The Subtle Art of "Locking In"
Commit to the path, silence the doubt, and harness your potential with intention and resilience.
I was blessed to swim with some of my teachers and peers a few months ago. While I was just enjoying the swim, one of the senior scholars taught us how to save someone drowning at sea. It was pretty funny; here we are, in our trunks, enjoying a swim in the ocean, and the shaykh (scholar) is teaching. It was almost as if he couldn’t turn it off.
Mid-lesson, he dove down into the water and disappeared, and all of a sudden, he popped up behind me. I was startled and quickly turned around right as he tried grabbing me from behind, not knowing this could put us both in danger. The shaykh Immediately let go and said, “Oh no. Brother, you’re too big.”
I didn’t think too much of it and continued on with our swim, but when we got back inside, he told me, “Brother, the way you turned around quickly like that was very dangerous. Had you hit me in the head, we both would have been in a very dangerous situation. You’re a strong big brother but should take care of your weight.”
I’m used to being a bigger guy, so I took no offense to the shaykh’s comment. In fact, it sparked something in me. It’s been two years since I exercised, and now it’s time to “lock-in.”
“Lock in,” albeit common parlance—a colloquialism meaning to be very focused on achieving your goal—is easier said than done. What does it mean to be focused on one’s goal? What does “locking in” entail, practically speaking? In this article, I want to offer a framework to help young people as they strive to level up their lives and take ownership of their growth.
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, “If only I had done such and such,” rather say, “Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha'a fa'ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does).” For (saying) ‘If’ opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan.’”1
–Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Recognizing Domains
When we talk about “locking in,” we’re speaking about taking life seriously and prioritizing our well-being across all the essential areas of our lives. To do this effectively, we must first recognize that life comprises different domains: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. All four are interconnected, meaning neglecting one area will invariably impact the others. Understanding this connection is the foundation for achieving balance, focus, and long-term growth.
Specific steps can be taken to be more intentional and disciplined in each domain. By examining these areas and giving each its due attention, we align ourselves with our greater purpose and set the stage for steady growth.
Biological
One of the most fundamental areas to address when “locking in” is our biological well-being. This encompasses all our physical needs, particularly food, sleep, and exercise. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized moderation and balance in these aspects. Taking care of our physical bodies is not only a matter of health but a form of spiritual discipline, as we are custodians of this body gifted to us by Allah.
My weight has fluctuated most of my adult life. I know what to do to lose it and, if I’m not careful, exactly how I will gain it. So, when I returned home from the trip with my teachers, I started my routine. I cut out almost all starches and processed sugars for the first few weeks and upped my protein intake. In the following weeks, I started walking around my neighborhood.
Al-Humdulillah, I have lost some weight, but I have yet to reach my physical health goals, and that’s ok. The biological domain is more than simply getting enough rest or eating nutritious meals. It is also about developing a routine and creating habits that sustain us physically. Think of the body as the vehicle that carries the soul; if the vehicle is not maintained, then it cannot support its passenger on their journey. A person who is sleep-deprived or overindulgent in unhealthy foods will struggle with discipline and focus in all other domains.
Neglect or excess in the biological realm has spiritual implications as well. For example, overeating leads not only to physical lethargy but also to spiritual dullness. Muslim scholars and spiritual masters emphasize moderation, as overindulgence dampens one’s sensitivity to spiritual matters. This isn’t some esoteric utopian spiritual state either; everyone knows the food-choma feeling after a later dessert, and we still have to pray Isha. By establishing a solid physical foundation, we equip ourselves to be more present and engaged in all areas of life.
“You must—and may Allah grant you success—protect your stomach and rectify it; it is indeed the most difficult of organs for the one who strives (mujtahid) to rectify. It is the most troublesome and the most distracting; it is the most harmful and has the most widespread effect. This is because it is the fountainhead and source; from it all the states of the other limbs come to be: strength and weakness, abstinence (ʿiffah) and willfulness (jimāḥ), and so forth.”
–Imam Al-Ghazali (d. 505/1111)
Psychological
Psychological well-being is an area that is often neglected or misunderstood. To “lock in” psychologically means learning to manage and respond to our emotions wisely. It is not about suppressing or denying emotions but about gaining the emotional intelligence necessary to recognize our feelings and why.
Emotions are like signals—they alert us to what is happening internally and externally. However, not all emotions should be indulged or acted upon without discernment. Anger, for example, is not inherently negative, but how we respond to it can lead to constructive action or destructive behavior. The same applies to sadness, anxiety, and other complicated feelings.
Regarding my fitness, “locking in” is never a problem for me, Al-Humdulillah; once I’m locked in, I’m locked in. The real problem is starting, and that’s almost always an emotional issue—typically a mild form of depression. Whether not allowing myself enough time for R&R or my ambition supersedes my capacity, it produces frustration that dampens my will to resist carbs. When my teacher essentially told me I needed to lose weight, it lit a proverbial fire under my butt. It motivated me to stop being lazy and finally “lock-in.”
