September is HERE, and the girlies are calling the last 4 months of the year the Great Lock In. September 1–December 31 is all about locking in on the daily habits, choices, and mindset shifts that are required for you to close out the year, developing into the best version of yourself.
Everyone’s definition of “locking in” will look different, but the general theme of this season is discipline, tunnel vision, and committing to the necessary lifestyle changes that align with the life you’re trying to live.
I spent some time this weekend writing out my September goals and planning out what the next 4 months will look like for me, and I have some BIG goals, so I was also super intentional about writing out the systems that I need to have in place in order to set myself up for success.
I’m actually excellent at making plans and mapping out a strategy for whatever goal I’m working towards; my toxic trait is that I get in my own way when it comes to the actual execution of the game plan. Don’t get me wrong, my friends will describe me as one of the most disciplined people you’ll ever meet because I’ve completed five rounds of 75 Hard, I have a consistent workout schedule, and I thrive in high-pressure seasons that force me to lock in. I don’t struggle with execution in all areas of my life, but content creation is an area I want to focus on during this lock in, and that’s where my ability to actually create the content falls short.
I have content calendars on top of content calendars. I have the Google Sheets with episodes mapped out. I have so many notes in my phone with ideas and brainstorm dumps that I could write a book—or at least a short story.
September for me is all about content and self-reflection.
Content is moving from strategy and planning to action and execution. I’m already off to a strong start with content creation because I just recorded my first YouTube video. I’m doing the damn thing!!!
I turn 33 this month, so September is always a month where I go inward and reflect on the past 365 days and manifest and visualize what I want my next 365 days to look like. That’s not to say I won’t also be locked in on my other goals, like fitness and finances, but I’ll be hyper-focused on these two priorities.
I broke my lock-in goals + formula for success out by month, and each month builds on the next.
- September: Content + Self-Reflection
- October: Finances + Faith
- November: 30 Day Hard-ish + Gratitude
- December: 2026 Strategic Planning + Goals
I’m going to record videos throughout these next couple of months so you guys can follow along, and we can hold each other accountable if you’re building out your own lock in game plan.
I’m going to record videos throughout these next couple of months so you guys can follow along, and we can hold each other accountable if you’re building out your own lock in game plan.
One of my favorite reminders that I’ll be keeping with me over the next 4 months is that discipline is a muscle that you can develop over time. Making decisions that the future you will benefit from is how you start to get your reps in. You start building this muscle every time you keep your commitments to yourself and honor your boundaries.
I’m leaving for Spain on September 29 for my birthday trip with one of my best friends, and I have SO much to get done before we leave and then also need to be making progress towards my goals, so I already told my friends I don’t have time for nonsense this month.
For me, discipline looks like hitting all of my workouts, making daily decisions that align with my goals, and saying no to anything that might distract me from my ability to execute.
The framework is simple:
- Set 1–2 priority focus areas each month. For me, this would be content and self-reflection.
- Set primary goals for the month that align with these priorities. My big-picture goals are to relaunch the podcast, launch my YouTube channel, execute on my content calendar, and spend daily intentional time in reflection and prayer.
- Set secondary goals that align with your overall goals for this lock-in. Like, I’m still going to commit to my workouts and my budget + savings plan.
- Take this journey one week at a time. Really, it’s one day at a time, but when it comes to making progress, a weekly check-in is necessary. You have to assess how things are going for you week to week and make adjustments as needed.
These next 4 months aren’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent and showing up for yourself even when it’s hard. You owe it to yourself to go into 2026 in a completely different headspace than you’re in right now. It’s time to lock in and finish strong.
Spend some time this week mapping out what locking in looks like for you over the next four months. What’s one priority you can commit to this September that future you will thank you for?
xx
