The beginning of a new year often brings the chance to reflect, set goals, and embrace fresh starts. But as the glow of the New Year’s celebrations fades, many struggle to sustain the motivation and enthusiasm behind their resolutions. So, what types of goals do people set? Who is most likely to set them? And how successful are they, really?
Let’s explore the facts and figures to uncover what makes New Year’s resolutions succeed—or fall short.
Key New Year’s Resolution Statistics
A recent survey by Forbes Health/One Poll of 1,000 adults highlights the trends and challenges surrounding New Year’s resolutions for 2024:
Fitness in Focus: Improving fitness tops the list for 2024, with 48% of respondents prioritising it, surpassing mental health, which was the top goal in 2023.
Pressure to Commit: 62% feel pressure to make resolutions, with slightly more women (64%) than men (60%) reporting this.
Shared Mental Health Priorities: Men and women equally value mental health (36%), but women are more likely to focus on fitness (52% compared to 42%).
Confidence Levels: Most people (80%) feel confident in achieving their goals, though women are slightly less confident (79%) than men (82%).
Tools for Success: Nearly half (49%) plan to use fitness apps to stay on track, with other popular tools including diet programmes, gym memberships, and meditation apps.
Long-Term Impact: 86% believe their resolutions will have positive effects beyond 2024, with 57% expecting the benefits to last three years or more.
Most Popular Resolutions for 2024
The survey reveals the top goals for the new year:
Improved fitness (48%)
Better finances (38%)
Improved mental health (36%)
Weight loss (34%)
Healthier eating habits (32%)
Less common resolutions include travelling more (6%), regular meditation (5%), and reducing alcohol consumption (3%).
Who is Setting Resolutions?
While many people make resolutions, certain groups are more likely to embrace the tradition:
Younger Adults: 59% of those aged 18-34 set resolutions, compared to just 19% of those over 55.
Parents: 54% of parents with children at home make resolutions, versus 33% of those without children.
Repeat Goal-Setters: 86% of those who made resolutions the previous year set new ones, compared to just 11% of those who didn’t.
How Long Do Resolutions Last?
Sticking to a resolution can be tricky. The average resolution lasts just 3.74 months, and many people fall off track by mid-January. Key findings include:
Only 8% stick with resolutions for a month.
22% maintain them for three months, while 13% last four months or more.
Action-oriented goals (e.g., "walk for 30 minutes daily") are more successful than avoidance-based goals (e.g., "stop eating sugar").
It’s Never Too Late to Recommit
If your resolutions have already slipped, don’t worry—you’re not alone. There’s even an unofficial “New Year’s Resolution Recommitment Day” on 1st June, offering a chance to reflect, refocus, and start afresh.
The Bottom Line
New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful tool for personal growth, but they require clear intentions, a solid plan, and consistent accountability. Whether you’re aiming to improve fitness, boost finances, or nurture mental health, remember: success isn’t about when you start, but about your determination to keep going.
Why wait? Make today the day to get back on track!
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