Towards the end of the year, almost across the US, people tend to list down the things they want to change for themselves in the next calendar year. Some of these are genuine wishes for one’s self on what they would love to do better, or improve upon, based on what transpired the whole year. Some look forward to a change in handling finances, an improvement in workout routine, a change in lifestyle, reading more books, learn a new hobby and so much more. New Year’s Resolutions, generally, are focused on intentional personal improvement.
America’s Top New Year Resolutions
According to Statista, America’s top new year resolutions are centered on being healthy. Forty-eight per cent (48%) revealed that they aspire to exercise more; 45% want to eat healthier; and 31% aim to lose weight. The other new year’s resolutions are focused on finance and work. Forty-six per cent (46%) shared their goal is to save more money; 24% want to improve performance on their job; and 22% shared they wish to reduce stress on their job. The rest are focused on building and cultivating relationships, whereby, 42% of the respondents wanted to spend more time with friends and family. Meanwhile, 24% want to do more for the environment, perhaps as a result of the ongoing Climate Change and the campaign of the UN for sustainable environmental practices, congruent to the Sustainable Development Goals 13, which is Climate Action.
The Reality of New Year’s Resolutions
One study found that with all the goals to change for the better come New Year, only 77% kept their resolutions for a week. This means that at least 1/3 of those whose goal is to improve one’s self, were able to maintain this resolve for 14 days. Meanwhile, only 19% maintained their goals within two years. The same study also highlighted that between 20%-40% were able to achieve their New Year’s resolution goals at the end of the year.
What To Do
A previous study (Oscarsson, et. al., 2020) underscored the importance of framing New Year’s resolution in an approach-oriented e.g. walk 10,000 steps everyday, as opposed to avoidance-oriented mindset e.g. do not eat junk food, facilitates more positive results.
The secret lies with habit. According to a book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, small, consistent habits compound and result in massive transformation over time. This is important to remember because there are days when the goal that you have outlined for yourself at the beginning of the year seem difficult to achieve especially when in the middle of a busy work schedule, personal commitments, and other extraneous circumstances that hinder from reaching the goals. While there may be setbacks along the road towards achieving one’s New Year’s Resolutions, small progress is still progress. The most important thing is consistency; showing up day after day to realize that goal for one’s self, for the family, and even for the environment.
References
(2026, April 12.) Successful New Year’s Resolutions Strategies | BetterHelp. BetterHelp. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/current-events/new-years-resolutions-statistics-and-evidence-based-strategies-for-success/
(2025, February 4). The new year called – it wants its resolutions back. (n.d.). https://useorigin.com/resources/blog/the-new-year-called-it-wants-its-resolutions-back
Fleck, A. (2025, December 16). America’s top New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Statista Daily Data. https://www.statista.com/chart/29019/most-common-new-years-resolutions-us
Gracia, S. (2024, January 9). New Year’s resolutions: Who makes them and why?. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/29/new-years-resolutions-who-makes-them-and-why/
Norcross JC, Vangarelli DJ. The resolution solution: longitudinal examination of New Year’s change attempts. J Subst Abuse. 1988-1989;1(2):127-34. doi: 10.1016/s0899-3289(88)80016-6. PMID: 2980864.
