Every year, it comes back. The holidays end, we put away the decorations… and a strange idea reappears in our minds:

“This year, I’m changing everything. I’m becoming a new person.”
 

As if January 1st had some kind of magical power.
 

And let’s be honest: we know exactly how it ends. We promise to stop eating sugar… then the galette des rois arrives. We say we’ll go running every morning… then we look at January’s weather.
 

Yet resolutions truly fascinate the French. They reveal something deep about our need for renewal, order, balance… and sometimes a bit of post-holiday guilt.
 

In this article, we’ll explore:

  • why the French make resolutions,

  • the major trends for 2026,

  • the typical French resolutions (with humor 🥐),

  • why we almost never stick to them,

  • and most importantly: how to make them realistic at last.
     

Oh, and if one of your resolutions is to improve your French 🇫🇷, you’ll also see how Ohlala French Course can help you achieve YOUR goal, even if the others fall apart.


1. Why do the French make resolutions?

After the holidays, there’s a real sense of a reset. One year closes, the next one begins. We clean, sort, reflect…
 

Psychologically, it’s the perfect moment to imagine an improved version of ourselves. The French love this idea of a “fresh start.” And every year, the same desires return: simplify life, feel better, regain control.
 

And even if the statistics vary, one thing never changes: early January, everyone wants to “do better.”
 


2. The major trends for 2026

a) Health & well-being: the all-time classic
 

For the past twenty years, it has been resolution number one.

  • exercise more,

  • eat better,

  • sleep more,

  • reduce stress (sophrology, meditation, yoga).
     

Typical resolutions: “I go to bed before 11 p.m.”, “I limit screens.”

 

b) Money & personal organisation
 

In 2026, the main trend: save more and consume better.

  • minimalism,

  • buy less but better,

  • stop wasting

 

c) Social life & family

  • spend more time with loved ones,

  • reconnect with old friends,

  • less tension, more “real time.”

 

d) Ecological transition

  • consume locally,

  • buy fewer clothes,

  • cycle more.

 

e) Personal development

  • read more,

  • learn new skills,

  • and of course: learn a foreign language!

​​​​​​​

3. The typically French resolutions

And now… a bit of humor:

  • “Stop complaining”… only to end up complaining about people who complain.

  • “Eat more balanced meals”… but on January 6th, the galette des rois arrives.

  • “Drink less wine”… but in February it’s Chandeleur (with cider).

  • “Exercise more”… but it’s raining, it’s cold, and — classic — “I’ll start on Monday.”


4. Why resolutions don’t last

Here’s the truth: resolutions fail not because of a lack of willpower, but because of a lack of strategy.
 

The main reasons:

  • Goals too big → impossible to maintain daily.

  • Goals too vague → “get in shape”, “improve” = nothing concrete.

  • Lack of environment → when you’re alone, motivation fades quickly.

  • All-or-nothing effect → one mistake and we give up.

  • The French context → weather, work, transportation… a perfect storm.
     

Result? Instead of motivation, the resolution creates… guilt.


5. How to stick to your resolutions in 2026

a) Choose 1 or 2 resolutions max

A goal must be simple, measurable, realistic.
 

b) Choose a system rather than a goal

Replace: “I want to be in shape”

with: “I walk 10 minutes a day.”
 

c) Surround yourself with others

A community, a challenge, a group = far more effective than being alone.

Perfect example: the French Coffee conversation sessions at the Ohlala French School.
 

d) Make it enjoyable

Music, a ritual, an app, a good coffee — anything that adds pleasure strengthens consistency.
 

e) Accept imperfection

A resolution isn’t an exam. You can miss one day… and continue.


6. Conclusion

The 2026 resolutions speak about health, money, ecology, relationships, personal development… but above all about wanting to feel better.
 

Resolutions should not be pressure. They should be an opportunity to feel good, not a weight on your shoulders.
 

And if one of your resolutions is to improve your French…
 

You know where to find me.
 

Ohlala French School accompanies you every week to practice, progress, and make French a living, natural, and most importantly… enjoyable language.