New Year’s resolutions have long been synonymous with fresh starts, but a new study suggests the tradition might be waning—especially in New York. A survey of 3,000 Americans uncovered some fascinating insights into how New Yorkers view and handle resolutions. Spoiler alert: The enthusiasm isn’t quite as strong as it used to be.
According to the study commissioned by Casino.ca, 70% of New Yorkers believe New Year’s resolutions are overrated. Perhaps this explains why 58% admit they failed to achieve their goals last year. Interestingly, the financial cost of these failed resolutions isn’t negligible. On average, New Yorkers spend $413 on aspirations that ultimately go unmet.
Even for those who still make resolutions, commitment seems shaky. One in five New Yorkers who set goals confess they don’t expect to stick with them from the start. And for those who do try, the average timeline for abandoning resolutions is 89 days—just shy of three months.
Despite the skepticism, there’s still some hope for goal-setting in the Empire State. The study also reveals that a sizable number of New Yorkers are planning to set resolutions for 2025, with a mix of health, financial, and personal development goals topping the list.
Are New Year’s resolutions fading into tradition, or are they evolving into something more realistic and flexible? The findings highlight a cultural shift, with many opting for alternative ways to motivate themselves as the calendar flips.
As the New Year approaches, perhaps it’s time to rethink how we set and approach our goals—for the better.