2025 Was A ‘Great’ Year For Just 1 In 10 Americans

Americans are limping into 2026 with low expectations after a year most would rather forget. Only 10% of people called 2025 a “great” year, according to a survey, with the vast majority describing it as “just okay” (39%), “bad” (19%), or even “awful” (10%).

Determined to turn things around, 38% of Americans are setting personal goals for the new year. The Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans shows people are creating an average of six resolutions each, with financial security and physical fitness leading the charge. That’s a lot of ambition after a year that left so many feeling disappointed.

The widespread dissatisfaction with 2025 appears to be fueling a renewed commitment to self-improvement. Rather than accepting another lackluster year, Americans are doubling down on personal goals, hoping that intentional changes can shift their circumstances in meaningful ways.

Saving Money and Exercising Top 2026 Goals

Putting more money into savings (45%) and getting more exercise (45%) tied as the most common resolutions, followed by improving overall physical health (41%). Other popular goals include eating healthier (40%), improving holistic financial wellness (34%), spending more time outdoors (29%), and boosting mental health (29%).

The dual focus on finances and fitness reflects deeper concerns about stability and well-being after a disappointing year. These twin priorities suggest Americans see their bank accounts and their bodies as two sides of the same coin when it comes to overall quality of life. Financial stress and physical health are deeply interconnected, and people seem to recognize that improvement in one area often supports progress in the other.

Americans rated their average mental health at 7 out of 10, with men scoring slightly higher at 8 out of 10. Despite the rough year, half of respondents believe 2026 will be their year to finally reach a better place mentally. That optimism stands in contrast to how people felt about 2025, suggesting many see the new year as a fresh start rather than a continuation of current struggles.

Money Problems and Willpower Issues Block Progress

Getting to those goals won’t be easy. Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X all identified not having enough money as their biggest barrier to achieving resolutions. Baby boomers cited lack of willpower as their primary obstacle instead. Mental health challenges (28%) and lack of time (22%) also prevent people from following through.

The generational split on barriers is telling. Younger Americans face economic headwinds that make even basic goal-setting feel out of reach. When you’re worried about making rent or paying off student loans, resolutions about outdoor time or mental wellness can feel like luxuries. Baby boomers, presumably more financially stable, point to internal rather than external obstacles.

Millennials are most likely to create New Year’s resolutions (57%), while baby boomers are least likely (23%). Men also show more enthusiasm than women, both in setting goals (44% vs. 35%) and feeling motivated to complete them (93% vs. 85%). The gender gap suggests men may feel more agency over their circumstances or more optimism about their ability to create change through personal effort.

Younger Americans Struggle More with Failure

When resolutions fall short, generational differences emerge. Gen Z tends to criticize themselves or feel guilty when they don’t meet goals (36%). Millennials (42%), Gen X (48%), and baby boomers (55%) are more likely to accept failure as part of the process and keep moving forward.

The pattern shows that self-compassion tends to increase with age. Older Americans have likely experienced enough failed resolutions to know that stumbling doesn’t mean giving up entirely. Younger people, especially Gen Z, appear to internalize setbacks more personally.

“Setting meaningful personal goals is a positive step for mental well-being and growth, but it is equally important that we go easy on ourselves if we don’t achieve them right away,” said Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer at Talkspace, which commissioned the research. “Remember that there can be growth in trying to achieve goals, even if you don’t always achieve exactly what you set out to, or the outcome doesn’t look or feel like what you expected.”

Different Generations, Different Mental Health Strategies

To maintain mental well-being, different generations rely on different habits. Gen Z leans on time with family and sleep (both 36%). Millennials prefer listening to music and podcasts (43%). Gen X (42%) and baby boomers (46%) both favor regular walks. About 54% of respondents said they’re open about their mental health with loved ones, with millennials (63%) and men (59%) being the most transparent.

The generational preferences reveal how people of different ages process stress and seek comfort. Gen Z’s focus on family and rest suggests they prioritize connection and recovery. Millennials turn to audio content, perhaps finding solace in feeling less alone through shared stories and music. The older generations favor physical movement, recognizing the mental benefits of getting outside and staying active.

About 38% of respondents have unique personal techniques for boosting their mood. Some shared creative approaches, from treasure hunting and lifting weights to rock music to skateboarding. One respondent enjoys “listening to my favorite music and dancing like nobody’s watching,” while another finds peace “listening to Tyler, The Creator interviews.” One person even admitted, “Crying. Sometimes you just gotta make yourself cry.” Another shared, “I love encouraging others. It takes my mind off any issues I have, and in many cases, I get the pleasant surprise of returned encouragement.”

After a year most Americans would rather forget, the hope is that 2026 brings something better. Whether those six resolutions per person actually stick remains to be seen, but the effort itself may matter more than perfect execution.

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