100 Achievable New Year's Resolutions for 2026

Austin

23 November 2025 — 14 minutes

100 New Year's Resolutions that you can actually keep.

2026 is here!

This year, instead of vague, lofty promises, we’ve created 100 resolutions you can actually keep. These aren’t about the perfect grand goals - they’re about tiny, achievable actions that add up to real progress.

They’re based on science and my own trial-and-error

From career goals to health, family, and even creativity, these ideas are specific, doable, and even a little fun. No pressure, no guilt - just a fresh approach to starting the year off right. So let’s dive in!

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A review of neuroscience and behavior-change research found that goal-setting activates brain mechanisms tied to motivation, self-regulation, planning, and behavior change - helping make new behaviors more likely to stick

The top 100 New Year's Resolutions for 2026

Career Goals

1. Write down the one task I must do each morning before work
2. Update your resume monthly with recent accomplishments.
3. Spend 10 minutes learning a new skill weekly.
4. Write one message per week, networking with a colleague or mentor.
5. Organize your desk every Friday before leaving work.
6. Save one new thing you learned "resources" folder each week.
7. Read one professional article or blog post daily.
8. Set a timer for 25 minutes to focus on one task without distraction.
9. Take a 5-minute break every hour to stretch or reset during work hours.
10. Volunteer for one small project outside your usual tasks per month.

Health Goals

1. Drink one extra glass of water daily.
2. Add one vegetable to your plate at lunch or dinner.
3. Stretch for 5 minutes every morning.
4. Go for a 10-minute walk during your lunch break.
5. Do one push-up or sit-up daily, adding one each week till failure.
6. Replace one sugary snack with a fruit or nut option.
7. Spend one evening per week cooking a meal.
8. Set a bedtime alarm to remind yourself to wind down for the day.
9. Floss one tooth each night and increase until it’s a habit.
10. Replace soda with sparkling water during one meal/week.

Family Goals

1. Call one family member each week.
2. Schedule one family game or movie night monthly.
3. Spend 10 minutes talking with your kids about their day without distractions.
4. Write a thank-you note to a family member every quarter.
5. Organize a small family outing like a walk or picnic every month.
6. Cook one meal together as a family weekly.
7. Spend one weekend decluttering the house.
8. Celebrate a small family win with a treat monthly.
9. Start a family gratitude jar and add one note weekly.
10. Share one positive memory from the past with your family every week.

Financial Goals

1. Track one expense category each week.
2. Save $5 in a separate account daily.
3. Cancel one unused subscription this month.
4. Set up an automatic transfer to savings biweekly.
5. Review your bank statements for 15 minutes monthly.
6. Read one personal finance article weekly.
7. Use a cashback or rewards app once a week.
8. Pack lunch instead of eating out once per week.
9. Spend 10 minutes comparing prices before making a purchase.
10. Set a goal to pay off one debt incrementally over the next six months.

Social Goals

1. Send one “just checking in” text to a friend weekly.
2. Schedule coffee or lunch with a friend monthly.
3. Join a local club or group activity.
4. Spend 10 minutes engaging with a community cause online.
5. Say “yes” to one social invitation this month.
6. Attend one networking or social event quarterly.
7. Compliment one person genuinely each day.
8. Write one card or letter to someone you appreciate every two months.
9. Learn one new thing about a friend or colleague weekly.
10. Share one positive review or feedback online for any business you like monthly.

Personal Growth Goals

1. Read one page of a book daily.
2. Journal for 3 minutes each evening.
3. Meditate for 1 minute daily, adding 30 seconds weekly.
4. Listen to one inspiring podcast episode weekly.
5. Write down one thing you’re grateful for every morning.
6. Try one new hobby or activity every quarter.
7. Spend 10 minutes weekly reviewing personal wins.
8. Learn one new word or phrase in another language daily.
9. Dedicate 5 minutes weekly to planning a dream vacation.
10. Set aside 10 minutes monthly to declutter your phone or email inbox.

Environmental Goals

1. Bring a reusable water bottle daily.
2. Reduce your meat consumption by one meal per week.
3. Spend 10 minutes researching a local eco-friendly practice or event monthly.
4. Pick up 1 piece of trash during your daily walk.
5. Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
6. Use reusable bags for one grocery trip weekly.
7. Compost kitchen scraps one day per week.
8. Spend 10 minutes monthly learning about sustainable products.
9. Reduce single-use plastics by choosing alternatives once a week.
10. Add one plant to your home this month.

