Americans Look to Health, Happiness, and Stability as 2026 Resolutions Take Shape
A new national poll suggests Americans are enthusiastic, cautious, and practical about improving their lives in 2026. Although not everyone makes New Year’s resolutions, many value personal goals.
Study: 3/10 of Americans plan to set a resolution or goal for 2026. Most intending to do so prioritize exercise. As daily routines and work-life responsibilities shift, some respondents still prioritize exercise, demonstrating a desire to enhance health and fitness.
Happy emotions follow exercise. Many Americans want to focus on happiness next year, demonstrating that mental and emotional health are as important as physical health. Eating healthier also scores well, showing that many people prefer long-term lifestyle changes to short fixes.
The 2026 resolution also addresses financial stability. Lots of people want to save, especially under-45s. Younger Americans prioritize career ambitions, skill development, and mental health. These inclinations create concerns about long-term stability, career promotion, and personal growth in an uncertain environment.
In addition, the poll demonstrates gender differences in priorities. Women say they want to lose weight and be happy more than men. These differences demonstrate how personal and social factors effect resolutions.
Americans appear more confident than ever, yet New Year’s resolutions are notoriously hard to follow. Many goal-setters believe they will succeed. Four in ten think they’ll keep their resolution all year, while half say somewhat probable. Only a few doubt their dedication.
Resolution opinions are mixed yet positive. One-third of Americans believe resolutions improve them. Setting a goal may improve or worsen the year, according to some. Although popular, many Americans view resolutions as personal tools rather than success guarantees.
Many less popular 2026 resolutions are in the poll. These include losing weight, improving mental health, learning something new, spending more time with family, improving relationships, reading more, reducing debt, organizing home life, traveling, quitting bad habits, and focusing on spirituality. Career changes like job hunting and advancement are also listed, but less frequently.
The study measures Americans’ expectations for the year. Nearly half believe 2026 will benefit them. Few predict a positive year for the nation. Many respondents believe the following year could be the worst in U.S. history due to political, economic, and social concerns.
Political affiliation impacts outlook. Republican voters feel the last year was good for them and the nation, while Democratic voters fear about 2026. The differences indicate how personal and political experiences shape future views.
The early December poll of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults had a four-point margin of error. The numbers reflect a country entering the new year focused on health, happiness, financial security, and cautious hope despite greater uncertainties.
Sources
YouGov National Poll of U.S. Adults, December 9–11, conducted among 1,104 respondents
