How to Create a New Year Survey or Resolution Quiz

Creating a New Year’s resolution survey is a fun, data-driven way to engage audiences while inspiring reflection and growth. Rooted in a 4,000-year tradition from Babylon to modern times, resolutions remain a symbol of hope and change. Brands and retailers use these surveys to boost engagement, personalize marketing, and connect products to customers’ goals. With SurveyLegend, you can easily design photo-based or matrix-style surveys that let users share their resolutions, choose a guiding word for the year, or track progress over time. Encourage mindfulness, positivity, and motivation—one survey at a time—as participants set meaningful goals for the coming year.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

The new year is a time to reset things. For many, it’s a fresh start – the time to make some life changes. The excitement and motivation that come with a fresh new year inspire people to set new goals and take on new challenges. For retailers and brands, it’s also a time to engage with customers by asking what their New Year’s resolution will be. Making resolutions is a long-standing tradition, and studies show that nearly everyone sets at least one resolution each year, making it a widespread and relatable topic. The best way to do that? An online survey, of course! Many brands have created customized New Year’s resolution surveys to engage their audience and guide them toward relevant products or services. Here’s how to create a year’s resolutions quiz, and the many benefits of doing so.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

History of the New Year’s Resolution

It’s hard to believe, but people have been making some form of a New Year’s resolution for about 4,000 years. History.com reveals that the ancient Babylonians were the first people to make New Year’s resolutions (although for them, the year began in March, not January). They believed that if they kept to their word or resolution, the gods would bestow favor on them for the coming year. The tradition of reflecting on what has happened over one year and setting intentions for the next has persisted through history.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

A similar practice took place in ancient Rome, when Emperor Julius Caesar established January 1st as the beginning of the new year. The Romans offered sacrifices to the deity and made promises of good conduct for the coming year.

For early Christians in the 1700s, the first day of the new year became a time to reflect upon past mistakes and resolve to do and be better in the future. This turned into “watch nights,” in which various denominations and congregations pray and make resolutions for the coming year.

Despite the tradition’s religious roots, New Year’s resolutions are now mostly a secular activity. Rather than making promises to gods, people make resolutions to themselves, usually focusing on self-improvement. Over time, the practice of making resolutions has evolved across different age groups, with each age group having unique priorities and hopes for what will happen in the new year.

What is the Most Common New Year’s Resolution?

While some people have unique New Year’s resolutions, there are some fairly common ones. New year’s resolutions are a widespread tradition among adults, with many people reflecting on their habits and setting goals for the year ahead. According to Statista, here is what most people are vowing to do (data does not add up to 100% as respondents were allowed to choose more than one resolution). Common resolutions include eating healthier, saving more money, exercising, and improving mental health.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

Younger Americans are more likely to make resolutions about work and career, while older Americans tend to focus on health, relationships, and finances. The majority of adults set at least one goal for the year ahead, showing the cultural significance of New Year’s resolutions.

So, how many New Year’s resolutions fail? Inc.com reveals that only 9% of people will achieve their New Year’s resolution. Many expect to succeed, but often face challenges that make it difficult to stick to their plans. But, they list some traits that those who do manage to reach their goal have in common:

• Setting specific and challenging goals
• Setting goals that they truly want to pursue
• Getting a support system
• Focusing on smaller goals to hit the bigger goals

Breaking a big goal into smaller, manageable steps and generating new ideas can help maintain motivation throughout the year. Setting clear priorities can help adults of all age groups achieve their resolutions in the next year.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

Why Brands and Retailers Love New Year’s Resolution Surveys and Quizzes

Sure, it’s interesting to learn what people resolve to do in the New Year. However, that’s not why brands and retailers love a New Year survey and quizzes… they love them because they can increase engagement and sales! Surveys also help brands identify different groups of customers, allowing them to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to each group for better results.

Many brands and retailers will survey their customers as to what they intend to do (or stop doing) when the New Year rolls around. Based on responses, they can direct that customer to a page with products that may help them achieve their goal. Analyzing responses by group can reveal trends and preferences that inform more targeted campaigns. Or, if the customer has opted in to correspondence, they may send them information via email.

For example, if a respondent says they are interested in exercising more, a retailer may direct them to a page with workout gear or equipment. If they say they are interested in traveling, they may direct them to deals on flights, hotels, or cruises. And if they say they want to quit smoking, they may turn them on to products designed to assist in quitting, such as nicotine patches. It’s a win-win; the retailer makes more sales, and the respondent receives help with their resolution.

Be sure to check out our blog on the 7 Benefits of Survey Quizzes for more on how they can improve sales, engagement, social media interaction, SEO, email sign-ups, and more. Brands should also analyze the answers from different demographic groups to further refine their strategies and maximize impact.

Below is an example of a SurveyLegend survey with images, giving respondents the option to select their top resolution from the list of common resolutions provided by Statista.

Examples of a New Year’s Resolution Survey or Quiz

In order to engage with people, your New Year’s resolution survey or quiz must look good. You’re in luck – SurveyLegend allows you to create beautiful online surveys for free! Plus, you can create surveys with images to further increase engagement and response rate (read why picture surveys perform better in our blog 7 Benefits of Using a Picture Survey).

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

When designing your survey, consider encouraging respondents to write or use writing to reflect on their goals and intentions for the year. Suggesting that participants write down their resolutions or document their progress can help reinforce commitment and accountability. You can also recommend using post-it notes as a visual tool for goal setting—participants can write guiding phrases or resolutions on post-its and place them somewhere visible to stay motivated.

Below is an example of a SurveyLegend survey with images, giving respondents the option to select their top resolution from the list of common resolutions provided by Statista.

