Gen Z want to put themselves first in 2025 while Millennials hope to spend more time with friends & family, study shows

GEN Z want to put themselves first in 2025 while Millennials hope to spend more time with friends and family, studies have revealed.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed attitudes towards setting goals for next year, and the generational differences.

The top Gen Z new year resolutions are to save money, exercise more and learn a new skill or hobby.

But some quirkier aims for 2025 include embracing the ‘joy of missing out’ – by not feeling bad about cancelling plans.

Those aged up to 27 also pledged to focus on their career, travel to new places and have a better work/ life balance.

While the top goals for Millennials, aged 28 to 43, include spending more time with family and loved ones, more self-care and decluttering their homes.

But they also intend to commit to one small, spontaneous adventure a month, such as exploring a town near them.

Gen X, those in their late 40s and 50s, plan to spend more time in nature and going on long walks – and, like Millennials, also want to have monthly adventures.

And Gen X intend to enjoy more guilty pleasures, like binge-watching TV or eating their favourite dessert.

Carl Castledine, founder of UK holiday park operator Away Resorts [www.awayresorts.co.uk], which commissioned the study, said: “While some of our goals are similar no matter what our age, what we prioritise naturally evolves and changes a little as we get older.

“It seems while we share some ‘sensible’ and traditional goals, it’s good to see people are prioritising happiness and adventure for next year too.

“Whether looking to make small tweaks or major changes to our lifestyles in 2025, a short staycation can be the perfect way to reflect on what we want to achieve or just indulge in some much-needed rest and relaxation.”

The study showed 48 per cent of all adults will set at least one resolution for next year, with the top regular goal being to save money – except Boomers aged 60 to 78, whose number one goal is to lose weight.

But when it came to the list of less typical goals – every age group wants to ‘laugh more’, while setting ‘no’ lists instead of ‘to do’ lists and taking more risks also featured.

It also emerged 54 per cent find new year’s resolutions helpful for their personal growth – with 24 per cent tackling them seriously.

However, 35 per cent won’t set any – with a fifth disliking making resolutions at all, as they don’t want to tie their goals to the start of the year (23 per cent), set themselves up for failure (21 per cent) or feel stressed (18 per cent).

While 65 per cent feel the pressures of society, like seeing other people’s lives reflected on social media, influence the things they want to change in their own lives.

Nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) said being kinder to themselves is key, with Brits prioritising happiness over self-discipline.

And many plan to adopt less traditional, more rebellious goals, such as factoring in slow, cosy mornings, embracing their wild side by being more adventurous – or showing more ‘main character energy‘ by looking after number one.

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Meanwhile, only 12 per cent are planning to give up alcohol for ‘dry January’ with just five per cent planning to give up eating meat for ‘veganuary’.

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found a fifth would like a holiday or short break at the start of the year to help them focus on what they want from life.

As 34 per cent reflect on their goals during a holiday more than any other time of the year.

But while 13 per cent reckon they’ll stick with their resolutions through the year, 31 per cent will only last a month before giving up.

With the biggest challenges including staying motivated (27 per cent), not seeing results fast enough (20 per cent) and simply losing interest in their goals.

Carl Castledine, from Away Resorts, which is offering 15 per cent off bookings for a limited time, added: “This research shows we really do tackle our goals in different ways.

“There is no right or wrong way to set them – whether that’s to save money or just have more fun.

“Taking a break to think about what you want from life is key for many – and January’s a great time to kickstart that process – and work towards achieving your goals – whatever they are.”

“Whether looking to spend time with family, get active and adventurous or simply relax and be entertained, for those wanting to discover something different in 2025, we’re ready to welcome you on a staycation where you do you.”