new heights according to Google, sparking curiosity about how people adopt this mindset and whether it truly helps them.
For some, locking in means immersing themselves in intense periods of productivity. Dani, a 20-year-old student at the University of Manchester, explains that her generation tends to romanticize the process of deep work. She likens locking in to having tunnel vision—finishing a marathon revision session that stretched until 3 am to prepare for a demanding 10-hour exam day. Her approach involved silencing her phone, playing electronic music in the background, and snacking on digestive biscuits to maintain focus. As colder, darker days arrive, influencers motivate their followers to embrace this “winter arc,” viewing it as the perfect time to lock in and transform oneself, much like the progression of a character’s journey in TV shows or anime.
The phrase also resonates strongly in other areas, such as professional gaming. Karagii, a 29-year-old content creator, uses locking in as her personal mantra, especially as she faces regular sexism in online gaming communities. During her long 11-hour streams, she prioritizes eating and taking breaks by watching anime, playing with her cat, or reading to maintain endurance. Despite encountering belittling comments like “you’re good for a girl” and offensive remarks, she reminds herself, “I need to lock in,” to prove her skill and serve as a role model for young women watching her streams. This commitment strengthens her resolve and keeps her focused on her goals.
In the fitness world, Emma, 28, shares a similar experience of overcoming self-doubt to lock in and achieve her goals. She initially exercised at home and restricted her diet, feeling pressure to fit the expected gym-goer image. Over time, she realized this approach was harmful and instead embraced lifting weights at the gym, which provided both physical and mental benefits. Now a personal trainer in Lancashire, Emma recommends setting realistic and achievable targets as an effective way to stay locked in. However, she cautions against excessive intensity to avoid burnout and suggests variety through new classes or challenges, as well as the support of a workout partner, to maintain motivation over time.
The origins of the phrase locking in are somewhat murky, though linguist Adam Aleksic (known online as Etymology Nerd) traces its use back to the early 2000s, particularly within the African American community, with references found on Urban Dictionary as early as 2009. Despite its recent online popularity, it did not feature in the 2025 word of the year lists, which highlighted terms like “vibe coding” and “parasocial”. For many young people like Dani and her peers, locking in has become both a lighthearted slang expression and a shared cultural experience that fosters connection. After her intense exam period, Dani recounts winding down with a friend painting late into the night—a creative break that accompanied their locked-in state
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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