Gen Z Priorities

Gen Z's Life Goals: Happiness, Stability, and Health Take Center Stage

As we loo deeper into the aspirations and priorities of Gen Z, Barna Research provides insights into what drives this generation. A recent study highlights that Gen Z redefines life goals, placing happiness, stability, and health at the forefront of their ambitions.

When asked about their top life goals, and Gen Z respondents overwhelmingly prioritized personal well-being and self-optimization. Here are some of the key findings:

• Happiness: The most commonly selected life goal, with 65% of respondents aiming to be happy.

• Financial Stability: A close second, 53% of Gen Z individuals prioritize financial security as a cornerstone of their future.

• Mental and Emotional Health: Nearly half (49%) of respondents value maintaining good mental and emotional health.

• Physical Health: 48% of Gen Z aspire to be physically healthy.

• Love and Confidence: For 46% of this generation, loving and being confident in themselves is a vital goal.

Interestingly, relational aspirations—traditionally viewed as cornerstones of a meaningful life—ranked much lower for Gen Z. For instance, only 7% expressed a desire to prioritize being part of a lasting community, making it the least selected goal. Similarly, fewer respondents prioritized staying near family (27%), getting married (29%), or having children (26%). These figures reveal a significant generational shift in priorities, with personal growth and well-being taking precedence over traditional relational milestones.

This emphasis on self-care and well-being reflects the cultural and societal shifts experienced by Gen Z as they come of age. In a world where therapy, self-care routines, and personal affirmations are increasingly normalized, it's no surprise that Gen Z embraces a self-optimizing mindset. The destigmatization of mental health and the mainstreaming of wellness practices have empowered this generation to pursue goals that align with personal fulfillment and resilience.

Gen Z's outlook signals a transformation in how younger generations view success and happiness. While previous generations may have leaned more heavily on external markers of achievement—such as marriage, children, or a strong community—Gen Z's aspirations reflect a more individualized and self-sustaining approach to living a meaningful life. This is what the world is promoting in this generation. However, the meaning of life they are looking for will only be found in Christ. John 10:9–10: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

As we continue to observe and engage with Gen Z, it's crucial to understand where they are getting their ideas on how to achieve their goals. Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or community leader, acknowledging while supporting these goals without agreeing with the worldly thinking can foster meaningful connections with this dynamic generation. By aligning with their values of happiness, stability, and health, we can create spaces where we can give Gen Z the truths that let them thrive and contribute to a brighter, more balanced future. In other sections of the study we learn that Gen Z is looking for someone to tell them the Truth.  

For more insights, explore Barna's full research on Gen Z here.