How to lock in for 60 days - Episode 74
As we move into the last stretch of the year, it’s easy to feel like time is running out — but it’s not. You can still make meaningful progress toward your goals and end the year on a high note.
This week’s episode is all about that idea: what would happen if you locked in for the next 60 days and gave yourself permission to focus, reset, and finish strong?
I was actually planning for today’s episode to be my reactions to The Life of a Showgirl, but I only got halfway through the outline on my flight and didn’t want to rush it. So stay tuned for that next week!
In the meantime, if you want to see my first reactions to the album, check out my latest YouTube video.
Create & consume:
What Austen is creating this week: short-form fashion content. I used a filter to help me choose my outfit and it was so fun!
What Austen is consuming this week: Nobody Wants This. I binged season 1 on the plane and we’re getting a new season next week!
In this episode:
It’s not too late
You don’t need a Monday, a new month, or a new year to start fresh — you just need intention.
Think about what you could do between now and December 31st to get closer to your goals.
Try picking a mantra for the next 60 days, like:
“I promise to do one thing every day from now until the end of the year that helps me build my dream life.”
Even one small action a day can compound into something major by year’s end.
Check in with yourself
If you’ve been following along, you know I love a good Notion check-in.
I use my Quarterly Reset Notion Template (which you can download for free!) to reflect, refocus, and realign.
Start with a few simple prompts:
Celebrate your wins. What are three things you accomplished in the last three months? Some of mine include renovating and moving into our new home, landing brand deals with Canva and The Knot, and starting to write for Glamour.
Refocus your goals. What do you want to achieve before next year? What goals no longer serve you?
Finish the sentence: “I will end the year happy with…”
This simple exercise helps you measure growth and make sure you’re spending your time on what really matters.
Make a game plan
Once you’ve got your priorities, map them out.
Create a tangible list of small, actionable steps and spread them across the remaining weeks of the year.
You can do this inside my Notion template or in your own planner.
For example, if your goal was to start a blog but you haven’t launched yet, maybe this week you just pick a name.
Next week, choose colors. The following week, research hosting domains.
Pro tip: set recurring check-ins on your calendar — whether that’s the first day of each month, every other Friday, or whatever rhythm keeps you accountable.
Keep your focus
Sometimes, protecting your focus means creating boundaries. (If you missed it, listen to Episode 72: How to Protect Your Peace for a deeper dive into this.)
Here are a few reminders:
Take a break from social media and the comparison trap — I even have a vlog where I documented a week completely off socials.
Double down on what’s already working.
Use DND on your phone, and think intentionally about how you spend your energy.
Reset your physical space
A clear space = a clear mind. Try doing a mini home reset this weekend:
Declutter and organize
Deep clean kitchen, floors, and fridge
Wash towels, sheets, and duvets
Wipe down surfaces and restock essentials
Refold clothes and organize jewelry
Finish with fresh flowers or a new candle for that cozy, seasonal vibe
Digital organization and refresh
Your digital space deserves a reset, too.
Add important dates (holidays, travel, birthdays) to your calendar
Back up files to Google Drive or an external hard drive
Delete unnecessary photos and documents
Run Clean My Mac
If applicable, update social media bios, portfolios, LinkedIn, and website copy
Unsubscribe, mute, and simplify your inbox
Do a quick finance check-in: bills, budgets, savings goals
For more financial planning tips, revisit Episode 48: The Hot Girl’s Guide to Surviving a Recession — it’s full of approachable ways to manage your money and stay grounded even when life gets hectic.
Visualize the finish line
End this exercise by picturing what success by December 31st looks like for you.
Write it down, or create a mini vision board.
Momentum > perfection — even small wins count.
It’s not about reinventing yourself; it’s about finishing the year strong and aligned.
Summary
You don’t need a new year to make a fresh start — just 60 days of focus, consistency, and intention.
Take stock of where you are, reset your environment, protect your peace, and map out small daily actions that move you toward your dream life.
By December 31, you’ll be proud of how much progress you’ve made — one intentional step at a time.
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