As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, 2023, many will ring in the New Year with a fresh set of resolutions. But what types of physical and mental health goals are Americans setting for 2024, and what kind of obstacles stand in the way of accomplishing their resolutions?
To learn more, Sesame conducted a survey to explore sentiments about New Year's resolutions for 2024, delving into statistics on satisfaction levels of individuals regarding the fulfillment of their previous year's resolutions, challenges faced in years past and more. Here’s what we learned.
How did Americans perform with 2023 New Year Resolutions?
Before delving into their 2024 goals, respondents reflected on the successes and difficulties of their 2023 resolutions. Of those surveyed, the most popular resolutions revolved around personal well-being and financial management. Top goals from 2023 included eating healthier (54%), exercising more (52%), budgeting better/saving money (49%), focusing on mental health (39%) and losing weight (38%). Less common resolutions included traveling more (26%), reading more (22%), quitting smoking (21%) and drinking less alcohol (15%).
When participants were asked to reflect on the progress or achievement of their 2023 goals, data showed that some resolutions appeared to have far higher success rates than others. For example, nearly 9 in 10 Americans were satisfied with their progress toward spending more time with loved ones, while more than 80% felt the same about reading more.
Conversely, some resolutions proved more challenging; resolutions with the highest rates of dissatisfaction were quitting smoking (36% of respondents were not happy with their progress towards this goal), budgeting (28%) and weight loss (22%).
2024 New Year’s Resolutions Insights
Despite the various challenges and successes experienced with their 2023 goals, it appears that the spirit of setting New Year’s resolutions remains strong. In fact, 3 in 5 Americans (63%) stated that they were likely to set New Year’s resolutions or goals for 2024.
In 2024, the focus of New Year's resolutions remained steadfastly on enhancing physical, mental, and financial well-being. The most popular resolution, chosen by 52% of respondents, was to budget better and save money. About 5 in 10 individuals prioritized exercising more, and eating healthier was another major focus, with 44% aiming to improve their diet. Mental health was a priority for 2 out of 5 participants.
Additionally, Americans were largely confident about their ability to accomplish their physical and mental health resolutions.
- 92% felt confident about their ability to focus more on mental health
- 93% felt confident about their ability to exercise more
- 83% felt confident about their ability to lose weight
- 88% felt confident about their ability to budget/ save money
- 89% felt confident about their ability to eat healthier
- 90% felt confident about their ability to drink less alcohol
Income-based insights on 2024 New Year’s resolutions
Wealthier Americans were less likely to feel dissatisfied with the progress made or achievement of their 2023 goals.
- Only 6% of respondents with an annual income of $100,000 or more were dissatisfied with their progress toward quitting smoking, compared to a whopping 42% for those with an annual income of $99,999 or less.
- Only 9% of respondents with an annual income of $100,000 or more were dissatisfied with their progress towards focusing more on mental health, compared to 16% for those with an annual income of $99,999 or less.
- Only 15% of respondents with an annual income of $100,000 or more were dissatisfied with their progress toward budgeting, compared to 32% for those with an annual income of $99,999 or less.
Additionally, income levels had a strong influence on what people perceive as threats to their ability to accomplish or make progress toward their resolutions. For example, nearly half of Americans with an annual income above $100,000 cited financial constraints as a barrier to progressing or accomplishing their goals for the new year, while those in lower income brackets cited loss of motivation (62%) as their biggest challenge.
Age-based insights on 2024 New Year’s resolutions
Survey results revealed that resolutions remained largely consistent across all age groups. Common themes of budgeting, eating healthier, exercising, losing weight, and improving mental health emerged as top priorities for all of those surveyed, regardless of age.
- For those aged 18-24, fitness was a big priority for the new year; 53% cited exercising more as a resolution, followed closely by eating healthier (51%).<
- Those ages 25-35 are placing an emphasis on better financial management, with 58% listing budgeting/saving money as their top resolution. Exercising more (48%) and focusing on mental health (48%) were close seconds.
- Money was top of mind for those aged 35-44 as well; 54% listed budgeting/saving money as a goal, followed by exercising more (47%).
- Nearly 5 in 10 Americans aged 45-54 plan on exercising more in 2024, while 4 in 10 set of goal of losing weight.
- Half of Americans aged 55 or older cited eating healthier as a goal for the New Year, followed closely by exercising more (49%).
What strategies do Americans plan on using to accomplish their 2024 New Year’s resolutions?
In 2024, Americans plan on using a variety of methods and tools to accomplish their 2024 New Year’s resolutions. The most popular approach, chosen by 35% of respondents, is the use of a planner or journal for tracking of goals and progress. At 34%, budgeting tools were a close second, while 3 in 10 Americans cited gym memberships and habit-tracking apps as their methods of choice.
Other notable methods for achieving 2024 New Year’s resolutions included medication (23%) meditation apps (22%), and seeking professional guidance (21%).
