Exercise and Happiness Are the Top 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

If you are already thinking about New Year’s resolutions for 2026, you are definitely not alone.

A new poll suggests many Americans are keeping things simple this time around, focusing less on ultra-specific goals and more on broad, feel-good intentions. And honestly, that approach might finally give people a fighting chance.

According to the survey, one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2026 is simply being happier.

No rigid rules, no complicated systems, just a general desire to feel better about life. Vague? Sure. But also refreshingly realistic.

The poll looked at 25 common resolutions and asked people which ones they plan to prioritize as the new year approaches. The results were familiar, with health, money, and self-improvement once again dominating the list.

Here are the Top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2026:

1. Exercise more
2. Be happier
3. Eat healthier
4. Save money
5. Improve overall physical health
6. Lose weight
7. Improve mental health
8. Learn new things
9. Spend more time with family
10. Read more books

What stands out is how broad many of these goals are. Instead of “lose 20 pounds by March” or “go to the gym five days a week,” people are leaning toward resolutions that leave room for real life. Experts often say flexible goals can actually be easier to stick with, because they do not feel like an all-or-nothing commitment.

Only about one-third of adults say they plan to make a New Year’s resolution this year. But among those who do, nearly 89% believe they will follow through. History suggests that confidence may be a little optimistic, but starting the year believing things will go well is not the worst mindset.

At the very least, the message is clear. Heading into 2026, many of us want healthier habits, less stress, and a little more happiness overall. And if your resolution is simply to feel better than you did last year, that might be the most achievable goal of all.