New Year’s Resolutions 2026: What Britons Are Promising to Change This Year

Why New Year’s Resolutions Matter More Than Ever

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people worldwide embrace the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. This age-old practice represents more than just a cultural ritual—it’s a powerful opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. One-third of Americans think that when people make New Year’s resolutions, they generally make the upcoming year better for themselves, demonstrating the widespread belief in the transformative power of goal-setting.

The start of 2026 brings fresh hope and determination, with approximately 31% of Americans saying they will make a New Year’s resolution or set a goal for 2026. Interestingly, age plays a significant role in who participates in this tradition, as adults under 45 are about twice as likely as older Americans to say they will make a New Year’s resolution.

The Top New Year’s Resolutions for 2026

This year’s resolution trends reveal a notable shift in priorities. The most common New Year’s resolution for 2026 is exercising more, with 25% of Americans saying they’re resolving to do this. This marks a change from the previous year, when saving more money topped the list, with 26% resolving to do this.

Beyond physical fitness, people are focusing on holistic well-being. Other popular resolutions include being happy (23%), eating healthier (22%), saving more money (21%), and improving physical health (21%). These goals reflect a balanced approach to personal development, encompassing emotional, physical, and financial health.

There are also interesting demographic patterns in resolution-making. Women are more likely than men to say their New Year’s resolution is to lose weight (21% vs. 13%) and to be happy (26% vs. 20%), whilst adults under 45 are more likely than people over 45 to resolve to save more money, pursue a career goal, improve their mental health, and learn something new.

Can We Actually Keep Our Resolutions?

Despite the notoriously challenging nature of maintaining New Year’s resolutions, optimism remains high. Among people planning to make a resolution for 2026, 39% say it is very likely they will keep their resolution throughout 2026 and 50% say it’s somewhat likely. This confidence suggests that people are approaching their goals with genuine commitment.

However, research reveals a sobering reality about long-term success rates. Recent research has shown that just 9% of Americans actually keep their resolutions throughout the year, whilst 23% of adults quit their New Year’s goals by the end of the first week of January, and that number doubles by the end of January with 43% quitting their resolution.

A New Approach: From Resolutions to Intentions

Recognising the challenges of traditional resolutions, many people are rebranding their approach. New Year’s resolutions are being rebranded to be ‘goals’ or ‘intentions’ for 2026, allowing people to have improvement goals for the new year without such strict limitations. This shift encourages more sustainable and achievable personal development.

The significance of New Year’s resolutions extends beyond individual achievement. For those committed to making changes, the practice offers structure and motivation for self-improvement. Whether you’re planning to exercise more, prioritise happiness, or improve your financial health, the key lies not in perfection but in consistent effort and realistic goal-setting. As we embark on 2026, perhaps the most important resolution is simply to be kind to ourselves whilst striving to become better versions of who we are.