Americans use affirmations to stay motivated

One in four Americans believe in the power of manifestation and use positive affirmations daily, according to new research.

The new survey of 2,000 Americans found that many are pairing that belief with physical reminders to help their goals stick.

According to the data, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HP Print, many Americans are turning to tangible tools — from vision boards to printed goals — as a way to keep intentions visible in everyday life.

A further 61% have a mantra, affirmation or set of words they revisit at least monthly to stay motivated.

For those who rely on digital tools alone, follow-through can be slippery. Among people who write goals digitally, 41% admitted they forget them.

When it comes to turning digital goals into physical reminders, ease plays a central role.

Respondents said they are most encouraged to make the switch when reminders stay visible where they need them, can be created quickly with minimal steps, and fit naturally into their daily routines.

One in four also said being able to easily update and reprint reminders as goals change was a key factor — reinforcing the idea that systems work best when they’re easy to maintain over time.

In practice, the most common tools are simple and low-lift. Half of respondents (50%) said they use sticky notes to keep goals in sight, while 43% make lists and 36% turn to a journal or planner to outline their aims and ambitions.

Nearly half of respondents (47%) said they print materials for personal organization or motivation at least weekly, underscoring how often physical systems are refreshed and reused. Twenty-eight percent write handwritten affirmations, while 19% print quotes or images to keep motivation visible.

Where those reminders live matters, too.

The top places people said they’re most likely to interact with physical goal reminders were the bedroom (26%), a home office or desk (25%) and inside a notebook or planner (25%) — suggesting goals are most effective when reminders live inside everyday routines.

“What stands out is how much people rely on physical systems to manage everyday life,” said Sue Richards, HP Division President for Consumer Printing Solutions and Services. “These findings align with what we know about how people engage with printed information — it tends to hold attention longer and create fewer distractions, making it easier to return to over time.”

And that “can’t-miss-it” visibility seems to pay off emotionally and practically.

Among people who use physical reminders, 46% said those cues spark motivation, 33% said they create focus and 32% said they inspire them, while 30% said they build both confidence and hope.

In fact, nine in 10 respondents agreed they make more progress when their goals are physically visible.

Looking at the data through an astrological lens adds another layer of insight into how belief and follow-through intersect, with some groups reporting more consistency than others.

Pisces also emerged as the zodiac sign with the strongest follow-through, completing an average of 19 goals in 2025. That’s well above the national average of 17 goals and the highest of any sign.

Belief in manifesting goals varies sharply by sign.

Gemini emerged as the biggest believers in the power of manifestation, with 78% agreeing that it’s possible to manifest a goal, followed closely by Virgo (76%), Taurus and Aquarius (75% each).

The survey also revealed clear differences in the types of goals Americans prioritize based on astrological sign.

Libra was the sign most likely to be focused on financial goals like saving money, while Capricorns placed the highest emphasis on health-related goals.

Taurus respondents were the most likely to prioritize work-life balance, while Leos ranked highest when it came to having goals around organization. Scorpio was the sign most likely to focus on mental health goals, while Pisces again stood out as the most likely to prioritize advancing professional goals.

“As people head into 2026, staying consistent shouldn’t require extra effort,” added Richard. “This research shows that when goal setting takes on a physical form that’s easy to keep up with, it’s far more likely to become part of everyday routines — and that’s where real follow-through begins.”

WHICH ZODIAC IS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING GOALS?

• Financial goals (save more money or improve financial stability) - Libra 45%
• Health/ physical goals - Capricorn 45%
• Improve work life balance - Taurus 24%
• Learn a new skill or pursue personal growth - Gemini and Pisces 24%
• Create better systems for daily life (planning, tracking, organizing) - Leo 20%
• Reduce stress and improve mental health - Scorpio 44%
• Advance in career or professional goals – Pisces 22%

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by HP Print and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 23 - Dec. 26, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found [here].

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.