Less than half of U.S. adults say they're truly thriving in life. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 48.9% of people rated their lives well enough to be considered “thriving.” That means most of us are just getting by — not really living.

60% of workers say they’re emotionally detached on the job, and nearly 1 in 5 describe themselves as completely miserable. When your work drains you instead of energizing you, it’s hard to imagine doing it for 10 more years — or even one.

Stress is taking a serious toll on connection — especially for parents. A recent study found that 41% of parents feel so overwhelmed most days that they can’t even function. But it’s not just parents. Between work pressures, financial strain, lack of sleep, and constant digital distractions, many of us are running on empty. When we’re stretched that thin, it’s hard to show up fully for the people we care about most.

Even in well-paying roles, many people feel stuck or unfulfilled — in fact, 93% of Americans say they aren’t in their dream career. Burnout, lack of purpose, or feeling like you're not growing can leave you wondering, Is this really it?

Stress triggers old habits wired in childhood—impulsiveness, black-and-white thinking, and reacting from emotion. This happens because of state-dependent recall: we remember past mistakes when we feel the same way again. Real change starts by recognizing the feeling—and choosing to respond like the adult you are.

Only about 7% of Americans say they find real meaning in community or faith groups—even though connection and shared purpose are key to fulfillment.

With 73% of Americans not getting enough sleep, it’s clear rest is a major need. But replenishment also comes from exercise, meaningful connections, and pursuing purpose—knowing what recharges you personally and making time for it regularly is key to feeling balanced and fulfilled.