Of course, SurveyLegend allows you to create any type of survey you want. Another great option is a Matrix Survey, which allows you to ask one main question (“Which of the following do you plan to do in the New Year?”) across many possible answers that participants can easily respond to. It’s a great way to survey about many things at once, without it feeling overwhelming to the respondent. You can also encourage participants to track their progress each week or spend half an hour reflecting on their resolutions, making it easier to build consistent habits.

Reflecting on survey responses can help people remember a great day, work toward a good year, and focus on personal growth as they set and achieve their goals.

NOTE: The Matrix Survey below is live – try it for yourself and see how easy it is to use!

Choosing One Word to Guide the Year

One increasingly popular approach to New Year’s resolutions is choosing a single word to guide the upcoming year. Instead of creating a long to-do list or setting multiple big goals, many Americans are finding that focusing on one word helps them create a clear plan and maintain focus throughout the year. This word acts as a personal mantra, shaping decisions and actions in a way that aligns with their values and aspirations.

For example, someone hoping to improve their physical health might select “strength” or “energy,” while another person prioritizing mental health could choose “balance” or “calm.” The Pew Research Center has found that Americans who set intentions with a clear focus—like a guiding word—are more likely to stick with their resolutions and achieve meaningful growth. By letting this one word influence daily choices, individuals can create a sense of direction and purpose, making it easier to stay motivated even when challenges arise.

Whether your word is “growth,” “gratitude,” “wellness,” or something uniquely personal, using it as a touchstone can help you stay on track with your resolutions and make the most of the upcoming year.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

Creating a Mindful and Positive Approach

When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, adopting a mindful and positive approach can make all the difference. Many Americans have discovered that focusing on what they want to achieve—rather than what they want to change or eliminate—leads to greater success and satisfaction. Instead of dwelling on past setbacks, try to create resolutions that inspire excitement and hope for the future.

Start by setting realistic and achievable goals, and break big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone along the way, no matter how small, to keep your motivation high. Practicing self-care and surrounding yourself with supportive loved ones can also help you stay committed to your resolutions. Whether you’re aiming to improve your health, learn new skills, or spend more quality time with family and friends, a positive mindset will help you enjoy the journey as much as the results.

Incorporating mindfulness practices—like meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few deep breaths—can help you stay present and focused on your goals. By creating an environment that encourages growth and celebrating your progress, you’ll be more likely to achieve your resolutions and experience a fulfilling new year.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

Reviewing and Reflecting on Progress

A key part of achieving your New Year’s resolutions is regularly reviewing and reflecting on your progress. Many Americans, according to surveys by the Pew Research Center, find that setting aside time to reflect on the past year and track their journey forward helps them stay focused and motivated. This process allows you to celebrate your achievements, learn from setbacks, and adjust your plan as needed for the upcoming year.

Start by looking back at the past year: What worked well? What challenges did you face? Use these insights to inform your resolutions for the new year, creating a plan that builds on your strengths and addresses areas for growth. As you move forward, schedule regular check-ins—whether weekly, monthly, or at key milestones—to assess your progress and make any necessary changes.

Tools like journals, planners, or mobile apps can make it easier to track your goals and reflect on your journey. By making reflection a regular habit, you’ll create a cycle of learning and improvement that extends beyond New Year’s Day, helping you achieve lasting growth and success with your resolutions.

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

How to Create Your New Year’s Resolution Survey or Quiz with SurveyLegend

To make your New Year’s resolution survey to engage with readers or customers, simply follow this step-by-step guide after creating your free SurveyLegend account. Consider survey themes such as New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or Year’s Day to capture different holiday experiences and plans. Below are instructions for a picture survey, but creating a matrix survey or any other of our 12 types of surveys is just as easy!

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!

1. Log in to your account
2. Add a new survey, and navigate to the CREATE step.
3. Use our picture-based question type (“Picture Selection”) by clicking on it.
4. Click on the picture selection question that was just added, and then click on the “upload” button.
5. Select all of your pictures at once from your computer, and then hit upload. Wait until the upload process is complete for all images.
6. If you like, change the layout and size of holiday display photos using the settings on the left-hand side. You can also choose whichever voting type you prefer. People usually use the “Ranking” voting type and let people vote for their top 3 favorites.
7. Go to the DESIGN step to change the look and feel of your survey (for example, you can choose a dark theme or upload your own background).
8. Go to the CONFIGURE step and give your New Year’s resolution survey a good name so that you remember it. Also, make sure you have this setting ON: “Limit number of participations,” which will make sure people cannot vote multiple times.
9. When adding survey questions, consider prompts that encourage respondents to share an idea or ideas for the new year, such as new activities, resolutions, or ways to celebrate New Year’s Day or New Year’s Eve.
10. Finally, continue to the SHARE step, copy your competition link, and send it to your audience using SMS, Email, Facebook, Slack, or whatever platform you like.
11. When the distribution of your New Year’s resolution poll is done, go to Live Analytics and watch as the results come in.

Start Creating Your New Year’s Resolution Quiz or Survey Today

Ready to create your New Year’s resolution quiz, survey, questionnaire, form, or poll? We’ve got you covered! Our surveys render beautifully on any screen, are customizable to your design preferences, and provide awesome analytics. They can also be made anonymous in case anyone is hesitant about revealing their vices (and plans to quit them). So start now with SurveyLegend and find out how your customers are planning to improve their lives in 2023! Surveys are a great way to help people reflect on what has happened in the past year, share memorable moments, and express what they hope will happen as they pursue positive change in the new year.

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Ours is to continue to deliver great content and provide you with quality surveys, questionnaires, forms, quizzes, and polls. Happy New Year!

Create your FREE New Year’s Resolution Quiz, Poll, Survey, or Questionnaire now!