Creativity Goals

1. Draw or sketch for 5 minutes weekly.
2. Write one paragraph of a story or idea each day.
3. Experiment with one new recipe monthly.
4. Take one photo of something that inspires you daily.
5. Spend 10 minutes experimenting with a new app or software.
6. Try one DIY or craft project every quarter.
7. Write a poem, even if just two lines, weekly.
8. Create a vision board with images of your dreams.
9. Watch one inspiring documentary or creative content monthly.
10. Decorate one area of your home with personal artwork.

Mindset Goals

1. Write down one affirmation every morning.
2. Take one deep breath before responding to a stressful situation.
3. Compliment yourself on one achievement daily.
4. Spend 10 minutes weekly reflecting on challenges overcome.
5. Reframe one negative thought into a positive perspective daily.
6. Read one motivational quote before starting your day.
7. Spend 5 minutes visualizing a future goal weekly.
8. Laugh out loud at least once weekly (find a joke, show, or memory).
9. Accept one imperfection or mistake without judgment weekly.
10. Pause for one moment of mindfulness during a routine task daily.

Other Goals

1. Spend 10 minutes researching one topic of curiosity weekly.
2. Try a new route or method for your daily commute monthly.
3. Declutter one small drawer or shelf weekly.
4. Organize one personal photo album quarterly.
5. Write one review for a product you use monthly.
6. Spend 10 minutes playing with a pet or child daily.
7. Donate one item you no longer need monthly.
8. Set a timer to disconnect from technology for 15 minutes daily.
9. Volunteer 30 minutes for a local cause monthly.
10. Take one “me day” quarterly to recharge.

What you need to know about New Year's resolutions

January 1st: "New Year, New Me!"
January 15th: "Who left this dirty gym bag in the corner? Oh, it’s mine. Wait, I have a gym bag...?"

Every January, we declare war on our flaws: new year, new me. By February? New year, same story.

Every year, we start January with big dreams, vowing this year will be different.

But it’s usually not.

Let’s talk about why. Here are four truths about why our New Year's resolutions tend to fizzle:

Why is it so hard to complete New Year's resolutions?

Truth 1: Resolutions are too vague.

“I’ll get healthy!” Great idea, but…what does that mean? A salad once a month? Drinking water instead of soda once? Walking your dog once a week

Without clarity, these lofty goals become more confusing than motivating. In 90% of the studies, specific and challenging goals led to higher performance than easy goals

Truth 2: We often rely on willpower instead of creating an environment that supports our goals

If you think of willpower like a phone battery - limited and quick to drain - why do you expect you can resist temptation after a long workday, staring at a fridge full of snacks?

Truth 3: Unrealistic expectations crush us.

Going from zero workouts a year to six a week sounds noble - but also impossible. Setting the bar that high usually ends in frustration (and a very expensive gym membership you forget to cancel).

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Based on this study, setting very high goals can lead to failure, which harms self-esteem and motivation.

Truth 4: “All-or-nothing” thinking ruins progress.

Miss one workout? Skip one day of journaling? Suddenly, we convince ourselves we’ve failed entirely. Next thing you know, you’re three seasons deep into a Netflix show instead of logging miles.

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Based on this study, harsh self-judgment and fear of failure lead to poor progress on goals because they reduce motivation

How to achieve New Year's Resolutions

1) Set Micro Goals

Instead of saying, “I’ll read 50 books this year,” how about, “I’ll read one page before bed tonight”? It’s achievable, doesn’t spark existential dread, and you can actually feel proud when you close the book without drooling on it.

Tiny, consistent actions snowball into major wins. Think of it as leveling up in a game - every little XP point counts. (Shoutout to Atomic Habits)

2) Make approach-oriented resolutions

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A large-scale 2020 study of over 1,000 people who made New Year’s resolutions found that People who made “approach-oriented” resolutions - i.e. adopting a new habit (“eat fruit daily”) rather than avoiding a bad one (“stop eating sweets”) - had higher success rates (≈ 58.9%) than those focused on avoidance (≈ 47.1%)

3) Focus on Systems, Not Outcomes

“I’ll lose 20 pounds this year!” Sure, but how?

Instead, build a system like “I’ll meal prep every Sunday.” Systems take the stress out of the equation and give you a roadmap.

4) Track Progress, Not Perfection

Miss a day? Congratulations, you’re human!

We often focus too much on having to do things at the exact same time on the same day each week, as if missing that moment means we've failed and won't reach our goal.

But that's not the best way to pursue a new habit. The key is progress, no matter when you read that book - whether it's at 9 a.m. or 8 p.m. As long as you're reading, you're making progress and on the right track to achieve your goal.

Progress is about showing up.

