2026 Goal-Setting Insights & Findings

Entering 2026, American consumers are shifting away from radical self-reinvention in favor of sustainable, deliberate progress. Moving past rigid resolutions, individuals are prioritizing economic stability, physical health, and emotional well-being while establishing formal accountability structures to safeguard long-term momentum.

Key takeaways from our national study include:

• 76.0% of Americans set New Year’s goals or intentions: Split between structured resolutions (40.0%) and broader intentions (36.0%).

• 22.0% completely achieved or exceeded 2025 goals: Half achieved partial success, demonstrating adaptive recalibration over failure.

• Goal abandonment is virtually non-existent at 2.0%: Unfulfilled goals were paused (18.0%) due to external life friction and rolled into 2026.

• 58.0% limit focus to 2–3 goals: Quality replaces quantity as less than 20.0% attempt four or more goals simultaneously.

• 71.0% report high motivation entering 2026: Consumer optimism remains high, with 35.0% extremely motivated and 37.0% very motivated.

• 60.0% prioritize liquid savings: Risk management and budgeting (40.0%) lead financial priorities over major purchases (<20.0%).

• 56.0% lead with physical health: Health tops priorities, closely followed by nutrition (51.0%) and mental health recovery (48.0%).

• 61.0% employ external accountability: Advisors, coaches, and digital tracking tools replace sole reliance on willpower (10.0%).