A new poll is shedding light on what Americans are prioritizing as they head into 2026. According to a survey from YouGov, just under one-third of U.S. adults (31%) plan to make a New Year’s resolution or set a goal for the year ahead.
The Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2026
Among those who are resolving to change, the most popular goals are familiar—and telling:
-
Exercise more – 25%
-
Be happier – 23%
-
Eat healthier – 22%
-
Save more money – 21%
-
Improve physical health – 21%
The results suggest that while wellness remains top of mind, emotional happiness is nearly as important as physical fitness.
Who’s Resolving—and How?
The poll also highlights notable demographic differences:
-
Adults under 45 are more likely to resolve to save more money (30%), improve mental health (24%), learn something new (23%), or pursue a career goal (17%).
-
Women are more likely than men to say their resolutions include losing weight (21% vs. 13%) and being happier (26% vs. 20%).
Encouragingly, Americans overall say they feel more optimistic about sticking to their resolutions throughout the year.
The Gen Z “Happiness Gap”
While most Americans share similar goals, there’s a striking generational divide when it comes to happiness.
According to new research from Lisa W. Miller, members of Gen Z are 14 points more likely than the general population to resolve to “be happier” in 2026 (43% vs. 29%).
Her findings show Gen Z placing greater emphasis on both emotional and practical well-being:
-
Saving money: 53% (12-point gap vs. general population)
-
Reducing screen time: 32% (12-point gap)
-
Prioritizing mental health: 39% (11-point gap)
-
Eating healthier: 45% (9-point gap)
Together, these differences suggest a generation intentionally redefining success—balancing financial stability, mental health, and overall happiness as they enter the new year.
Bottom line: While the resolutions themselves may look familiar, how Americans—especially Gen Z—define progress and fulfillment is clearly evolving.