Treat every small milestone like slaying a mini-boss in your personal quest

My story about the New Year's resolutions

There was a time when I set so many New Year’s resolutions that I couldn’t remember them all, let alone follow through. The result? By February, I couldn’t even recall what I had set out to achieve

I tried a new approach: I ditched the laundry list of resolutions and focused on setting a big vision instead. Think: find my passion, start my startup, and stay healthy. Broad goals that would motivate me without overwhelming me.

Then I broke down that vision into small, actionable micro-goals. For example, in my quest to “find my passion,” I knew I had to try new things. I experimented like crazy - violin lessons, DJing, YouTube, TikTok, acting. Each attempt taught me something about myself, and eventually, it all led me to where I am today: building my own startup.

It wasn’t about a perfect path. It was about systems - creating a process that helped me move forward every day. I learned to focus on what I could control daily, like “spend 15 minutes practicing something new” instead of setting grand, vague goals and leaving it there

If I missed a day, no problem. I just picked up where I left off. The key was consistency over perfection.

So this year, you may want to forget the giant resolutions. Instead, set your big vision, break it into bite-sized actions, and let your daily systems do the heavy lifting. You’ll be surprised how far you can go when you focus on progress, not perfection. 🙂

How to Use Tech to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

For New Year's resolution, we forget the small actions that matter every day. That’s where tech can genuinely help

With Saner.AI, you can turn a vague resolution into clear, doable daily actions - and get gentle reminders to stay on track.

Here's how to use Saner to make resolutions stick:

1. Turn goals into simple daily actions

• Instead of writing “get healthier” or “be more productive,” you can brain-dump your thoughts into Saner. It helps break big goals into small, realistic tasks you can actually do today.

2. Get proactive daily reminders that feel supportive, not stressful

• Saner acts like an assistant that reminds you what to focus on each day - whether that’s a 20-minute workout, writing one page, or following up on something important. You don’t have to remember everything yourself.

3. Keep everything in one place

• Your notes, tasks, and plans are all in one place. That means fewer forgotten goals, less context switching, and less “I’ll do it later” energy.

4. Adjust without guilt

• Life changes. You just need to chat with Saner to review, adjust, and refocus your goals without starting from zero. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to count.

Having an assistant that reminds you of the right action at the right time increases your chance of staying consistent with your New Year’s resolutions 😄

Try Saner.AI for freeAchieve your New Year Goals!

Final Thoughts on New Year's Goals

This year, take a small step, stick with it, and let the magic of consistency do its thing. No need for sweeping transformations overnight - just a commitment to show up, even if it's just for two minutes at a time.

Remember: by December 31st, it’s the little, deliberate actions that stack up and surprise you. So, whether it’s drinking more water or finally learning how to write “konichiwa,” start small and stay the course.

And hey, if it all falls apart?

At least you can sleep soundly knowing your unused gym membership is making someone else’s New Year's dream come true 😉

FAQ: 100 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for 2026

1. What are the most achievable New Year’s resolutions for 2026?

Achievable resolutions are goals that are specific, simple to start, and easy to maintain over time. For 2026, people are searching for resolutions that improve health, money, productivity, relationships, and mental well-being - without overwhelming them.

Examples include:

• Build a 5-minute morning ritual
• Save $5 a day
• Walk 10 minutes after lunch
• Declutter one drawer a week
• Do a weekly “life reset” every Sunday

Lists like “100 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for 2026” give you plenty of bite-sized, realistic options to choose from.

2. How do I choose the right resolutions for 2026?

Pick goals that fit your current season of life - not ones that look impressive on paper.

A simple framework:

• Start tiny (5–10 minutes max)
• Choose only 1–3 resolutions at first
• Pick things you can track easily
• Avoid perfection goals like “never procrastinate again”
• Choose goals that feel meaningful, not draining

The best resolutions are ones you look forward to doing.

3. Why do New Year’s resolutions fail?

Most resolutions fail because they are:

• Too vague (“be healthier”)
• Too big (“go to the gym every day”)
• Too many at once
• Not connected to a daily routine
• Not supported by reminders or systems

That’s why this guide focuses on achievable, low-effort resolutions that build momentum over time.

4. What categories should my 2026 resolutions cover?

Most people search for resolutions across these categories:

• Health & fitness
• Productivity
• Money & savings
• Career & skills
• Relationships
• Mental health
• Home & organization
• Personal growth
• Digital wellness
• Creativity & hobbies

5. What are micro-resolutions (and why do they work)?

Micro-resolutions are small habits that require minimal motivation but create big results over time.

Examples:

• Drink water first thing in the morning
• Do 1 minute before bed
• Write down one win every day
• Schedule a weekly “no plans” hour

They work because they don’t trigger burnout - and they fit into even the busiest schedule.

