Good intentions

FranklinCovey Products’ 5th Annual New Year’s Resolutions survey suggests that Americans’ top three 2010 goals are to improve their finances, lose weight and develop healthy habits.

The company surveyed more than 1,000 people during September.

The 2010 survey differed from 2009 in that changing employment moved up the list and developing a regular savings plan (not on the 2009 list) made the 2010 resolution list.

Following are the 2010 resolutions and the 2009 resolutions.
TOP 10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 
FOR 2010
1. Improve financial situation
2, Lose weight
3. Develop a healthy habit (e.g. healthy eating, exercise)
4. Change employment
5. Develop a regular savings plan
6. Break an unhealthy habit (e.g. smoking, alcohol, overeating)
7. Spend more time with family and friends
8. Other
9. Get organized
10. Develop a new skill or talent
 
TOP 10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2009
1. Get out of debt or save money
2. Lose weight
3. Develop a healthy habit (e.g. healthy eating, exercise)
4. Get organized
5. Spend more time with family and friends
6. Develop a new skill or talent
7. Work less, play more
8. Other
9. Break an unhealthy habit (e.g. smoking, alcohol, overeating)
10. Change employment

OTHER SURVEY FINDINGS
• The survey respondents noted: My life will improve overall (57%); My life will be about the same (36%); and, My life will be worse than this past year (7%).

• The survey’s Age Crosstab added some distinction by age group: 18 to 29 year-olds are more optimistic than the population; 60 or older seem more pragmatic; and those 40 to 49 years old are on the fence.

• 61% of respondents 18 to 29 years old take time to review their resolutions for the next year, as compared to only 36% of those 60 and older.

• The survey found that a “lack of commitment” was cited by 30% of respondents as the primary reason their resolution won’t be reached. “Having too many other things to do” was cited by 22% of respondents followed by “forgetfulness” at 18%.