Brits in 2025 are choosing a different path when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, opting for fun and joy over traditional goals, a study finds. Instead of restrictive diets and intense exercise routines, people are focusing on happiness, self-kindness, and embracing simple pleasures. The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults, reflects a shift in mindset towards resolutions that prioritise enjoyment and personal fulfilment rather than unrealistic expectations. While over half of Brits find resolutions beneficial for personal growth, only 13% believe they can maintain them throughout the year. As a result, a third of participants are forgoing resolutions altogether, aiming to avoid feelings of failure or pressure.
New approaches to resolutions are emerging among different age groups. Gen Z individuals are embracing the “joy of missing out” by prioritising self-care and spontaneity. Millennials are planning to incorporate a small monthly adventure, such as exploring new towns. For those in their late 40s to 50s, indulging in simple pleasures like binge-watching series and spending time in nature takes precedence. Conversely, individuals aged between 60 and 78 are more focused on weight loss as a conventional resolution. Despite these variations, there is a common theme of playfulness cutting across generations, with many adopting unconventional strategies like creating “no” lists instead of traditional to-do lists and embodying “main character energy”.
The study, commissioned by Away Resorts, offers valuable insights into the evolving attitudes towards goal-setting. Away Resorts founder, Carl Castledine, notes the importance of prioritising happiness and adventure in the upcoming year, acknowledging that there is no right or wrong way to approach resolutions. Many participants in the study express a distaste for making resolutions, preferring a more fluid and personal approach to achieving their aspirations. This sentiment may be contributing to the waning popularity of annual challenges such as “Dry January” and “Veganuary”. Only a small percentage of respondents plan to abstain from alcohol or adopt a vegan diet in January, with a growing preference for goals that focus on self-care, enjoyment, and authenticity.
The shift towards self-kindness and personal satisfaction is evident in the choices people are making for the new year. Enjoying leisurely mornings, taking risks, and prioritising laughter are gaining traction as meaningful resolutions. Two-thirds of respondents believe that practicing self-kindness is more important than strict self-discipline, highlighting a move away from external pressures and societal norms. As individuals increasingly reject social media-driven ideals, they are embracing resolutions that align with their personal values and bring genuine joy. Castledine emphasises the significance of reflecting on one’s desires and kickstarting the process of goal achievement in January, underscoring the individualised nature of setting resolutions.
The study sheds light on a broader trend towards redefining traditional resolutions and embracing a more flexible and authentic approach to personal growth. By focusing on happiness, self-care, and meaningful experiences, Brits are challenging the notion of rigid goal-setting and embracing a more holistic view of success. As the new year approaches, the emphasis is on cultivating joy, adventure, and self-fulfilment, reflecting a shift towards resolutions that resonate on a deeper level with individuals. Ultimately, the evolving landscape of goal-setting reflects a desire for authenticity, self-awareness, and genuine happiness as people navigate their paths towards a fulfilling 2025.
Summarising the story, Brits are rethinking their New Year’s resolutions for 2025, opting for joy, self-kindness, and personal satisfaction over traditional goals. The study reveals a shift towards more relaxed and authentic resolutions that prioritise happiness and meaningful experiences, reflecting a broader trend of individualised goal-setting. With a focus on embracing simple pleasures, taking risks, and practising self-kindness, people are challenging societal norms and redefining success on their terms. As Brits embark on the new year, a sense of playfulness and adventure permeates their approach to resolutions, promising a year of self-discovery and fulfilment.