How Was Your Year?

Recent research indicates that most companies feel 2025 was a rather average year, scoring just 5 out of 10.

A survey of 2,000 Americans conducted last year revealed that, when asked to rate their personal experiences in 2025, the average score came in at 5.3 out of 10.

While this suggests a “fair” year overall, about 25% of respondents rated it poorly, giving it a score of 1, 2, or 3.

On the other hand, around 21% deemed it a very good year, scoring it an 8, 9, or even 10.

According to the poll by Talker Research, both Gen Z and Baby Boomers were more optimistic, each providing an average rating of 5.4 out of 10.

This contrasts with 2024, which received a higher overall score of 6.1. There is a reference here to Talker Research’s previous findings.

Despite the disheartening scores, many Americans actually felt a sense of personal development over the past year.

In fact, 69% expressed that they encountered some form of growth in 2025. The most common areas of improvement were personal life (59%) and mental and emotional well-being (49%).

Additionally, many reported spiritual growth (45%) and intellectual advancement (33%) as achievements from the past year.

James Robbins, a co-founder and editor-in-chief of a publication, observed that people often assess their years based on measurable achievements, such as job promotions or raises.

When such markers are absent, many might think they haven’t succeeded or grown. However, many faced a year just aimed at survival instead of actual growth.

“Handling a situation with mass layoffs and increased demands can itself be a skill, yet we often don’t categorize it as growth,” he noted.

Younger people reported feeling more confident in their personal progress, with 75% of Gen Z feeling they had grown in some capacity during 2025, unlike only 59% of Baby Boomers.

Gen Z perceived emotional and intellectual growth significantly, while Baby Boomers felt most inclined to report spiritual growth and improvements in physical health.

Millennials distinguished themselves as the group most likely to claim artistic, creative, and professional growth.

Robbins further pointed out that workplace culture often leads to harsh self-assessments, intertwining visibility (promotions) with invisibility (like setting better boundaries or enhancing decision-making), which can create a sense of stagnation.

“When we confuse stabilization with stagnation, we can end up being too hard on ourselves. Sometimes, just staying afloat is a form of growth,” he concluded.

America’s Score in 2025

1-9%

2-6%

3-10%

4-11%

5-20%

6-11%

7-12%

8-11%

9-4%

10-6%

Average = 5.3 /10

America’s Score in 2024

1-5%

2-4%

3-6%

4-8%

5-17%

6-13%

7-17%

8-16%

9-6%

10-8%

Average = 6.1 / 10

Research Method:

Talker Research conducted this survey online with 2,000 Americans from December 5, 2025, to December 10, 2025.