As the year draws to a close and people begin thinking about fresh starts, a recent national survey shows that millennials are leading the charge in planning New Year’s resolutions for 2026. According to the research, a larger share of millennials aim to set goals for the coming year compared with older adults, reflecting a generational trend toward proactive self-improvement. Financial wellbeing, better health habits, and fitness goals ranked among the most popular intentions, with many of those surveyed focusing their resolutions on practical lifestyle improvements like saving more and getting more exercise.
The study also highlighted how people of different ages approach goal setting. For instance, only a minority of older generations, specifically baby boomers, said they planned to make New Year’s resolutions, marking a contrast in outlook and priorities across age groups. Meanwhile, millennials and even members of Gen Z reported more eagerness to turn the calendar into an opportunity for personal growth. Across all ages, financial concerns emerged as a common obstacle to achieving resolutions, underscoring the real-world challenges facing many Americans as they balance aspirations with everyday responsibilities.
Beyond just goals, the answers reflect broader feelings about the past year and hopes for the one ahead. Fewer than one in ten surveyed described the previous year as “great,” and many said they viewed 2025 as merely “okay” or even difficult. That collective uncertainty may be fueling the desire to set clear goals for 2026, as individuals seek ways to reset and regain momentum. Whether it’s improving health, tightening budgets, or investing in personal growth, this year’s resolution trends suggest a focus on achievable, meaningful progress rather than vague aspirations.
Source: The New York Post
