As the first week of January draws to a close, the lofty ambitions of New Year's resolutions are already beginning to crumble for many across the UK. Fresh research has uncovered the stark reality behind our annual pledges for self-improvement, revealing that a significant number of Brits expect their 2026 goals to be short-lived.
The Fading Resolve: Key Findings from the Study
Conducted by OnePoll for McDonald's, the survey of 2,000 adults paints a picture of optimistic intent followed by rapid surrender. The data shows that almost half of Brits believe their resolutions will last only two months or less. A particularly pessimistic 8% admit they will likely abandon their goals within the first seven days.
The study, launched alongside McDonald's new Big Arch burger, found that while 40% of all UK adults set a resolution for 2026, this figure skyrockets to 71% among Generation Z. Despite this initial enthusiasm, the path to success is fraught with obstacles. A primary driver for setting goals is personal improvement, cited by 55% of respondents, followed by the desire for a clean slate (51%) and relishing a challenge (34%).
The Tug of Temptation and Lost Momentum
So why do these well-intentioned plans falter? The research pinpointed several core reasons. A leading cause is the simple inability to resist temptation, with many confessing they find it too hard to say no to the things they love, whether that's indulgent food or skipping a gym session. Other major culprits include failing to see quick results, losing interest over time, or even forgetting about the resolution entirely.
A spokesperson for McDonald's commented on the findings, stating: "Setting yourself a resolution can put the pressure on – especially if you go public with it. Resolutions can feel like a great idea on January 1st, but life isn't lived in spreadsheets." They added that "treating yourself is part of that" balance, acknowledging the struggle many face.
Strategies for Success and the Power of Partnership
The research also explored what might help people stick to their goals. Nearly half (46%) believe resolutions are more achievable when tackled with a friend or partner, though only 12% have actually tried this collaborative approach. Furthermore, 40% think breaking a large goal into smaller, more manageable milestones is the key to success, while a contrasting 15% insist that one single, larger target works better for them.
Ultimately, the statistics reveal a gap between ambition and endurance. While a staggering 67% claim they are "all in" when setting a target, and 52% believe resolutions are a worthwhile method, only 17% manage to stick to their pledges for the full twelve months. A modest 21% sail through effortlessly, while nearly half (49%) openly struggle.
The Top 20 Reasons or Excuses for Breaking New Year's Resolutions were identified as:
- Feeling demotivated
- Giving in to temptation
- Finding it too difficult
- Not seeing the results quickly enough
- Not fitting with their routine
- Forgetting they were doing it
- Finding it too boring
- Realising they didn’t want to do it
- Finding it too tiring
- Feeling too unhappy/fed-up
- Wanting to treat themselves
- Becoming ill
- Finding it too expensive
- Bad weather
- Rewarding themselves for sticking with their pledge
- Social plans negatively impacted
- Deciding it would be better to do the resolution next year
- Being told by friends or family they were too grumpy
- Pretending to be ill when they weren’t
- Finding it too easy
The study concludes that while the drive for self-betterment is strong, the realities of daily life and human nature often intervene, making flexibility and self-compassion crucial components of any long-term goal.
