As the New Year dawns, millions of Americans are swapping traditional resolutions for something bigger. Gone are the days of pledging to lose 10 pounds or save for a dream vacation. In 2025, a growing number of people are embracing a new approach: resolutions rooted in kindness, connection, and community.
From small towns to big cities, individuals and groups are focusing their New Year’s goals on improving the world around them. It’s a movement that seems to reflect a collective desire for togetherness after years of social and political divides.
“People are redefining success,” says Dr. Elena Moretti, a sociologist and expert on community behavior. “Instead of focusing solely on personal achievements, they’re asking, ‘What can I do to contribute to my community and make a positive impact?’”
Community-Focused Resolutions
In Denver, Colorado, a group of neighbors started the “Snow Angels Project,” pledging to shovel snow for elderly residents and people with disabilities in their neighborhood all winter long. What began as a small idea has grown into a citywide initiative, with hundreds of volunteers signing up on social media to lend a hand.
“I’ve lived here for 20 years, and I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Anna Morales, 73, who now has her driveway cleared by a team of teenagers. “It’s not just about the snow—it’s about feeling cared for.”
Meanwhile, in New York City, a group of young professionals created a "Kindness Jar" campaign. Each day, they drop small acts of kindness—buying a coffee for a stranger, donating to a local charity—into a virtual jar shared on Instagram. Their goal? To inspire 1,000 acts of kindness before the year is out.
“We wanted to prove that small gestures can make a big difference,” says co-founder Marcus Tran. “We’ve had people from all over the country join in.”
A National Shift
This shift in resolution-making isn’t just happening in isolated pockets. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 58% of Americans say their 2025 New Year’s resolutions involve “giving back” in some way, whether through volunteering, donating, or supporting local businesses. This marks a significant increase from just a decade ago, when resolutions were overwhelmingly personal, like losing weight or quitting smoking.
“It’s a cultural pivot,” says Dr. Moretti. “The challenges of the past few years—pandemics, social unrest, and environmental crises—have taught us how interconnected we are. People are starting to see that their actions, no matter how small, can ripple out and create real change.”
Business and Organizations Join the Movement
Even corporations and nonprofits are getting in on the action. In Atlanta, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has launched a "Resolution Build," encouraging companies to dedicate a workday to building homes for families in need.
“We’ve had such a huge response,” says coordinator Maria Gonzalez. “It’s heartening to see businesses committing to resolutions that are about more than profits—they’re about people.”
Finding Hope in Connection
At its core, the shift toward community-centered resolutions is about hope. It’s about reclaiming the New Year as a time to strengthen bonds, build empathy, and create a better world.
Take Alfred Grant of Chicago, for example. His 2025 resolution is to greet five strangers with a smile every day. “It sounds small, but the response is amazing,” he says. “Sometimes a smile is all it takes to make someone’s day better.”
As 2025 begins, Americans are proving that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be about personal reinvention—they can also be about collective transformation. In a world that often feels divided, this movement is a reminder that hope, kindness, and connection are universal goals worth striving for.
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