Tag: gen z

Popular Psychology

Locked In: Why More Young People Are Choosing Hyper-Focus + How to Do It in a Healthy Way

by Torey C. Richards, LMHCLeave a Comment on Locked In: Why More Young People Are Choosing Hyper-Focus + How to Do It in a Healthy Way
Locked In: Why More Young People Are Choosing Hyper-Focus + How to Do It in a Healthy Way

“Locking in” (or being “locked in”) has become one of the buzziest phrases among Gen Z and younger Millennials. It’s about more than just staying busy—it means dedicating yourself to a goal with near-military focus, cutting out distractions, and aligning your habits with what you want to build or become. Newsweek+4Refinery29+4The Guardian+4

If you’ve seen motivational TikToks, to-do list montages, or people deleting apps, resisting social plans, or meal prepping like their future depends on it—it’s probably because they’re trying to lock in. Let’s dig into what’s behind the trend, why it’s appealing, some of its darker sides, and how you can try it out without burning out.

What Is “Locking In”?

  • Origins & evolution: The phrase appeared in gaming and sports circles first. As an athlete and sports fan I have been familiar with the phrase for a very long time. “Locked in” meant being super focused during a match, practice, or competition. Reddit+2The Guardian+2 Over time, it has shifted to broader usage. Goals related to work, fitness, finances, academics. The Times+3Refinery29+3The Guardian+3
  • What people are doing: Routines with structure, early alarms, limiting time on phone or social media, meal preps, working on side hustles, studying harder, investing, saving money, etc. Refinery29+2The Washington Post+2
  • Why now: Part of a shift away from “soft life” aesthetics (rest, comfort, peace) toward “hustle with purpose.” Economic stress, uncertainty, comparisons on social media, and a sense that waiting isn’t enough all feed into it. Refinery29+2The Guardian+2

Why It’s Attractive

Locking in holds appeal because it promises:

  • Agency: When things feel chaotic or out of control, it feels good to take back control, structure, and direction.
  • Motivation & momentum: Having a declared goal, public accountability, and a routine helps build momentum and can make progress visible.
  • Purpose & clarity: It pushes you to clarify priorities, what’s important, what to cut out, what to protect.
  • Feeling ahead: There’s this sense of “if I lock in now, I’ll be better prepared later” which feels satisfying psychologically. Yahoo+1

Risks & Pitfalls

But as with many intense trends or lifestyle shifts, there are trade-offs. Some things to watch out for:

  • Burnout: All discipline and no rest often leads to exhaustion. People may push too hard for too long. Refinery29+2The Guardian+2
  • Rigidity & guilt: When you miss a goal, skip a workout, or need rest, guilt kicks in. The trend can cultivate shame around rest or “off days.”
  • Comparisons & performance pressure: Social media amplifies curated lives; seeing someone else “lock in” all out can make people feel they aren’t doing enough.
  • Loss of balance: Sacrificing relationships, spontaneous joy, relaxation for the sake of productivity can degrade wellbeing in other areas.

How to Use “Locking In” Mindfully

If you want to try this trend without letting it dominate or harm your mental health, here are some suggestions:

  1. Set realistic goals
    Start with smaller, achievable targets. Break big goals into parts. Don’t try to overhaul everything overnight.
  2. Include rest & joy
    Block in time for fun, connection, and rest. Rest isn’t optional; it’s part of sustainable performance.
  3. Make accountability work for you, not against you
    Share goals with someone you trust. But don’t let external judgment become your main driver.
  4. Check in with your why
    Ask: “Why is this goal important to me?” If the answer starts to feel like “because everyone else is doing it” rather than something meaningful, you might need to adjust.
  5. Adapt & adjust
    If something feels toxic, unsustainable, or harming other areas of your life (relationships, health, mental clarity), pivot. Flexibility builds resilience, too.
  6. Celebrate progress
    Mark wins, big or small. The process matters, not just the outcome.

Final Thoughts

“Locking in” can be powerful. It’s a collective reawakening of discipline, purpose, and intentional living, especially in times when distraction is easy, and external pressures are high. But strength doesn’t come from endless structure alone. True resilience comes when we combine focus with meaning, rest, connection, and kindness—for ourselves.

So if you’re thinking about locking in: Go ahead. Just make sure you’re doing so in a way that builds you up, rather than wearing you down. Because locking into life should add life, not subtract from it.

Popular Psychology, Taking Control of Your LIfe

Bed Rotting and Gen Z: A Trend, A Statement, or A Cry for Help?

by Torey C. Richards, LMHCLeave a Comment on Bed Rotting and Gen Z: A Trend, A Statement, or A Cry for Help?
Bed Rotting and Gen Z: A Trend, A Statement, or A Cry for Help?

Tucked away in the algorithm-driven corners of TikTok, Twitter (or should I say “X”), and Instagram, there’s a phenomenon gaining traction, especially among Gen Z: “bed rotting.” But what is it about this act that resonates so deeply with today’s youth? Is it a passing trend, a form of silent protest, or a deeper sign of the times?

Diving into Bed Rotting

For the uninitiated, bed rotting is the act of lying in bed for prolonged periods, not due to illness or physical fatigue, but often driven by emotional or mental states. While older generations might dismiss it as sheer laziness or a lack of ambition, the reality is far more nuanced.

Why Gen Z?

This generation, armed with technology from a young age, has seen the world in ways no previous generation has. From global crises to the rise of influencer culture, their worldview is unique. So, why is bed rotting becoming a “thing” among them?

  1. Overwhelm & Digital Burnout: Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital world. While this brings unparalleled connectivity, it also brings information overload, comparison culture, and a sense of never truly “switching off”.
  2. Protest Against Hustle Culture: Recently I wrote a blog post about Hustle Culture. For a generation witnessing the fallout of relentless hustle, bed rotting can be seen as an act of rebellion. A silent protest against the “always-on” mentality.
  3. Mental Health Awareness: Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is more vocal about mental health. Bed rotting can be both an expression of mental exhaustion and a plea for understanding.
  4. Isolation in Connectivity: Ironically, in an era of global connection, many feel isolated. Physical interactions have been replaced with likes, shares, and retweets. The bed becomes a safe cocoon against the paradox of feeling alone in a crowded digital space.

Beyond the Trend: Implications & Understandings

Bed rotting, whether a conscious act or subconscious retreat, has tangible implications:

  • Physical Health: Extended periods in bed can lead to health issues, from muscle weakening to sleep disturbances.
  • Mental Well-being: While it might start as a retreat, prolonged bed rotting can exacerbate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

Breaking the Cycle

Understanding is the first step. If Gen Z’s bed rotting is a statement, then it’s one we should listen to. Solutions can be multi-faceted:

  1. Open Conversations: Encourage open dialogues about feelings without judgment. Sometimes, understanding the “why” can pave the way for change.
  2. Digital Detox: Encourage breaks from the online world. Rediscover offline hobbies and passions.
  3. Redefine Success: Challenge the traditional narratives of success and achievement. It’s okay to have days of rest and reflection.
  4. Professional Help: If bed rotting becomes chronic, consider seeking therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion

For Gen Z, bed rotting isn’t just a trend; it’s a statement. It’s an embodiment of their experiences in a world that’s both incredibly connected and profoundly isolating. Recognizing it as such allows us to approach the phenomenon with empathy, offering support and understanding rather than judgment.