Outlook 2023: More time, more optimism, more sustainability

New Year's resolutions 2023

More time, more optimism, more sustainability

Out of every 100 respondents, the following personal goals were listed for the year 2023:

Data as table

New Year's resolutions 2023 — Of every 100 respondents, the following personal goals were listed for the year 2023:

More time for family / friends	80
More time for myself	77
Think more optimistically	73
Listen more often, without immediately criticizing.	72
Living/acting more sustainably	70
Less selfishness / more community spirit	60
Take on more responsibility	50
Work less	50
Less media consumption	42
Take on voluntary work	32

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Result

Despite numerous unresolved problems, the personal goals of German citizens for the coming year are characterized by a high degree of individual optimism. Besides having more time for themselves and others, almost three out of four Germans intend to think and act more calmly and optimistically. On this point, the population is united – regardless of gender, age, place of residence, or income. And almost as many want to simply listen more often without immediately judging or criticizing. Furthermore, more than three out of five cite acting less selfishly and contributing more to the community as a concrete goal; one in two wants to take on more responsibility, and at least one in three plans to become involved in social causes – in the form of volunteer work.

Reasons

War in Ukraine, rising prices, the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, and increasing societal divisions – 2023 will also be marked by numerous global and national challenges. German citizens are aware of this, but they don't want to remain paralyzed by fear; instead, they want to take their future more into their own hands. Climate change has also increasingly entered the public consciousness and plays a role in personal goals for the coming year.

Forecast

The age of selfishness is drawing to a close. A growing number of citizens have recognized that their own quality of life, their own prosperity, and the future of subsequent generations are significantly influenced by their own behavior as well as the behavior of others. Only together can we overcome the challenges of the present and future.