Forbes.com | By Sarah Davis | Jan 11, 2023 | New Year’s Resolutions | Shield Insurance Agency

The start of a new year serves as an opportunity for many to set new goals and commit to better habits. But what happens when the energy and excitement after the ball drops wear off—and how many New Year’s resolutions fail to come to fruition?

Below, we explore exactly what types of goals are set—and by whom—as well as what statistics say about the likelihood of those intentions turning into reality.

Interesting New Year’s Resolutions Statistics at a Glance

A new survey from Forbes Health/OnePoll of 1,005 U.S. adults (conducted Nov. 18 through Nov. 28, 2022) looked at Americans’ attitudes surrounding resolution setting and what types of goals were prioritized.

Interestingly, the survey highlighted a couple of standout themes: Many people—particularly young people—are prioritizing their mental health over their physical health, and a decent portion of respondents feel pressured to set resolutions.

Specifically, the survey found:

29% say they feel pressured to set a new year’s resolution.
- Gen Z feels more pressure to set a resolution than any other generation (39%).
- Men (35%) feel more pressured to set a resolution than women (28%).
Overall, 20% of people say improving mental health is a top priority in 2023 while 16% say improved physical health is more important to them.
- 62% say physical and mental health is of equal importance.
More people cite improved mental health as a top resolution (45%) compared to improved fitness (39%), weight loss (37%), and improved diet (33%).
- Women are more likely than men to cite improved mental health as a resolution (47% compared to 40%) while men are more likely to prioritize goals related to physical health, such as improved diet and fitness.
- Baby boomers are more likely than any other age group to cite losing weight as a top resolution (54%).
77% of respondents say they keep themselves accountable when it comes to sticking to their goals.
- Of all groups, Gen Z is the least likely to cite themselves as the person responsible for keeping them accountable for their goals.
Overall, 81% of respondents feel confident in their ability to reach their goals, and only 5% lack this confidence.
- Men are more confident (86%) than women (79%) in their ability to reach their goals.
Overall, only 6% of respondents cite reducing alcohol consumption as a top resolution.
- Millennials are keener to give up alcohol than Gen Z (8% compared to 4%).
52% plan on using a resource, such as an app, online platform, or membership, for assistance in sticking to their resolutions.
- Men are more likely than women to rely on these resources (59% compared to 50%).
- Apps are the most popular accountability tool.
85% of respondents say their New Year’s resolution will have a positive impact beyond 2023.
- 25% say that their resolution will have a positive impact for one to two years, and 57% believe it’ll have an impact for three years or more.

Most Common New Year’s Resolutions

For 2023, the Forbes Health/OnePoll survey found some resolutions to be more common than others, with the most popular goals including:

Improved mental health (45%)
Improved fitness (39%)
Lose weight (37%)
Improved diet (33%)
Improved finances (30%)

Less popular resolutions include stop smoking (14%), learn a new skill (12%) and make time for hobbies (11%). Notably, Gen Z is more likely to prioritize improved mental health as a 2023 resolution than any other generation (50%).