6. How do I stick to my resolutions throughout 2026?

Try these research-backed tactics:

• Attach the habit to something you already do (habit stacking)
• Use visual cues like checklists or widgets
• Make it rewarding (track progress, celebrate wins)
• Start embarrassingly easy so there’s no resistance
• Use an AI tool like Saner.AI to turn your goals into daily reminders and small tasks

Consistency comes from reducing friction - not increasing discipline.

7. Are there any tools that help you follow through on New Year’s resolutions?

Yes. For 2026, people are increasingly using AI assistant to stay on track.

Popular options include:

• Saner.AI – Turns your goals into small daily tasks, helps plan your day, and reminds you at the right time

• Habit tracking apps
• Calendar automation tools
• Note-taking + planning apps

Saner.AI is especially helpful if you want a “set it and forget it” assistant that reminds you before you drop the habit.

8. What are good resolutions for people with ADHD in 2026?

ADHD-friendly resolutions must be simple, low friction, and high dopamine.

Examples:

• Create a 2-minute “reset” between tasks
• Use a planner that doesn’t overwhelm you
• Keep a “messy notes” space for brain dumps
• Use Saner.AI to convert rambly thoughts into clear tasks

• Do short work sprints instead of long sessions

Avoid resolutions that require rigid scheduling or intense discipline.

9. What are the best New Year’s resolutions for improving productivity?

Popular productivity-focused resolutions include:

• Do a weekly review every Sunday
• Use a single task list instead of five apps
• Plan your day the night before
• Spend the first 10 minutes of your day on the hardest task
• Organize your notes and ideas in one place
• Use Saner.AI as a second brain to avoid context switching

These habits reduce overwhelm and mental load.

10. What are achievable health resolutions for 2026?

People are searching for realistic, science-backed habits such as:

• Walk 7,000–8,000 steps a day
• Add one serving of vegetables to lunch
• Stretch for 3 minutes before bed
• Stop scrolling in bed for 30 minutes
• Drink water before coffee

Small, consistent habits are more sustainable than extreme fitness challenges.

11. What are achievable financial resolutions for 2026?

Simple money goals work best:

• Save $1–$5 a day automatically
• Review subscriptions once a month
• Set a weekly “money check-in”
• Create a realistic budgeting method you can stick to
• Build a small emergency fund

People increasingly prefer “low pressure” money habits over strict budgeting.

12. What are good New Year’s resolutions for career growth?

Search trends show rising interest in:

• Learning one new skill per quarter
• Updating your resume every 6 months
• Asking for feedback monthly
• Setting boundaries around work hours
• Doing a weekly “CEO hour” for planning

These are achievable for most people - and support long-term career development.

13. How many New Year’s resolutions should I set for 2026?

The most successful people choose 1–3 resolutions and master them before adding more.
Trying to tackle all 100 Achievable New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 at once will backfire.

14. Can I start my 2026 resolutions early?

Absolutely - research shows people stick to habits better when they start before January 1st.

Early starters:

• Feel less pressure
• Build momentum
• Skip the “all or nothing” trap
• Have more time to experiment

Starting early makes the habits feel natural by the time the new year begins.

15. What’s the easiest way to track New Year’s resolutions?

Keep it simple.

Most people stick to resolutions better when tracking is:

• Visual (checklist, calendar, streaks)
• Automatic (AI tools, phone reminders)
• Minimal friction (1 minute max)

Saner.AI can automatically turn your resolutions into small daily tasks and remind you when it matters - no manual tracking needed.

16. Should New Year’s resolutions always be big goals?

No - small goals create bigger change.

Big, dramatic resolutions rely on high motivation, which never lasts.
Small, achievable habits rely on systems, which always win.

17. What if I break my resolution?

You simply restart.

Breaking a streak doesn’t mean the habit is broken.
Think of resolutions like reps at the gym: you just try again.

The goal is resilience, not perfection.

18. What’s the difference between goals and resolutions?

• Goals = what you want
• Resolutions = how you will get there
• Habits = the daily steps you repeat

The best resolutions connect all three.

19. Do I need 100 resolutions?

No - this list exists so you can find ideas that match your life.
Most people pick:

• 1 personal
• 1 health
• 1 productivity
• 1 money
• Optional: 1 growth or relationship goal

Use the list as inspiration - not a to-do list.

20. Where can I find a list of 100 achievable New Year’s resolutions for 2026?

Right here - in the full guide.
The FAQ supports the list by giving you context, tips, and strategies to choose the right resolutions and stick with them.

And the great way to stay on track for a goal is to have an assistant who reminds you about the daily actions and tasks you should take1 minute