(change-II) What happens when you ask hundreds of teens about their hopes, dreams, and plans for the new year? You get a glimpse into the aspirations of a generation juggling big ambitions with everyday challenges. Our survey of 252 teens reveals the resolutions shaping 2025—from saving money and improving mental health to mastering pull-ups and excelling in school.

For teens, 2024 was a mixed bag. Friends and school were the year’s highlights, with 21% naming friends as the best part and 20% pointing to school. But here’s the twist—school also landed among the worst parts of 2024, tied with mental health as a top challenge (21% each). For many teens, these struggles fuel their determination to make 2025 better.

Resolutions aren’t just a trend for teens—they’re a way to grow, challenge themselves, and take charge of their future. Half of the surveyed teens say they set resolutions to challenge themselves or work on self-improvement, while 42% are driven by a specific goal.

For some, it’s about pushing boundaries. “I resolve to be the best in all I lay my hands on,” shared a 17-year-old White male from Arizona. Others focus on practical, life-changing goals, like a 14-year-old Black female from Texas who simply wants to “make a step on my mental health.”

Financial

Saving money is a top priority for 2025, with 39% of teens resolving to boost their bank accounts. Around a quarter (28%) are even thinking about investing. Many have specific goals in mind. “I’m saving for a new car,” said a 15-year-old Black female from New Jersey, blending big dreams with careful planning.

That said, teens find meeting financial goals particularly difficult. Thirty-four percent rate them the hardest to keep, but the determination to build financial independence drives many to give it their best shot.

Mental Health and Wellness

Mental health remains a top priority for teens, with 32% resolving to focus on self-care and emotional well-being in 2025. For an 18-year-old Hispanic female from Texas, this means working to “get closer with my people,” reflecting a desire for stronger connections and a healthier mindset.

Physical health follows closely, as nearly a quarter (24%) are setting fitness goals that range from building strength to improving their diet. “I want to be able to do eight pull-ups by the end of the year,” shared a 14-year-old White female from Tennessee, hoping that a specific, tangible milestone will inspire change.

For many teens, mental and physical health are intertwined. A 14-year-old Black male from Florida captured this holistic view, saying he’ll “focus on mental health, fitness, and happiness.”

Academic and Skill-Building Goals

Academics remain a cornerstone of teens’ resolutions, with 35% aiming for better grades or higher achievements like a 4.0 GPA. “Graduating high school and starting college” is the dream for an 18-year-old Black female from North Carolina.

Meanwhile, skill-building also takes center stage, with 31% wanting to learn a new activity or hobby. A 19-year-old Black male from Texas said he plans to “learn a technical skill, invest, and work out daily,” embodying this generation’s multifaceted ambitions. .

- Test1

Test2

Test3

Teens aren’t just dreamers—they’re planners. Two-thirds (67%) say they’ll create a schedule to stay on track, while nearly half (47%) will seek support from friends and family. Apps and digital tools are also popular, with 38% using them to track progress.

Despite their optimism, teens know it won’t be easy. Distractions (35%) and shifting priorities (28%) loom as the biggest obstacles. But they’re confident in their ability to succeed—39% believe they’re better at sticking to resolutions than most people.

Testing adding bullets:

Bullet

Bullet

Bullet 2

Bullet Nested

Nested 2 Testing rich text

Testing rich text

Curious about how teens plan for their future? Download the Full Report

Need insights tailored to your business?
Use our custom survey builder to get the answers you need.