As Americans turn the page on a year shaped by ongoing wars, political turmoil, and various tragedies, a YouGov survey gauged how they were feeling as they approached 2026. The findings revealed a striking duality: substantial optimism about personal prospects alongside persistent skepticism regarding the nation’s trajectory as a whole.

Conducted from December 9-11, 2025, the poll highlighted this personal-national divide. Americans viewed 2025 far more favorably for themselves personally than for the country overall. Those surveyed were asked how they felt 2025 went and how they believed 2026 will go. A total of 75% believe 2025 was “great,” “good,” or “OK.” Conversely, 72% said, for the country at large, 2025 was either “OK,” “bad,” or “terrible.” Compounding this, at least 43% viewed 2025 as “one of the worst years in American history.”

A similar trend continued when looking both behind 10 years and forward 10 years. On a personal level, 79% believed the past decade was either “great,” “good,” or “OK,” with 43% believing the next decade would prove to be “better,” and 31% saying it would likely be about the same. At least 72% believe their personal lives would either stay the same or get better in 2026. Concerning the country, 70% expressed neutral or negative views regarding the past decade, with a slightly more positive (32%) view regarding the future getting better. Twenty-four percent believe it would likely stay the same. However, a majority of respondents (58%) believe 2026 will either be an average year or also stand as “one of the worst” in American history.

The survey also focused on New Year’s resolutions, with about one-third (31%) of Americans planning to set goals for 2026 — younger adults nearly twice as likely as those over 45. The top resolutions were predominantly health-focused, with “exercising more” leading at 25%, followed by goals like eating healthier, improving physical health, and losing weight. In comparison to last year, “saving more money” was the top resolution at 26%, with exercising at 22%. Amid these practical priorities, however, faith and family stood out prominently, with both tying for higher ranks at 15% each for “spending more time with family” and “praying more.” Republicans were somewhat more inclined toward “praying more” than Democrats (19% vs. 15%).

This emphasis on personal well-being, relationships, and spirituality seems to underscore the survey’s broader theme of how, even in uncertain times, many Americans still lean toward hope and agency in their own lives. Yet, simultaneously, there’s a sense in which Americans have long believed the country is on the “wrong track” — a trend seemingly consistent over the last several years, only to be continually reinforced by economic concerns, political polarization, and heightened awareness of global events.

Joseph Backholm, Family Research Council’s senior fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement, offered insight on this in comments to The Washington Stand. He argued that personal optimism that directly conflicts with national skepticism is a byproduct of a technologically-advanced age. As he speculated, “What we’re seeing is a result of culture that lives online and is emotionally affected by things that have nothing to do with them. There are a lot of people living pretty good lives who have been convinced that everything is awful because of problems happening in other places.” And yet, he emphasized, “In an imperfect world, there will always be problems. We’re just more aware of them than people were in the past. Sadly, that makes people pessimistic when their own life is actually pretty good.”

Backholm continued, “Joy and contentment are always a function of our expectations. Jesus promises us we’ll have trouble in this life, but that we can be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. That’s the Christian mindset; expect bad things to happen but don’t despair because they’re temporary and our eternity is secure.”

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, Backholm drew a key distinction between pursuits driven by fleeting happiness and those rooted in lasting fulfillment. “Our New Year’s resolutions are likely connected to our view of what will make us happy,” he explained. “It’s easy to get the impression that physically fit people are happier, and there is no doubt that physical health contributes to life satisfaction. The trap is becoming convinced that secondary things are primary. Physical fitness and a significant savings account are good goals, but they shouldn’t be seen as the path to happiness.”

Ultimately, Backholm argued, the richest lives come from Christ-centered priorities. “If we live the way Jesus designed us and told us to live,” he said, “we’re more likely to be healthy and financially secure. And you don’t have to be a Christian to recognize the cause and effect of life and commit to living in a way that is likely to produce better outcomes. But nothing in life is guaranteed. Christians have the advantage of having a reason for joy regardless of the circumstances.”