From Weight Loss to Wealth: The Most Popular New Year’s Goals in Every State
It’s 2025, and Americans are setting their sights on self-improvement. A recent study by Annuity Freedom, which analyzed Google Trends data, reveals the top New Year’s resolutions for each state. Find out if your New Year’s resolution is popular where you live.
Health Takes Center Stage
Across the U.S., health goals top the list, with weight loss reigning as the most popular resolution in 13 states, including Michigan, New Jersey, and Louisiana. The post-holiday season seems to be a motivating factor, as many seek to shed holiday indulgences and embrace healthier lifestyles.
Eating healthier was the second-most popular health goal, leading in six states such as Florida, Illinois, and Missouri. Meanwhile, exercising more rounded out the top three health-related resolutions, especially in states like Texas and Colorado.
The prominence of health-focused goals aligns with broader trends in America, where obesity rates have been a growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adult obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017–2020, a statistic likely fueling these resolutions.
Financial Wellness on the Rise
Economic uncertainty has placed financial goals at the forefront for many Americans. Residents in Georgia, Minnesota, and Nevada are dreaming big with aspirations of “getting rich,” while those in Kansas, Mississippi, and Nebraska are taking a more pragmatic approach by prioritizing saving money and spending less.
These financial resolutions reflect a nationwide focus on financial literacy and security. A survey by Bankrate found that there was a 5% drop in one year in the number of Americans reporting that money negatively affects their mental health (52% to 47%). Of those who report finances weighing on their mental health, 65% say inflation is the reason.
Mental Health and Breaking Bad Habits
Annuity Freedom’s study also highlights a growing interest in mental well-being. In New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, the most Googled New Year’s resolution was improving mental health, reflecting broader societal trends that destigmatize mental health conversations.
Breaking bad habits appears to be a New Year’s staple. Kentucky and South Dakota residents aim to drink less alcohol, while Arizona focuses on quitting smoking.
Unique Goals Across States
Certain states stood out with less conventional resolutions. California and Oregon prioritized getting more sleep, signaling an acknowledgment of the health risks associated with sleep deprivation. The CDC reports that one in three adults in the U.S. does not get enough sleep, which can lead to chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Romantic aspirations dominated in Arkansas, Ohio, and New York, where dating was the most-searched resolution. Meanwhile, Connecticut and Massachusetts residents leaned toward wanderlust, making travel their top goal.
Self-Improvement and Family Connections
States like Maryland and New Mexico appear to be focused on personal growth this year, with learning new skills leading their New Year’s resolutions. From picking up a new hobby to advancing professional qualifications, this trend echoes an article from Financial Times, which talks about the importance of upskilling in the workforce.
Maine residents took a more familial approach, with spending quality time with loved ones topping the list. North Carolina and Vermont residents aimed to read more books, reflecting a desire for intellectual enrichment.
State by State New Year’s Goals
For a full list of states and their most Googled resolutions, check out Annuity Freedom’s chart below.
| State | Most Googled New Year Resolution |
| Alabama | Weight loss |
| Alaska | Eat healthier |
| Arizona | Quit smoking |
| Arkansas | Dating |
| California | Sleep more |
| Colorado | Exercise more/Get fit |
| Connecticut | Travel more |
| Delaware | Weight loss |
| Florida | Eat healthier |
| Georgia | Get rich |
| Hawaii | Weight loss |
| Idaho | Eat healthier |
| Illinois | Eat healthier |
| Indiana | Exercise more/Get fit |
| Iowa | Weight loss |
| Kansas | Spend less money/save money |
| Kentucky | Drink less |
| Louisiana | Weight loss |
| Maine | Spend more time with family and friends |
| Maryland | Learn new skills |
| Massachusetts | Travel more |
| Michigan | Weight loss |
| Minnesota | Get rich |
| Mississippi | Spend less money/save money |
| Missouri | Eat healthier |
| Montana | Weight loss |
| Nebraska | Spend less money/save money |
| Nevada | Get rich |
| New Hampshire | Improve mental health |
| New Jersey | Weight loss |
| New Mexico | Learn new skills |
| New York | Dating |
| North Carolina | Read more |
| North Dakota | Weight loss |
| Ohio | Dating |
| Oklahoma | Exercise more/Get fit |
| Oregon | Sleep more |
| Pennsylvania | Improve mental health |
| Rhode Island | Weight loss |
| South Carolina | Weight loss |
| South Dakota | Drink less |
| Tennessee | Improve mental health |
| Texas | Exercise more/Get fit |
| Utah | Weight loss |
| Vermont | Read more |
| Virginia | Stop procrastinating |
| Washington | Change jobs |
| West Virginia | Eat healthier |
| Wisconsin | Reduce stress |
| Wyoming | Weight loss |
