As 2025 approaches, many people are thinking about their 2025 resolutions. The idea of making a fresh start and promising to improve ourselves is a universal tradition, but what exactly are people planning for the New Year?
A recent survey gives us a fascinating insight into the top resolutions for adults this year. As I studied these figures, I found myself thinking about my own resolutions and couldn’t help but notice some interesting patterns.
Saving Money Tops the 2025 Resolutions List
The most popular 2025 resolution, chosen by 21% of respondents, is to save more money. This is not surprising given the ongoing challenges many families face with the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty. People focus on financial security reflects broader trends – recent data shows that nearly 64% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to LendingClub. Saving money isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity for many households.
A Push For Healthier Lifestyles
Close behind, 19% of people plan to eat healthier and 17% plan to exercise more. These resolutions show a continued emphasis on improving physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 42% of US adults are considered obese, and heart disease remains a leading cause of death. These sobering statistics underscore the importance of lifestyle changes. But adopting healthier habits isn’t easy; research from the University of Scranton shows that only 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions throughout the year.
Losing Weight and Strengthening Relationships
Interestingly, 15% of people want to lose weight, a goal that is often closely linked to eating healthier and exercising more. It’s worth noting that weight loss has consistently been a popular resolution in recent years, driven by societal pressures and personal health concerns. Meanwhile, 14% of Americans resolve to spend more time with family and friends, highlighting the growing awareness of the importance of mental health and social connections. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, many people long to reconnect in person.
Quitting Smoking and Cutting Living Costs
Quitting smoking is a top concern for 9% of respondents. Smoking rates in the US have dropped significantly over the decades, from 42% of adults in 1965 to about 12.5% today, according to the CDC. However, for those still struggling with tobacco addiction, it remains a challenging but important goal. A further 9% aim to reduce spending on living expenses such as food and energy. This reflects wider economic pressures, with inflation still impacting on everyday costs. It’s a resolution that requires careful planning, from switching to energy efficient appliances to cooking at home more often.
The Surprising 43%
Perhaps the most surprising finding is that 43% of respondents say they are not making any 2025 resolutions. This could be due to past disappointments, lack of motivation or simply being happy with their current lives. Studies show that nearly 80% of resolutions fail by February, which may explain why so many people choose to skip the tradition altogether. However, skipping resolutions doesn’t mean people don’t set goals in other ways – some may prefer smaller, incremental changes throughout the year.
A Scientific Take on Resolutions
Research suggests that the key to successful resolutions is to make them SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” a SMART goal would be, “I will save $200 each month by cutting back on eating out. Breaking goals down into smaller steps and tracking progress can greatly increase the likelihood of success.
As we move towards 2025, the resolutions highlighted in the survey remind us of the common challenges and aspirations that define our lives. Whether it’s improving health, strengthening relationships or achieving financial stability, these goals reflect a universal desire for a better future.
