The Great Lock-In: 2.5 Week Update

It’s been about two and a half weeks since I started my Great Lock-In Challenge, so it’s time for an update. Like most big goals, it’s been a mixed bag—but overall, I’m pleased with my progress.

Big Wins So Far

I’ve knocked out some huge milestones already:

• Outlined my 100-Day Challenge (still working on actually completing everything… but progress is progress!).

• Published my performance website—a big deal, and I did it on my own. Updating it regularly and promoting my concerts on social media is the next step, but having the site live feels like a victory.

• Started my music listening calendar. I’ve finished the first few months and hope to have all 12 done, with YouTube playlists, by the end of October.

• Bought a reading light and actually started reading at night. (Blog post on this coming soon!)

• Collected the books I want to use for my piano curriculum—ideas are flowing.

• Scheduled a piano tuning, so I’ll be ready to start recording videos soon.

• Scheduled another concert for March, with interest for another in Topeka.

Daily Goals: The Real Talk

Here’s how I’m stacking up against the goals I set:

Diet plan — Not following it strictly yet, but I’m making better choices. Starting tomorrow, I’ll vlog my meals daily for accountability.

Water (90 oz/day) — Room for improvement. I’m focusing on this now, drinking more on the mat and cutting out sparkling water in favor of plain.

Strength training — Doing well! Life got in the way a bit this week, but I’ve been lifting consistently and love how much stronger I feel.

BJJ rolling and technique — I’ve been sidelined by an injury, but I’m still on the mats working technique. Hoping to be back to rolling soon.

Brown belt attacks — Yes! My husband (who usually hates a strict schedule) has been drilling with me three times a week. Right now I’m on defense, but the attacks are coming.

Piano practice (2+ hours/day) — Not perfect, but consistent. My RCM program is set, and I’m making progress on some very challenging repertoire.

Social media posting — Nope. This one’s all on me. Time to swallow my pride, ditch the excuses, and start posting consistently.

Blogging (2 posts per site, weekly) — Needs work. This post is one step forward, but I need to get more consistent here too.

Project tasks (daily, even tiny ones) — Yes! Even small steps are adding up, and I can feel the momentum building.

Challenges Along the Way

Life has been “life-ing”:

• Prepping for a concert.

• My husband’s citizenship ceremony (amazing, but lots of paperwork now with passports and name changes).

• A small post-vaccine illness.

Even with obstacles, I feel more focused and determined than I have in a long time.

This Week’s Focus

• Water: Drink, drink, drink.

• Diet: Prioritize how I want to feel, my BJJ goals, and yes—how I want to look.

• Sleep: Bed and reading by 9 p.m.

• Social media: Be like Nike—just do it.

• Blogging: Write and publish consistently.

Looking Ahead: October Goals

By the end of October, I want to:

• Finish my piano studio website.

• Complete all 12 months of the music listening calendar and create YouTube playlists.

• Share some fun Halloween piano tunes (starting October 6).

• Actually make those K-pop Demon Hunter arrangements I keep putting off.

Let’s see if I can bend the laws of physics and make it happen!

Kari Johnson Barroso is a pianist, business owner, and Jiu-Jitsu competitor. In her mid-40s, she’s chasing big goals, managing the chaos, and proving it’s never too late to fight for the life you want — even if it means hugging the world with your legs.