Faith and Family Land Among Americans’ Top New Year’s Resolutions for 2026
Americans’ resolutions for 2026 include familiar goals such as exercising more and saving money, but also a renewed focus on faith and family, according to a survey.
The YouGov poll found that roughly one-third (31 percent) of U.S. adults say they will make a New Year’s resolution, with those under 45 about two times more likely than older Americans to say they will set a goal (43 percent vs. 21 percent).
The most popular resolution among Americans is exercising more (25 percent), followed by being happy (23 percent), eating healthier (22 percent), saving more money (21 percent), and improving physical health (21 percent). Other popular resolutions include losing weight (17 percent), which finished sixth, and improving mental health (16 percent).
But two goals related to faith and family tied for eighth place. “Praying more” and “spending more time with family” were chosen by 15 percent of Americans, as were “learning something new” and reading more.
The list of 25 resolutions included several other goals tied to faith and family. For example, “improving relationships with friends or family” was selected by 13 percent of Americans, ranking No. 12, while “focusing on spiritual matters” drew 9 percent, placing No. 18.
The only goal on the list related to political matters – “getting more involved politically” – landed in last place (4 percent).
“Last year, the most popular resolution was saving more money, with 26 percent who were resolving to do this,” YouGov said in an analysis, adding that “22 percent said they were resolving to exercise more last year.”
With signs of spiritual renewal already emerging among young people in America, the YouGov poll may offer supporting evidence. The survey found that younger adults were more likely than older Americans to choose resolutions related to faith. For example, 15 percent of adults ages 18–29 said they want to pray more, compared to 13 percent of those ages 45–64. Similarly, 11 percent of 18–29-year-olds said they want to focus more on spiritual matters, versus 7 percent of adults ages 45–64.
The poll surveyed 1,104 U.S. adults.
Related Article
The One New Year's Resolution That Will Improve Your Whole Life
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Creative-Family
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published December 30, 2025.
