What’s the #1 New Year’s Resolution?

According to research, it’s usually the desire to live healthier. Statista, a marketing research firm, puts the figure at 23%.

It’s followed by:

• Personal improvement or happiness – 21%
• Losing weight – 20%
• Career or job goals – 16%

This got me thinking about what else statistics might tell us about this annual tradition. Of course, it’s hard to say for sure, so let’s take this all with a grain of salt. But it’s still fun!

For example: What’s the failure rate of resolutions?

Some estimates say 80%, but Inc.com puts it as high as 91% by the end of the year.

​Inc.com also says that, at six months, the success rate is 46% compared with just 4% of people who make a goal but don’t make a resolution.

Times change.

Quitting smoking used to be #1; now it’s down to around 16%, possibly because fewer people smoke at all these days. Yay!

Ever heard of “Quitter’s Day?”

Strava, a global sports “community,” studied countless data points to determine that most people quit by January 19. Mark that day on your calendar!

How many of us make resolutions? About what?

Impossible to say, of course. But Finder.com estimated that 188.9 million Americans resolved for 2021 to learn something new, make a lifestyle change, or set a personal goal, up 15% from the previous year. The top six categories that keep us in this holiday tradition relate to money, health, career, self-improvement, family and love.

That all sounds good to me, and I hope you find more fulfillment in all those aspects of life!