New Year’s resolutions 2026: Americans prioritize financial and health goals, poll offers tips

As Americans turn the calendar toward 2026, many are lining up fresh commitments to improve their finances, fitness, and overall well-being. A recent nationwide survey reveals which goals are topping people’s lists and how different generations plan to tackle—or struggle with—their resolutions.

The poll, conducted by Talker Research for Talkspace among 2,000 U.S. adults, finds that people are ambitious about change: respondents reported an average of six resolutions each, ranging from tightening budgets to prioritizing mental health. The data sheds light on which habits Americans actually want to build next year and the practical obstacles that stand in their way.

What Americans say they’ll prioritize in 2026: savings, exercise, and better health

The most common targets for the new year reflect a mix of financial and physical priorities. Respondents most frequently listed goals that aim to stabilize money matters and improve physical wellness.

• Saving more money — reported by roughly 45% of those surveyed.
• Increasing exercise — also cited by about 45%.
• Improving overall physical health — chosen by about 41%.
• Eating healthier — nearly 40%.
• Strengthening financial wellness beyond just savings — around 34%.
• Spending more time outdoors and boosting mental health — each picked by roughly 29%.

Who is setting resolutions — trends by age and gender

Not everyone is equally motivated to set intentions for the coming year. The survey highlights clear demographic differences in planning behavior.

• Men are more likely than women to outline goals for the year ahead — about 44% of men versus 35% of women.
• Millennials lead the way in goal-setting, with more than half (about 57%) saying they will create New Year’s intentions.
• A smaller share of respondents described 2025 as a standout year — roughly 10% called the past year “very good.”

Common roadblocks: money, willpower, mental health, and time

Setting goals is just the beginning. The survey explores what tends to derail people from following through and how barriers vary by generation.

Top hurdles reported

• Financial constraints: Younger adults more often point to not having enough money as the major limiter on their ambitions.
• Willpower: Among baby boomers, about 37% named lacking the willpower to stick to goals.
• Mental health challenges: Nearly three in ten respondents (about 28%) said mental health issues sometimes prevent progress.
• Lack of time: Around 22% blame busy schedules.

How generations react to setbacks

The survey also captures differences in how people respond when they fall short:

• Gen Z is most likely to respond to failure with self-criticism or guilt (about 36%).
• Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers show progressively higher rates of seeing failure as part of the process — roughly 42%, 48%, and 55% respectively — and continuing to press forward.

Mental health ratings and daily habits people rely on

On average, respondents rated their current mental health at a 7 out of 10, with men averaging slightly higher scores (about 8/10). The survey asked which everyday practices people find most helpful for maintaining or improving mood.

• Gen Z values family time and sufficient sleep most highly (each at about 36%).
• Millennials turn to music and podcasts — nearly 43% named audio content as a go-to mood support.
• About half of Gen X and baby boomers favor regular walks as their preferred routine for emotional balance.

Real-life mood hacks people swear by

Beyond standard habits, many respondents shared quirky, personal techniques that reliably lift spirits. Roughly four in ten said they have a unique emotional “hack.” Examples include:

• High-energy workouts paired with favorite rock music.
• Skateboarding or other outdoor hobbies that combine exercise and focus.
• Comfort rituals like binge-watching a favorite show while doing a craft, or scheduling a nail day with a family member.
• Simple emotional release — one person noted that allowing themselves to cry can be cleansing, while another finds uplift in encouraging others and receiving support in return.

Outlook for 2026 and advice for sustaining goals

Optimism is strong: about half of those surveyed said they believe 2026 will be “their year.” Experts emphasize that realistic goal-setting and self-compassion are central to long-term success. Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, Talkspace’s chief medical officer, reminds people that while aiming for meaningful change is beneficial, growth can happen even when results don’t perfectly match expectations. Treating setbacks as learning moments and adjusting the approach often protects mental health and increases the chance of lasting improvements.

Practical tips that align with the findings

1. Break large goals into small, measurable steps and celebrate incremental wins.
2. Build routines tied to daily habits (walks, music, sleep) that support both physical and mental health.
3. Share financial and wellness goals with trusted friends or peers for accountability and advice.
4. When progress stalls, reframe setbacks as data — adjust timelines or strategies rather than abandoning the goal.

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.