Why Your Motivation Is Missing (and Why December Isn’t Helping)

The Soft Lock-In Winter Survival Edition

Hi chat 💚 We need to talk.

Not in a dramatic way — more in a “Is it Christmas Break Time Yet?” way

Right now motivation has filed for divorce, discipline is missing, serotonin is on annual leave, and the sun is setting at 3:53pm (yes, I asked Alexa, don’t judge).

We wake up — it’s dark, we start work — still dark, we finish work — it’s dark again. Meanwhile, Instagram is pushing curated festive perfection like we’re all meant to be thriving — when in reality, most of us are being held together by caffeine, denial, and the promise of a nap sometime before 2026.

And on top of all that… Christmas is approaching. Fast.

Like… hello? How is it already the 8th of December?

But before we dive into the festive chaos, let’s wrap up Week 1 of The Soft Lock-In — because I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely tried to put my best foot forward. Whether it worked? Debatable. But effort was made.

Week 1 of The Soft Lock-In Recap

I went back to the gym (my core immediately threatened to give up), got my nails done in a very Christmassy red with gold chrome stars, chopped my hair off, got a Hydrafacial, decorated my room with fairy lights, got branded cupcakes at the office, had a date night listening to live music, and casually launched an entire website and blog — because apparently I do that now… Who is she? 🥹🤏🏼

I also shocked myself by NOT blowing my non-existent life savings during Black Friday & Cyber Monday. For a shopping addict with 11 years of questionable spending habits, this is either growth… or a delusional glitch. I’ll take the win.

And yes — I’ve proudly embraced being in bed by 8pm with peppermint tea re-watching Gilmore Girls and Harry Potter for the 10000th time. This counts as self-care AND nervous system regulation.

The chaos era is closed. We are in our soft structure era now. The Soft Lock-In, if you will… And here’s the harsh truth: If you let December turn into a six-week “fuck it” festival, January will slap you across the face.

1. The December FOMO Delusion (aka the Over-Scheduling Olympics)

Every December, something unhinged happens to the collective brain. People suddenly believe they must:

💚 say yes to every event

💚 attend 17 Christmas drinks

💚 catch up with people they haven’t spoken to since middle school

💚 book 3–4 social plans in one day

💚 pretend their social battery isn’t already on 1%

It’s essentially:

“Who Can Socialise Themselves Into a Breakdown Before Christmas?” And for what? So we can enter January: exhausted, broke, puffy, inflamed, vitamin-D deficient, and deep in seasonal depression. Your social battery is NOT a Tesla. It does NOT fast-charge. It requires rest, silence, peace, and sometimes an early night in silk pyjamas after an everything shower.

You’re allowed to:

✨ cancel plans

✨ leave early

✨ say no

✨ be selectively social

✨ stay home with tea and a Christmas movie

December FOMO is just peer pressure in glitter.

2. The Baileys Latte Personality Era

Listen. I love a Baileys latte. It tastes like Christmas, nostalgia, escapism, and mild self-sabotage.

But we cannot:

💚 use Baileys as a meal replacement

💚 call it a personality

💚 live in “fuck it, it’s Christmas” mode for 31 days straight

Your hormones, sleep, skin, and bank account WILL revolt in January.A festive drink is cute. Becoming a Baileys-based organism is not.

3. We Just Survived Black Friday… and Now the Real Chaos Begins

Black Friday: survived. Cyber Monday: survived. Your bank account: traumatised, but alive. But now? Here come the heavy hitters:

✨ Christmas sales

✨ Boxing Day sales

✨ January clearance

✨ “Fresh Start” sales

✨ New Year - New Me propaganda

The festive retail season is psychological warfare — especially for shopaholics. But not this year. We’re rebuilding — not financially ruining ourselves because Zara whispered our name. Not on this rebuild.

4. Your Health Still Matters — Especially Now

I know motivation is low. Your bed is the love of your life. It’s dark before you’ve processed lunch. But your body needs you more in winter.

Keep it soft, simple, and realistic:

✨ Move your body — even gently.

✨ Eat actual meals — not just chocolate and cocktails.

✨ Prioritise sleep like it’s sacred.

✨ Stick to small routines that stabilise you.

Movement regulates your mood. Food stabilises your hormones. Sleep prevents emotional collapse. Your January self will thank your December self.

5. A Soft Lock-In Reminder

You are allowed to enjoy December. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to have boundaries. You do NOT need to:

💚 drink daily

💚 see everyone before Christmas

💚 say yes to everything

💚 perform happiness

💚 spend half your salary trying to feel festive

You’re not boring for wanting a calmer month. You’re not “missing out” by protecting your peace. Sometimes the softest choice is the strongest one.

6. So What Now?

Find your balance. Protect your peace.

Don’t let December undo the work you’ve done all year. This isn’t perfection — it’s preservation.

And when motivation ghost-leaves the chat (as she will), remember: we follow the plan — not the mood. 💚

For now — breathe, soften, choose gently, and don’t let December drag you. You are not missing out.