New Year’s resolutions expected to last just 2 months – as top reasons revealed

A new poll has found almost half of adults expect their New Year’s resolutions to last just two months or less when they set one, with 8% convinced they won’t make it through the first week.

According to a survey of 2,000 adults, the most common reasons for breaking New Year’s resolutions include not seeing the results quickly enough, getting bored or forgetting to do them. But the study revealed one of the top reasons people abandon their goals is giving in to temptation – with many admitting they struggle to resist the things they enjoy most.

Commissioned by McDonald’s following the launch of its Big Arch burger, the study found 40% of adults have set themselves a resolution for 2026, with this figure standing at 71% for Gen Zs – higher than any other age group.

A spokesperson for the brand said: “Setting yourself a resolution can put the pressure on – especially if you go public with it. It can also make you realise all the things you might miss out on – whether that’s tasty food, social gatherings or something else altogether.

“Resolutions can feel like a great idea on January 1st, but life isn’t lived in spreadsheets – sometimes the best decision is saying yes to the things that make you happy.”

The number one reason for setting a resolution is self-betterment (55%), followed by wanting a fresh start (51%), and enjoying the challenge (34%). With 52% holding the opinion New Year’s resolutions are an effective way to achieve goals.

When 67% set themselves such a target they claim to be “all in” and fully committed to achieving what they set out to do. However, 26% tend to be more half-hearted.

This could explain in part why just 17% manage to stick to their resolutions for an entire year.

Nearly half (46%) believe resolutions are easier to see through to the end if done with someone else – although just 12% have ever tried this.

While 40% believe multiple smaller goals are easier to achieve rather than one big target – although 15% disagree, claiming a bigger goal is the best way forward.

But regardless, the research carried out through OnePoll found sticking to one is difficult according to 49% – with a comparatively low 21% finding this easy.

A McDonald’s spokesperson added: “As the research shows, most people set resolutions for self-improvement, but nearly half admit they don’t last beyond two months.

“That’s okay – because life is about balance – and treating yourself is part of that.”

TOP 20 REASONS OR EXCUSES FOR BREAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

1.    Feeling demotivated

2.    Giving in to temptation

3.    Finding it too difficult

4.    Not seeing the results quickly enough

5.    Not fitting with their routine

6.    Forgetting they were doing it

7.    Finding it too boring

8.    Realising they didn’t want to do it

9.    Finding it too tiring

10.   Feeling too unhappy/fed-up

11.   Wanting to treat themselves

12.   Becoming ill

13.   Finding it too expensive

14.   Bad weather

15.   Rewarding themselves for sticking with their pledge

16.   Social plans negatively impacted

17.   Deciding it would be better to do the resolution next year

18.   Being told by friends or family they were too grumpy

19.   Pretending to be ill when they weren’t

20.   Finding it too easy