A crucial part of this process is learning to sit with discomfort and to discern which emotions are worth responding to immediately and which are simply passing waves. Sometimes, hardship and struggle are necessary for growth, and avoiding them only prolongs the difficulty. In my circumstance, I knew that if I didn’t grab hold of that motivation and do something with it, my two years of lethargy may quickly double. The goal is to respond appropriately and to see our emotional experiences as opportunities for personal and spiritual refinement. This is where sabr (patience) and tawakkul (reliance on Allah) comes into play.
That said, sometimes we need additional support. If we find ourselves overwhelmed by our emotional circumstances, please reach out to someone for help. There’s no shame in speaking with an Imam or therapist or even taking medication. If we strive to be the best version of ourselves, there’s no difference between that and going to a nutritionist or a physical trainer for physiological challenges.
Social
Human beings are inherently social creatures. Even introverts require minimal social interaction to feel connected and supported. However, it is not just about the quantity of our social interactions but the quality. “Locking in” socially involves being intentional about the company we keep and the social circles we cultivate.
It is essential to assess the types of relationships we engage in. Some people uplift us, challenge us in positive ways, and nourish our souls. These are the relationships worth investing in. On the other hand, some drain our energy, distract us from our goals, or lead us into unproductive habits. Being selective with our social engagements is crucial in maintaining our focus and emotional health.
One of the most overlooked aspects of social well-being is balancing time spent with others and time spent alone. There is wisdom in seeking seclusion for reflection and worship, but too much isolation can lead to loneliness and disconnection. Contrastingly, constant socialization without reflection can prevent self-awareness and hinder personal growth. By mindfully recognizing and fulfilling our social needs, we maintain a healthy balance that supports our overall well-being.
"The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof."2
–Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Spiritual
The spiritual domain consists of both external actions and internal intentions. The external aspect includes the obligatory acts of worship in Islam, such as the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, and paying Zakat (almsgiving). These actions serve as pillars that anchor us, helping us maintain discipline and consistency in our lives.
Yet, performing these actions without reflecting on their purpose and intention can lead to a hollow practice. Striving to beautify these acts through presence, sincerity, and devotion is essential to deepening our spiritual connection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminded us to “worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, know that He sees you.”3 This level of mindfulness elevates our worship from a mere obligation to an act of Ihsan (spiritual excellence) rooted in love and gratitude.
Internally, our spiritual lives revolve around the sincerity of our intentions. Our internal state influences how we perceive and engage with each domain. For instance, if we sincerely aim to consume food in a way that pleases Allah, it will naturally lead us to be more mindful of our health. Similarly, if our intention is to benefit others for the sake of Allah, it will shape the quality of our social interactions.
The internal spiritual dimension serves as the glue that connects all the other domains. It gives purpose and meaning to our actions, transforming them into acts of worship and aligning them with our ultimate goal of earning Allah’s pleasure.
“I do not pretend to be a divine man, but I do believe in divine guidance, divine power, and in the fulfillment of divine prophecy. I am not educated, nor am I an expert in any particular field but I am sincere, and my sincerity is my credentials.”
–Malcolm X4
Traversing the Abyss
I want to acknowledge that I don’t have it all figured out. In most aspects of my life, I feel like an imposture, simply waiting to be exposed. But, Al-Humdulillah, I have grown to befriend my insecurities. They remain everpresent, but I have been blessed to persevere—by Allah’s grace.
Nonetheless, this was not always the case. Al-Humdulillah, I’m now thirty-five years old and have lived on my own since I was seventeen. There were years, perhaps even decades, where all I wanted to do was rid myself of my insecurities and be “successful,” and not being able to hit that undefined (and often unknown) goal left me frustrated and depressed because I felt like a failure. I hadn’t yet realized that “locking in” in pursuit of “success” is a journey, not a destination.
After God, what saved me was the generosity of my mentors. In the moment, it felt cold and insensitive, but retrospectively, they were the ones who supported me as I persevered. Their tough love was exactly what I needed as a young man, particularly one who grew up without his father in the home, and they knew it. These older, wise, experienced men knew I needed to remain faithful to the course, moving in the right direction, and Allah would determine the rest.
The reason the shaykh’s comments rolled right off my shoulders and weren’t offensive is that not only did I know him and his intention, but this wasn’t my first rodeo. In fact, I felt like a professional bull rider in the chute, and the gates just opened. What will happen in the near future is unknown, but I knew I had to “lock in” and hold on as best as I could.
Ultimately, with Allah is success.
Malcolm X. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: Ballantine Books, 1992, 375.
SubhanAllah, I needed this in this very moment. The comments on "befriending insecurities" and emotional intelligence really hit me hard. JazakAllahu khair sheykhna. These blogs are always so insightful.
I need to lock in too sheikh. I've become lax and loose and lazy and lardy. Haha. There are much gains to be gained, inside and out of the gym.