According to YouGov, 31% of Americans say they will make a New Year’s resolution or set a goal for 2026. The most popular categories? Wellness and health, financial saving, strengthening relationships with family and friends, and lifelong curiousity. So, with plenty of time left in the year, here are some ways to make 2026 your best yet.

Make New Friends & Connections 

Making friends and connections gets harder as we age. One strategy? Seek out opportunities where you can meet and interact with new people. Check out AU’s calendar of social and professional events geared toward fellow alumni looking to strike up a friendly conversation. You can also join one of AU’s regional chapters and broader shared communities and interest groups, or channel a spirit of service as a volunteer.

Stay Curious & Competitive  

Whether it’s tackling a new language or figuring out how to use that camera in your closet, there’s no better way to learn a skill than with dedicated class-based instruction (sorry Duolingo and YouTube tutorials). The AU Alumni and Community Audit program enables you to audit one AU course per semester (up to two per summer). With only a $150 fee, these tuition-free courses are ideal for sharpening your competitive edge in the workplace. 

Crush Your Fitness Goals 

If you’re local to the DC area, take advantage of a discounted AU RecFit membership. Special rates are available to all alumni and their families. A membership includes the use of the Jacobs Fitness Center, Cassell Fitness Center, rec swim in Reeves Aquatic Center, and open court in Bender Arena, plus group exercise classes, personal training, and adult swim lessons (for an additional fee). 

Prioritize Mindfulness & Healthy Eating 

Plan a serene getaway to AU’s Airlie to take a mental reset. With 300 acres of stunning Virginia landscape, a historic hotel, and an organic farm and restaurant onsite, the property makes for a holistic retreat—complete with an alumni discount. Fresh and nutritious produce from the farm is also available every week on campus during the semester at the AU Farmer’s Market.