Don’t Worry, Be Happy

The Massive 14-Point Gap in Gen Z’s 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

As the ball drops at 12:00 AM and the echoes of Auld Lang Syne fade, January 1, 2026 arrives with anticipation. For 8 in 10 Americans, it marks a “clean page” and a fresh list of New Year’s resolutions. Typically, that list is short, often just three or four goals, and becomes highly personal once you move beyond the perennial top contenders.

What the collective data for 2026 reveals is not a dramatic swing in priorities, but a clearer picture of what Americans continue to value and where pressure is quietly building.

Identifying “The Goal-Getter Group”

While most Americans participate in this annual ritual, three specific demographics are disproportionately shaping the resolution conversation for 2026. We call them “The Goal-Getter Group.”

• Gen Z: The generation most likely to set new goals for the year.

• Parents: High-engagement resolvers seeking a reset.

• Women with $50K+ household income: Among the most likely to enter the year with defined resolutions.

Conversely, Boomers and lower-income males are the least likely to participate in resolution-setting.

The 2026 National Top 10

Across the total population, 2026 resolutions remain anchored in financial security and foundational wellness. Saving money holds the top position, followed closely by hydration and nutrition.

Rank	Resolution	% of Total Population
1	Save money	40%
2	Drink more water	38%
3	Eat healthier	36%
4	Exercise more	35%
5	Improve physical health	34%
6	Practice better self-care	34%
7	Lose weight	31%
8	Be happier	29%
9	Improve mental health	28%
10	Focus on finding more joy in your life	28%

Rather than signaling change, this list reinforces how consistently Americans prioritize stability, health, and emotional well-being.

The Gen Z Influence: A 14-Point Happiness Gap

The most striking story in the 2026 data is the “Happiness Gap.” Gen Z is 14 points more likely than the total population to resolve to “Be happier” (43% vs. 29%).

This gap is a generational difference in how progress and success are defined. Gen Z to over-index on emotional and financial goals, with notable differences versus the general public:

• Financial intensity: 53% plan to save money, a 12-point gap.

• Digital boundaries: 32% aim to reduce screen time, a 12-point gap.

• Mental health focus: 39% are prioritizing mental health, an 11-point gap.

• Clean eating: 45% resolve to eat healthier, a 9-point gap.

Together, these differences highlight a generation intentionally managing both emotional and practical well-being.

The Social Paradox: Screens Down, Doors Open

One of the clearer pressure points in the data is our relationship with technology. While overall priorities remain stable, the desire to reduce phone and screen time has edged upward, reaching 20%.

Alongside this, interest in in-person connection continues to show up in other ways. The resolution to “entertain more at home” has increased four points since 2023, reflecting an ongoing desire for physical presence and shared experiences.

At the same time, enthusiasm for “cooking more” has steadily declined by five points since 2023. The result is a subtle but telling paradox: people want connection without adding complexity or labor to their lives.

Prioritizing Cash Over Paying Down Debt

Liquidity feels safer than long-term commitments. Financial goals also reveal nuance rather than wholesale change. While “save money” remains the top priority for 40% of Americans, the resolution to “pay down debt” has declined five points to 22%.

This does not suggest a fundamental shift in financial mindset, but it does point to a preference for flexibility and cash on hand over focusing on past balances.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As Americans move into 2026, New Year’s resolutions reflect continuity more than disruption. The priorities are familiar, but the emphasis is telling.

Happiness, financial safety, meaningful connection, and time reclaimed from constant demands remain central. The story of 2026 is not one of dramatic change, but of sustained priorities. It signals where pressure, boundaries and intention are take shape.

Data source: Lisa W. Miller, Journey Back to Joy Research

N=1,000 consumers, 18+ years old, data collected week of December 14, 2025

AUTHOR BIO

Lisa W. Miller is a Chief Insights and Reinvention Officer who helps organizations understand people, anticipate change, and act on what matters most. A Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Reinvention Practitioner, she blends deep consumer insight with practical tools that leaders can use right away.

With three decades of experience and nearly one million consumer conversations, Lisa brings both a corporate and consulting perspective. She built her early career in brand management and insights at Frito-Lay/PepsiCo and later led innovation for Brinker International. Today, she advises brands across restaurants, retail, fintech, hospitality, and healthcare through custom research and strategic guidance.

She also leads The Business of Joy, a platform that includes national sentiment tracking, thought leadership, and a weekly podcast on leadership, culture, and growth.

Lisa is a three-time EFFIE Award winner, a recipient of the David Ogilvy Research Award, and the author of The Business of Joy. Her research and commentary have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NBC Nightly News, FOX, and more than 300 media interviews. Her core belief guides all her work: when joy is greater than fear, growth begins.