Here’s how to stick to wellness-related goals and resolutions for 2024

Want to make your annual resolutions stick? Two in five Americans claim the answer is to “start small.”

As Americans look forward to the holiday season and the New Year, a new poll of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that respondents would rather kick off their goals gradually (40%) than jump in headfirst (18%).

Even so, results show that Americans prefer to make long-term goals (42%) rather than short-term ones (27%).

Those who prefer long-term goals do so because they believe they can take their time reaching them (62%), the results are usually bigger and better (57%) and because they think people won’t know if they fall off track (56%).

Short-term goals, on the other hand, are popular because respondents have had more success in reaching them (61%), can see results faster (59%) and they’re usually simpler (55%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Vitamin Shoppe and Ancient Nutrition, the survey revealed that the easiest goals to achieve are practicing better hygiene (62%), drinking more water (55%), taking daily vitamins and supplements (49%) and working on flexibility, such as simply being able to touch your toes (41%).

Though 34% of respondents believe that January is the best month to start a new goal or habit, it is noteworthy that 14% selected February and 12% claim that any month will do.

But how long do they expect to keep at their goals? Results revealed that respondents believe New Year’s goals should be attained by summer, or take an average of about five months.

“Resolutions and goals, whether long-term or short-term, can be powerful motivators for each of us to work towards improving our health and sense of well-being,” noted Dr. Josh Axe, co-founder of dietary supplement brand Ancient Nutrition and a member of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Wellness Council. “I always recommend that resolutions be specific, measurable, and achievable, such as aiming to get eight hours of sleep per night or taking collagen each day to improve skin, joint, and gut health. Wellness is a lifelong journey, and resolutions and goals can be helpful reminders and incentives along the way.”

Three-quarters (75%) of respondents set at least one resolution each new year, and another 12% set resolutions, but not necessarily every year.

But that doesn’t mean everyone looks at the start of the new year in the same way — respondents view resolutions as a motivator (63%), a tradition (50%) and as a way to improve their health (44%).

Of those respondents, an astounding 83% claim to have success with their resolutions over the years.

Most of these successful resolutions include goals pertaining to relationships and friendships (51%), physical health (49%), socializing (44%) and mental health (39%).

When it comes to health and wellness-related resolutions, in 2024 Americans plan to focus on areas such as weight management (53%), hair and nail health (46%), fitness and strength (45%), immune health (45%) and even hormonal health (41%).

To achieve these goals, respondents say they will be exercising more regularly (55%), taking vitamins and supplements (55%) and enlisting the help of family and friends (52%).

Americans are also slightly more likely to target their overall wellness and foundational health versus very specific health goals this year (31% vs 28%).

And if they were to fall off track, most respondents would seek out help by either looking for support from family and friends (58%) or talking to their doctor (51%).

More than half (54%) are likely to just start their goals over, while only 30% would give up entirely.

“The New Year can be an ideal time to set resolutions and goals, because it’s a chance for a fresh start and a clean slate,” said Dr. Axe. “Lots of people are setting goals at this time so you can feel supported and part of something bigger than just yourself. However, it’s important to make your resolutions specific to your own individual health and lifestyle, as everyone’s wellness journey is unique to themself.”