5 most common New Year’s resolutions for 2024

Whether they are minor tweaks or major lifestyle decisions, New Year's resolutions can serve as a powerful catalyst for self-improvement and personal growth. In Poland, like in many other countries, many people set various goals to enhance their overall quality of life.

Truth be told, we humans are a lazy lot – and our neurological wiring and predisposition to focus on present gains almost ensure that we will fail rather than prevail in honoring those resolutions. Still, the few chosen ones will manage to stick to their guns.

So without any further, let’s explore the five most popular New Year's resolutions – according to the 2023 Statista data.

For 2024, we solemnly swear to…

1. To save money (59%)

Economic stability and financial responsibility are significant concerns worldwide, and Poles are no exception. Many of us set New Year's resolutions related to financial goals, such as saving money, creating a budget, or investing wisely. This resolution reflects a growing awareness of the importance of financial well-being and the desire for a more secure future.

2. To exercise more (50%)

It is no secret that regular physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore each year, many of us set a goal to move our bodies more consistently. Whether it's through daily walks, gym workouts, yoga, or a sport you enjoy, it’s best to find an activity that brings you joy and suits your fitness level.

Also, if your fitness level is on a ground level, I feel obligated to point out that chess is also technically a sports discipline. Do with this knowledge as you will.

3. To eat healthier (47%)

Transforming one’s diet is a resolution that can transcend mere weight loss – it's a commitment to nourishing your body and cultivating long-term health. Come New Year, many of us promise ourselves to incorporate more whole foods into our meals, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

All in all, it’s impossible to understate the importance of a healthy diet.

After all, as they say, you are what you eat. Which, come to think of it, is an equally terrifying and entertaining thought – imagine: you are 3% human and 97% a walking Snickers bar.

4. To spend more time with friends and family (40%)

Building and nurturing meaningful relationships is a universal aspiration, so it’s little wonder that this particular desire is placed so high on the list of most common New Year's resolutions. Whether it's strengthening existing bonds or forging new connections, many of us strive to invest more time and effort in relationships with our partners, family, or friends, aka the family of choice.

5. To lose weight (35%)

Ah, yes, the ultimate New Year’s promise.

Closely related to the two earlier positions on the list (exercising and eating healthier), the resolution to lose weight is a perennial favorite. The post-holiday season often brings a heightened awareness of dietary choices and the never-ending inner war of “Sweets vs. Salads”.

The emphasis on weight loss reflects a global trend of the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight for overall well-being. It can also reflect the unrealistic beauty standards powered by social media, but… well, if the Latin proverb “Mens sana in corpore sano” (eng. “a healthy mind in a healthy body”) existed since ancient times, there must be some truth to it, right?

That means that it’s somewhat likely that back in Ancient Rome, Julius Caesar, for example, looked at himself in a mirror and wondered:

“Brutus, does this robe make me look fat? No, scratch that, I’m drop-dead gorgeous.”

And then Brutus the ever-supportive best friend forever would have been inclined to agree:

“Drop dead? That’s… actually astoundingly accurate. You should definitely wear it to the next Senate gathering”.

Sources:

Statista – Most popular New Year's resolutions for 2024