Americans Struggle to Maintain New Year's Resolutions

A new study has found that while millions of Americans start the year with ambitious resolutions, the majority abandon their goals within the first few weeks of January. According to research from Forbes, approximately 60% of U.S. adults set New Year’s resolutions for 2025, focusing primarily on financial stability, fitness, and personal development. However, only 8% of individuals successfully maintain their resolutions past the month of January, with most giving up by the second Friday of the month, commonly referred to as “Quitter’s Day.”

The study highlights the most common resolutions among Americans, with 40% aiming to save more money, 38% committing to improved fitness routines, and 32% focusing on healthier eating habits. Other popular goals include reducing screen time, traveling more, and advancing in career or education.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, several challenges contribute to resolution failures. Researchers point to unrealistic goal-setting, lack of a structured plan, and waning motivation as key reasons for abandonment. Many Americans start the year with rigid expectations but struggle to maintain consistency due to work-life balance, financial constraints, or the difficulty of breaking long-standing habits.

Experts suggest that individuals who set small, measurable goals have a higher chance of long-term success. Fitness coaches emphasize the importance of gradual changes, such as increasing daily step counts rather than committing to extreme workout regimens. Financial advisors recommend automating savings contributions rather than relying on willpower alone. Behavioral psychologists also encourage “habit stacking,” a technique where new habits are tied to existing routines to reinforce consistency.

In response to the widespread difficulty in maintaining resolutions, digital wellness and fitness apps have reported an increase in engagement during the early weeks of January, but a sharp decline by mid-month. Gyms and fitness centers experience similar trends, with a spike in new memberships at the start of the year, followed by a drop in attendance by February.

As 2025 progresses, experts encourage individuals to focus on long-term lifestyle changes rather than short-term resolutions. Studies show that sustainable habits, rather than drastic changes, lead to greater success in achieving personal goals. For those struggling with motivation, accountability partners, online support communities, and professional guidance may provide additional encouragement.

With New Year's resolutions remaining a popular tradition, the challenge for many Americans will be finding strategies to turn their initial ambitions into lasting improvements.