A new YouGov survey asked Americans about their New Year’s resolutions, their thoughts on 2025, and what they expect for 2026. Spoiler alert: optimism is alive, but it’s limping along like someone who skipped leg day.
Was 2025 Good?
Compared to last year, more Americans say 2025 was a good or great year for the country. About three in ten think 2026 will be good or great too. Translation: 70% of us are bracing for chaos but still buying planners.
Resolutions: Who’s Making Them?
31% of Americans say they’ll make a New Year’s resolution for 2026. Adults under 45 are twice as likely as older folks to make one (43% vs. 21%). Basically, young people still believe in self-improvement, while older Americans are like, “I’ve seen things. Pass the snacks.”
Top Resolutions for 2026
The winner? Exercise more (25%). Because nothing says “new year, new me” like paying $50 a month to stare at a treadmill. Other big ones:
- Be happy (23%) – Bold move. Good luck with that.
- Eat healthier (22%) – Kale strikes again.
- Save more money (21%) – Inflation says hi.
- Improve physical health (21%) – Which sounds suspiciously like “exercise more,” but okay.
Last year, saving money was the top resolution (26%), followed by exercising (22%). So basically, we’re still broke and still tired.
Generational Differences
Under-45 crowd is crushing it:
- Save more money (30% vs. 14%) – Because avocado toast isn’t cheap.
- Pursue a career goal (17% vs. 2%) – Older folks are like, “Career goals? I’m pursuing naps.”
- Improve mental health (24% vs. 10%) – Therapy > TikTok.
- Learn something new (23% vs. 9%) – Probably how to make sourdough again.
Men vs. Women
Women are more likely to resolve to lose weight (21% vs. 13%) and be happy (26% vs. 20%). Men, apparently, are fine being sad and eating nachos.
Will We Keep These Resolutions?
Among resolution-makers:
- 39% say “very likely” they’ll stick to it.
- 50% say “somewhat likely.”
- 7% basically admit defeat already. Respect the honesty.
Do Resolutions Even Work?
32% of Americans think resolutions make the year better. 42% say they don’t matter. And 10% think they make life worse—probably because they gave up carbs.
Looking Back at 2025
Americans are more likely to say 2025 was good for them personally (38%) than for the country (24%). Meanwhile:
- 25% say it was a bad year personally.
- 49% say it was a bad year for the country. So… mixed reviews.
Republicans were way more upbeat than Democrats:
- Good year personally: 54% vs. 27%.
- Good year for the country: 49% vs. 6%. Translation: We’re living in two different Netflix series.
Predictions for 2026
- 49% think it’ll be good for them personally.
- 31% think it’ll be good for the country.
- 6% think it’ll be terrible for them personally.
- 23% think it’ll be terrible for the country. So… optimism with a side of dread.
Best or Worst Year Ever?
- 27% think 2026 will be one of the worst years in U.S. history.
- 21% think it’ll be one of the best.
- Republicans are way more likely to say “best year ever” (46% vs. 5%). Democrats are stocking up on stress balls.
Bottom line: Americans are cautiously optimistic, slightly terrified, and really hoping kale and gym memberships can fix everything.
