As the calendar flips to a new year, it's a tradition for many of us to reflect on the past and set our sights on a better, brighter future. New Year's resolutions are a ubiquitous part of this annual ritual.
But how many of these resolutions actually come to fruition, and what drives us to set these goals in the first place?
In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of New Year's resolutions, exploring the trends and statistics that surround them.
Top New Year's Resolutions Statistics [Editor's Choice]
- 3 in 10 Americans made a resolution in 2024.
- 62% of those making resolutions feel pressured to do so.
- 79% of New Year's goals involve improving health.
- Only 6% of adults will make resolutions to travel more.
How Many People Make New Year's Resolutions?
- 3 in 10 Americans made a resolution in 2024.
Adults ages 18 to 29 make up the biggest group that made at least one resolution at 49%. Of those ages 30 to 49, 31% made a resolution, and just 21% of those 50 and above committed to a resolution.
- 62% of those making resolutions feel pressured to do so.
Women (64%) tend to feel slightly more pressured than men (60%) to make resolutions each year. When it comes to age groups, Gen Z feels the most pressure to commit to a resolution at 39%.
- 80% of goal-setters feel confident they can stick to their resolutions throughout the year.
But this is easier said than done! In fact, 20% of those making resolutions will actively keep themselves accountable when sticking to their goals.
- Of those who don't make resolutions, just not wanting to is the key reason.
Pretty simple! Of the 70% of Americans who won't be picking a resolution, 56% state not wanting to is the main reason why. Other reasons include that they break the resolutions too easily (12%) and forgetting (6%).
- Those over the age of 55 are 3.1x less likely to set New Year's goals when compared to younger adults.
This could be due to many reasons - this group may have already reached a number of life goals or they may be more realistic about the odds of actually making those resolutions happen.
What Are Common New Year's Resolutions?
There seems to be a common theme when it comes to making New Year’s goals.
Whether it's sticking to a better diet or working out more, goal-setters prioritize their health and wellness over other areas.
Let these New Year’s resolution statistics speak for themselves!
- 79% of New Year's goals involve improving health.
This can range from increasing fitness levels (48%), boosting mental health (36%), and improved diet (32%).
- Only 6% of adults will make resolutions to travel more.
Other less common resolutions include incorporating regular meditation (5%), drinking less alcohol (3%), and better work performance (3%).
- Those ages 18 to 24 are more likely to have fitness-related resolutions.
Of this group, 53% plan to exercise more and 51% plan to eat healthier. However, those ages 25 to 44 tend to focus more on financial resolutions, with 58% listing budgeting as their top goal for the year.
- More than half of New Year's goal-setters plan on improving personal relationships and learning a new hobby.
57% of people will make a point to create stronger social connections, such as improving relationships with family and friends. Additionally, 55% of people will embark on perfecting a new hobby throughout the year.
How Many New Year's Resolutions Come True?
Making sure your goals for the new year come true requires dedication. As we all know, it's easy to set great-sounding goals but actually following through makes it tough. Consider putting together a New Year’s resolution list together to keep you on-task.
Let's see how many resolutions come true with these New Year's resolution statistics below!
- Recent research has shown that just 9% of Americans actually keep their resolutions throughout the year.
A dedicated bunch. Aside from keeping a goal journal planner, another good way to maintain New Year's resolutions is to set up another accountability method.
- A planner or journal is a common method of accountability for 35% of those making New Year's resolutions.
Other common ways people stay on top of resolutions include habit-tracking (30%) and budgeting apps (34%).
- 85% of people with resolutions believe the impact will extend beyond a single year.
Up to 25% believe their resolution will have an impact lasting one to two years, and over half see it extending into five years (57%).
Why Do New Year's Resolutions Fail?
There are many reasons why a resolution for the new year can fail. As we've covered throughout this post, motivation is key. Getting distracted by other areas of life can have a negative impact on these goals.
The good news here is that there's no shame in picking back up if you've slacked on a goal for a bit! These New Year’s resolution statistics will give you an idea…
- 92% of adults will not follow through on a resolution.
It's not uncommon for people to lose the excitement they had in early January. This is a major reason for people to lose sight of their initial resolution.
- Watch out for Fridays!
Strangely, Friday is a popular day for goal-setters to drop their resolutions. More specifically, people are likely to quit on the second Friday of the month--dubbing it "Quitter's Day."
- 23% of adults quit their New Year's goals by the end of the first week of January.
It's easier said than done! What's more, that number doubles by the end of January with 43% of adults quitting their resolution.
Final Thoughts
At this point we can all agree on one thing: it's hard sticking to New Year's resolutions.
But hopefully, these New Year's resolutions statistics gave you some more information on the topic. Narrowing down your main goals, planning out how to achieve those goals, and giving yourself plenty of time throughout the year are a few ways to ensure you stay with it!
Whether you want to better your finances, improve your mental health, or make new connections, achieving your New Year's resolution can be a fun project for the year.
Sourcing:
- Ohio State University
- Inside Out Mastery
- Forbes
- Discover Happy Habits
- Psychiatry.org
- Talkspace
- CNBC
- UC Davis
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Lark Allen
As a Content Marketing Specialist, Lark has a strong background and passion for creative, professional, and journalistic writing. She is also a self-proclaimed music freak and 90s enthusiast.
Learn more about Lark, here.
