Every January, we get the same gift: a clean slate. And while the internet loves to joke about resolutions fading by February, the truth is that setting a goal (any goal) can be the spark that changes your year.
Heading into 2026, the most common resolutions are a blend of health, happiness, and financial stability. A late-December YouGov poll found the top goals for 2026 include: 
1) Health is still the headline
The top three resolutions are all health-adjacent: movement, nutrition, and overall physical well-being. This isn’t surprising. Goals that improve energy, strength, sleep, and confidence tend to deliver noticeable benefits fairly quickly, which makes them easier to stick with.
Rather than extreme transformations, many people are approaching health with a more balanced mindset, adding regular movement, choosing more nourishing foods, and building routines that support consistency over time. When health goals enhance how you feel day to day, they stop feeling like chores and start feeling like self-care.
2) “Be happy” is a real goal now
One of the biggest shifts in recent years is that emotional well-being is no longer an afterthought. “Be happy” ranking near the top suggests people are looking for more than productivity or achievement. They want routines that support peace of mind, emotional balance, and joy.
This resolution can take many forms: prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, managing stress, spending more time outdoors, or simply creating space for things that feel fulfilling. In 2026, happiness isn’t seen as something you earn after success. It’s something people are intentionally building into their daily lives.
3) Money goals are everywhere
Even when “save more money” isn’t the number-one answer in every poll, financial intentions remain a major theme. A Wells Fargo survey, fielded by Ipsos, found that among adults who are making 2026 resolutions, 97% are considering financial resolutions, with saving more money ranking as the most common financial goal.
For many, financial wellness is deeply connected to mental and emotional well-being. Reducing money-related stress, building an emergency fund, or simply feeling more in control of finances can have a powerful impact on overall quality of life.
And for some people, the financial “resolution” is even more specific. A Motley Fool Money survey reported that paying off debt is the top financial resolution going into 2026—highlighting a desire for freedom, stability, and long-term peace of mind.
A more realistic approach to resolutions
What these trends show is a collective shift toward sustainability. People aren’t chasing dramatic overhauls as much as they’re seeking habits that feel achievable and supportive. The most successful resolutions aren’t about doing everything at once—they’re about starting small, staying consistent, and choosing goals that genuinely improve how you feel.
As you move into 2026, remember that progress doesn’t require perfection. One small, intentional change can set the tone for a healthier, happier year ahead.
HERE are some tips to keep your resolutions on track.