We all make New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions — to lose weight, work harder, quit bad habits, and drink less (this one is usually made on New Year’s Day). Following through with the best-laid plans is something else entirely.
To compile a list of the most popular resolutions for 2024, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data from the data research site Statista. Statista Consumer Insights conducted an online survey in which 417 adults in the U.S. participated. They answered the question: “What are your New Year’s resolutions?” Multiple answers were possible. The survey was conducted in October 2023.
Those aforementioned intentions all appear in some form on the Statista survey. They all represent a chance for a fresh start, begin a hobby, or present an opportunity at self-improvement.
Losing weight appears on the survey; that’s no surprise, but it is not the most-mentioned resolution. Among the other goals are doing more for the environment; improving job performance; reducing social-media use; quitting smoking; and in these elevated inflationary times, saving more money. (Whether a popular resolution or not, being healthy is important — here are warning signs you’re in denial about your psychical health.)
If you falter in your quest to make good on your resolution, you’re not alone. About 80% of resolution-makers tap out by the second week of January, based on research by Strava, a social network for athletes.
There’s even a designated day that marks throwing in the towel for keeping resolutions. It’s called Quitter’s Day, which will be observed on Jan. 12 in 2024. The day is not for wallowing in failure. It is intended as a reset, helping people to reach achievable goals for the shorter term rather than aim at unrealistic long-term targets. Success comes with starting small, remaining consistent, and working with a group.
Here are the most popular New Year’s resolutions (it’s not weight loss), according to data.
13. To become vegetarian / vegan
- Respondents with that answer: 3%
12. To cut down on alcohol
- Respondents with that answer: 13%
11. To do more for the environment
- Respondents with that answer: 14%
10. To quit smoking
- Respondents with that answer: 18%
9. To improve my performance on the job
- Respondents with that answer: 18%
8. To reduce stress on the job
- Respondents with that answer: 19%
7. To spend less time on social media
- Respondents with that answer: 19%
6. To reduce spending on living expenses (e.g., food, energy)
- Respondents with that answer: 26%
5. To lose weight
- Respondents with that answer: 35%
4. To spend more time with family / friends
- Respondents with that answer: 40%
3. To eat healthier
- Respondents with that answer: 47%
2. To exercise more
- Respondents with that answer: 50%
1. To save more money
- Respondents with that answer: 59%