More than half (57%) of U.S. adults made a New Year’s resolution for 2025, according to data and business intelligence platform Statista. However, Forbes reported that the average New Year’s resolution lasts less than four months. If you’re struggling to keep up with your good intentions, you're not alone. And, it's not too late to defy these statistics.
Here’s a look at the top six resolutions, according to Statista, and advice on how to keep each:
Save money:
Nearly one-quarter (21%) of Statista’s respondents said their goal for the new year was to save more money. Unfortunately, life happens, and it's difficult to deal with financial emergencies, big and small.
To cope with financial speedbumps, it is important to have an emergency fund. Get into the habit of saving by setting goals, managing your cash flow, saving whenever possible (such as after-tax refunds and holiday gifts), and by using direct deposit for paychecks or automatic transfers between bank accounts to make saving an automatic part of your life.
Eat healthier:
Just about one-in-five (19%) said they wanted to eat healthier in 2025. However, with temptations like soda, fast food, and candy, it's important to remain strong and focus on your goal.
Choosing to eat healthier is not just about cutting out the bad, but also emphasizing the good: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein. Aim for lean meats and seafood for protein, while dairy products should be low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free, or fortified soy. By introducing more fruits into your diet, you can curb that sweet tooth without compromising your resolution.
Current patients: Consider attending one of our cooking demonstration classes, led by an IHCRC dietitian, for tips and tricks to maintaining a balanced diet.
Exercise more:
Of surveyed adults, 17% said they wanted to exercise more. According to the CDC, adults need at least 150 minutes of weekly, moderate-intensity activity, which can sound a bit intimidating, especially when you start out.
Always remember that some activity is better than none, and to spread out your exercise across the entire week, rather than trying to do too much at once. By keeping exercise fun, social, and part of your daily routine, you can stay motivated and make physical activity an enjoyable part of your lifestyle.
Lose weight:
Fifteen percent (15%) surveyed said that their 2025 resolution was to lose weight. Although it’s not as simple as eating less or exercising more; stress management, sleep, medical conditions, and age all play a factor in weight loss. By creating a process to track and manage key areas, you can tackle your weight loss goals without losing hope.
To start, write down why you want to lose weight to make a commitment to your goal. It is also helpful to track what foods and beverages you consume, and other daily activities from sleep to exercise to take stock of where you are. Finally, set realistic, short-term goals that are specific (for example: “I will walk one mile, at least three days this week” instead of just setting a goal of “walk more”). Creating difficult, yet achievable, goals can give a sense of reward and accomplishment to motivate your efforts moving forward.
Spend more time with family/friends:
Fourteen percent (14%) of the adults surveyed value their family and friend time and want to do more in 2025. As noted in our “Blue Zones” blog, socializing is a natural way to reduce stress, and strong family ties can help lead to better health.
When work and other obligations limit your time with important people in your life, it helps to plan meals or other special events together. Also, stay in contact via phone calls, e-mails, and even personalized notes.
Quit smoking:
Quitting smoking, although difficult, helps to reduce health risks, like heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other illnesses.
When it's time for you to take the first step towards quitting, the CDC recommends that you recognize that you may deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and have plans to manage these: Use medicine, keep busy, and seek help. It is also important to think about why you want to quit, recognize your triggers, and reflect on the cost of smoking. You can get free and confidential help by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Persistence, not perfection:
As noted in a previous blog, New Year’s resolutions are about persistence, not perfection. Some days will be harder than others. If you slip up, it's not the end. Forgive yourself and get back on track. Every day is a new opportunity to become a better you.
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