Spin the Wheel

New Year's Resolutions 2026

As we approach the dawn of 2026, millions of people around the world are preparing to embark on a journey of self-improvement and personal transformation through New Year's resolutions. This annual tradition, deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness, represents a collective moment of reflection, aspiration, and commitment to positive change. The practice of setting New Year's resolutions dates back thousands of years, with ancient Babylonians making promises to their gods at the start of each year, and Romans dedicating the month of January to the two-faced god Janus, who could look back at the past and forward to the future. In 2026, the landscape of New Year's resolutions has evolved significantly, reflecting the complex challenges and opportunities of our modern world. According to recent surveys, approximately 42% of Americans plan to make resolutions for 2026, with individuals expecting to spend an average of $4,700 to achieve their goals. This substantial financial commitment demonstrates the seriousness with which people approach their resolutions and highlights the growing industry of self-improvement products, services, and programs designed to support resolution-makers in their journeys. Financial resolutions have emerged as the dominant category for 2026, reflecting ongoing economic concerns and a collective desire for greater financial stability. The most common financial goal is paying off debt, with 25% of adults prioritizing debt repayment as their primary resolution. This focus on debt reduction speaks to the lingering effects of economic uncertainty and the desire to achieve financial freedom. Additionally, 16% of resolution-makers aim to save for major life milestones such as purchasing a home, getting married, or buying a car, while 9% focus on increasing their retirement savings and another 9% seek to enhance their income through career advancement or side hustles. The generational differences in financial resolutions reveal fascinating insights into how different age groups approach their financial futures. Gen Z, the youngest generation of adults, prioritizes saving for major life milestones (23%), paying off debt (19%), and investing (11%), reflecting their position at the beginning of their financial journeys. Millennials, now in their prime earning years, emphasize paying off debt (26%) and saving for large purchases (10%), balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Gen X focuses heavily on boosting retirement savings (14%) while also addressing debt (28%), recognizing the urgency of preparing for retirement. Baby Boomers concentrate primarily on retirement savings (18%) and debt reduction (24%), as they navigate their final working years and transition into retirement. Health and wellness resolutions continue to be a cornerstone of New Year's goal-setting, with 48% of respondents aiming to improve their fitness and 36% seeking to enhance their mental health. The holistic approach to wellness that has gained prominence in recent years reflects a growing understanding of the interconnectedness between physical and mental well-being. People are no longer satisfied with simply losing weight or exercising more; they want comprehensive lifestyle changes that address stress management, sleep quality, nutrition, and emotional resilience. The mental health focus in resolutions represents a significant cultural shift, as conversations about mental wellness have moved from private struggles to public discourse. This increased awareness has led to more people setting goals related to therapy, meditation, mindfulness practices, and work-life balance. The recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health has transformed how people approach their wellness resolutions, leading to more sustainable and meaningful changes. Career development resolutions have gained momentum as the job market continues to evolve rapidly. With technological advancements, remote work opportunities, and shifting industry demands, many people are setting goals related to skill development, career transitions, and professional growth. Learning new technologies, obtaining certifications, networking more effectively, and pursuing passion projects that could become side businesses are all popular career-related resolutions for 2026. Personal growth and learning resolutions reflect a desire for continuous self-improvement beyond professional development. Many people are setting goals to read more books, learn new languages, develop creative skills, or explore new hobbies. This category of resolutions speaks to the human desire for growth, curiosity, and the expansion of one's horizons. The accessibility of online learning platforms, educational apps, and virtual communities has made it easier than ever to pursue these goals, contributing to their popularity. Travel and experience-based resolutions have seen a resurgence as people prioritize creating memories and exploring the world. With 40% of savers setting aside funds specifically for travel and vacations in 2026, the desire for adventure and cultural enrichment remains strong. After years of travel restrictions and limitations, people are eager to make up for lost time and create meaningful experiences that enrich their lives and broaden their perspectives. Digital wellness resolutions have emerged as a critical category, with 45% of individuals planning to reduce screen time and achieve a healthier balance between online and offline activities. The recognition of digital addiction, social media's impact on mental health, and the need for genuine human connection has led many to set boundaries around their technology use. Goals in this category might include designated phone-free times, social media detoxes, limiting streaming hours, or replacing digital entertainment with analog activities. Relationship resolutions focus on strengthening connections with family, friends, and romantic partners. In an increasingly disconnected world, people are recognizing the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships. Goals might include regular family dinners, weekly friend check-ins, date nights with partners, or joining community groups to expand social circles. Creative pursuits have gained popularity as resolutions, with people seeking outlets for self-expression and artistic fulfillment. Whether it's learning to play an instrument, taking up painting, writing, photography, or any other creative endeavor, these resolutions provide opportunities for personal satisfaction and stress relief. The success rate of New Year's resolutions has been a topic of much discussion, with various studies showing different statistics. However, what's clear is that the approach to resolutions matters significantly. People who set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals tend to have higher success rates. Additionally, those who share their goals with others, track their progress, and celebrate small milestones along the way are more likely to maintain their resolutions throughout the year. Confidence levels in achieving resolutions vary, with 34% of people being very confident, 52% somewhat confident, and 14% less confident in their ability to meet their objectives. This range of confidence reflects the realistic understanding that change is challenging, but also the optimism that comes with a fresh start and new opportunities. The support ecosystem for resolution-makers has expanded dramatically, with apps, online communities, coaching services, and accountability groups available to help people achieve their goals. This infrastructure reflects both the demand for support and the recognition that sustainable change often requires more than individual willpower. As we look toward 2026, New Year's resolutions represent more than just personal goals; they reflect our collective aspirations, values, and hopes for the future. Whether focused on financial stability, health improvement, personal growth, or any other area of life, these resolutions demonstrate the human capacity for self-reflection, growth, and transformation. The tradition continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs and priorities of each generation while maintaining its core purpose: providing a moment of intentionality and commitment to becoming the best versions of ourselves.