since when does productivity need a catch phrase?
TLDR; "locking in" isn't a new concept.
For the last several weeks, I’ve been on my quarterly social media sabbatical.
I’ve only logged into Instagram, Threads, and Facebook when necessary to ‘share and go’, quickly check messages, or grab information I need. That’s not to say I’m not remaining vigilant of what’s happening in the world–I’ve just made the conscious decision to reduce doomscrolling on platforms that can be quite noisy.
Admittedly, I’ve been pretty consistent on LinkedIn as #OperationGetAJob continues. And while I was scrolling down my timeline, I came across a slew of videos promoting a 121-day challenge called “The Great Lock In”.
Upon further investigation (read: a good old Google search), I found that the trend, which originated on TikTok, has gone viral. Outlets like The New York Times, Fortune, The Guardian, and many others are reporting on how millennials and Gen Zers are ‘reclaiming their time’ and committing to their goals in various areas of their lives.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m all for productivity, holding yourself accountable, and moving closer to your dreams with intention. When it comes to timing, sprints can be a helpful way to move effectively and make decisions more efficiently.
But what I have been mindful of (especially in today’s digital landscape) is this notion of social media peer pressure.
And while these trends attempt to mean well, I think they can promote an unrealistic sense of urgency to overproduce, overextend, and sometimes overcomplicate things that are easier than we think.
“Locking in” isn’t a trend that should have a time limit. It should be an intentional practice of focus and execution that allows for flexibility, mistakes, pivots, and reflection. It’s a growth process that requires discipline, patience, and grace.
For context, I’ve been contemplating for a while how I want to show up within the wine industry. With so many ways to make an impact and things to create, my to-do list was growing longer and longer. Honestly, I was doing more ruminating and wondering than taking action and getting stuff done.
And then, last Thursday morning, it hit me like a bolt of lightning and woke me up out of my second snooze.
I grabbed my Champagne Laurent-Perrier notebook and started feverishly taking notes. Not gonna hold you–it was one of the most epic brain dumps I’ve had in a while. I shared my download with a few trusted friends and got to work.
My girl Brianne Garrett dropped a gem in her newsletter Stella that not only muffed me in the forehead, but also reiterated the feeling I felt last week:
“You can’t make a mistake, only a decision.”
It takes more time to overthink and overanalyze than it does to do one thing.
Make the call. Buy the domain. Send the email.
For those of you participating in “The Great Lock In”, Godspeed, friend. I hope you accomplish everything you set out to do at your own pace, and give yourself grace in the midst of it.
Trust yourself and your capability to walk out the assignment you’ve been divinely given.
Keep scrolling for more juice below. A few events are coming up where I’ll be pouring wine, and I’d love to see you there! –cc
WINE-ish NEWS
SEPTEMBER WINE EVENTS
EVANSTON, IL – On September 20, come ‘Sip & Shop’ at Zora’s Place – a new Black-woman owned bookstore owned by LT in the City Weekly’s L’Oreal Thompson Payton operating out of The Aux. I’ll be pouring some good juice from 3 to 5 PM, so come holla at me!
CHICAGO, IL – On Wednesday, September 23, the Central Region of The Veraison Project is hosting “Fall in a Glass”, a wine tasting fundraiser at Grand Cru Chicago. I’m a proud member of TVP’s leadership team, and this event will support programming for our region. Get your tickets here!
CHICAGO, IL – On Thursday, September 25, I’ll be joining Black Film Club for ‘Cinema Noir’ – a night of guided wine tastings paired with cinematic shorts at Sophy in Hyde Park. Get tickets here, and come chill with us!
**PAID SUBSCRIBERS, THANK YOU!**
Kelly, Sarah, Sarah, Elaine, Jessicka, Teresa – thank you so much for your patronage and support!
Amen to all of this!! (Also love that you’re collabing with Zora’s Place!)