Melissa Donovan
As the calendar turns toward 2026, a new YouGov survey suggests Americans are approaching the new year with a mix of personal optimism and broader uncertainty about the country’s direction.
While fewer than one-third of Americans say they plan to set a formal New Year’s resolution, those who do are largely focused on self-improvement rather than major life changes. Health-related goals top the list, with exercising more, eating healthier and improving overall physical and mental well-being emerging as the most common priorities. Many respondents also say they want to focus on happiness, stronger relationships and better financial habits in the year ahead.
Younger adults are driving much of this goal-setting. Adults under 45 are far more likely than older Americans to say they plan to resolve, with younger respondents, in particular, focusing on saving money, advancing their careers, learning new skills, and improving their mental health. Those under 30 are more likely than older age groups to prioritize happiness and time with family.
Women are more likely than men to say their resolutions center on happiness and weight loss, highlighting subtle but consistent differences in how Americans approach personal goals at the start of a new year.
Despite the mixed track record of New Year’s resolutions, confidence remains relatively high. Most Americans who plan to set a goal for 2026 believe they are likely to stick with it, and many view resolutions as a positive step that generally helps people improve their lives. Those who plan to make resolutions are far more likely to believe the practice makes the upcoming year better, while people who skip resolutions tend to see little impact either way.
The survey also asked Americans to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to what 2026 might bring. As in previous years, people are more positive about their own personal experiences than about the state of the country. While a noticeable share say 2025 was a good year for them individually, far fewer feel the same way about the nation overall.
Political affiliation continues to shape these views. Republicans are more likely to describe 2025 as a good year for both themselves and the country, while Democrats are far more critical, with many describing the year as one of the worst in U.S. history. These partisan divides also extend to expectations for 2026, particularly when it comes to how the country will fare.
Looking forward, Americans are more hopeful about their personal futures than the nation’s outlook. About half expect 2026 to be a good year for them personally, while fewer anticipate a positive year for the country. Still, relatively few predict a truly terrible year ahead, suggesting that even amid uncertainty, many Americans are entering 2026 with guarded optimism and a focus on improving what they can control.
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