Most Marylanders Skip New Year Resolutions, Poll Reveals Pessimism

A new poll from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County found a strong majority of Maryland residents opted out of New Year’s resolutions as 2026 began, with 72% saying they would not make resolutions and just 22% saying they would. Of that smaller group, the most common goals were health and well-being (8% of respondents), general self-improvement (5%), finances or work stability (4%), politics or government (3%), and personal relationships (2%).

The survey also captured attitudes about the national outlook: 66% of respondents said they expected political division to intensify in the year ahead, and just under half anticipated social connection would remain about the same. The UMBC Institute of Politics director expressed surprise at how few people planned resolutions and noted what those who did intend to pursue.

For Baltimore residents, the findings have practical implications. Low engagement with forward-looking personal goals, particularly in areas related to finances and work where only 4% of respondents reported intentions, may reflect economic anxiety that depresses household planning and discretionary spending. If broader pessimism leads households to delay purchases or reduce nonessential spending, local small businesses and service providers could see weaker demand in the months ahead.

The expectation that political division will deepen poses its own challenges for city governance and community groups. Intensified partisan conflict at the national level often filters down to local debates over budgets, policing, housing, and education. For civic organizations and city agencies in Baltimore, rising polarization can complicate coalition-building, limit consensus on policy priorities, and increase pressure on social services as residents cope with stress and isolation.

Public health and mental health providers may also need to prepare for higher demand. The prominence of health and well-being among the modest share of residents making resolutions suggests ongoing interest in wellness, but the overall reluctance to set goals could signal barriers such as time, financial constraints, or skepticism about institutional supports. Local leaders and nonprofits that promote accessible programs for fitness, mental health, and job stabilization could help translate interest into action.

Looking ahead, the poll’s mix of resignation and selective ambition highlights a city and state at a political and economic inflection point. For Baltimore policymakers, the data underscore the importance of stabilizing household finances, strengthening community connections, and framing local policy in ways that build trust across divides, steps that could make 2026 a year of tangible improvement rather than stalled expectations.