As the calendar edges ever closer to 2026, many Americans are already thinking about what they want to change—or keep the same—in the year ahead. While New Year’s resolutions remain a familiar tradition, new survey data suggests both who is making them and what they focus on is shifting in subtle but telling ways.
Only about three in 10 Americans say they plan to make a New Year’s resolution or set a goal for 2026, according to new polling conducted by YouGov conducted between December 9 to 11 among 1,104 U.S. adult citizens. Age plays a major role in that decision. Adults under 45 are roughly twice as likely as those over 45 to commit to a resolution, with 43 percent of younger adults planning one compared with 21 percent of older Americans.
Among those who do plan to set goals, the most popular resolution for 2026 centers on physical activity. One-quarter of Americans say they intend to exercise more, making it the top choice among the 25 options included in the survey. Other commonly cited resolutions reflect a mix of emotional, physical, and financial priorities. Nearly a quarter say they want to focus on being happy, while similar shares plan to eat healthier, save more money, or improve their overall physical health.
Some resolutions, however, draw far less interest. Just 4 percent of Americans say they plan to become more politically involved in 2026, and similarly small shares also say they want to be more punctual. Career and personal growth goals are also less common overall, with only 8 percent saying they hope to start a new hobby and the same proportion planning to look for a new job in the coming year.
Compared with last year, the ranking of top resolutions has changed. In 2025, saving more money topped the list, with 26 percent of Americans choosing it, followed by exercising more at 22 percent. For 2026, exercise has moved into first place, while saving money remains a priority but no longer leads the pack.
Adults under 45 are far more likely than those over 45 to resolve to save more money, pursue a career goal, improve their mental health, or learn something new. In each of these categories, younger adults outpace older Americans by wide margins, particularly when it comes to career ambitions and self-improvement. Women are more likely than men to say their goal for the new year is to lose weight or to focus on being happy.
Despite the perhaps well-worn reputation of resolutions as fleeting promises, most people who plan to make one for 2026 said they are confident in their ability to follow-through. Nearly four in 10 say it is very likely they will keep their resolution throughout the year, and half say it is somewhat likely. Only a small minority believe they are unlikely to stick with their goals.
Americans are more inclined to view 2025 positively on a personal level than as a year for the nation as a whole, with 38 percent describing it as good or great for themselves compared with 24 percent who say the same about the country.
However, 25 percent say 2025 was a bad or terrible year for them personally, while nearly twice as many—49 percent—apply that assessment to the country overall.
