Three-quarters of people in Switzerland consider themselves lucky in life. Nevertheless, nearly one in two people believe they have put off their personal dreams for too long. Those who dare to make changes in their lives usually look back on them positively later on.

A representative survey conducted by the Swiss research institute Sotomo on behalf of Helvetia shows that 69% of the adult population would like to have more confidence in themselves in everyday life. Among 18- to 34-year-olds, that figure rises to 81%. Everyday situations—such as saying “no,” openly addressing conflicts, or asking others for help—require a particularly great deal of effort. Yet it’s almost always worth having confidence in yourself.

Overwhelming Majority Consider Themselves Happy

74% of respondents agree with the statement that they are mostly or often happy in life. This is shown by the representative survey of 1,866 adults in German- and French-speaking Switzerland. This feeling is particularly pronounced among people over 65 (87%) and among those who are financially well-off with an equivalence income of over CHF 6,000 (88%). If the equivalence income is below CHF 4,000, only 58% report feeling happy most of the time or often. Only a very small minority of the Swiss population (3%) perceives their own life as predominantly marked by bad luck.

Nearly one in two people has put their life dreams on hold

However, this positive outlook on life does not always translate into decisive action. Nearly one in two people (49%) say they have put off their personal life dreams for too long. This sentiment is particularly widespread among middle-aged and younger age groups: among 18- to 34-year-olds, the proportion is 57%, and among 35- to 49-year-olds, 59%. Among those aged 65 and older, however, the figure is 37%.

At the same time, 57% of respondents allow themselves to have big dreams at this stage of their lives. Here, too, there are clear differences between the generations: among 18- to 34-year-olds, the figure is 68%, while among those aged 65 and older, it is 48%. The biggest life dreams are primarily in the areas of health and fitness, travel and experiences, as well as finances and property. These are followed by relationships and family, as well as career aspirations. Only a small minority report not currently having any major life dreams.

Younger generations, in particular, would like to have more confidence in themselves

In their daily lives, 69% of respondents would like to have more confidence in themselves. This desire is particularly widespread among the younger generations, those aged 18 to 34 (81%). “Young people in Switzerland generally have a positive outlook on life. At the same time, they feel that they sometimes stand in their own way when it comes to personal aspirations and everyday life,” says Michael Hermann of Sotomo.

The advice the population would most often give their younger selves today is: “Trust yourself and trust that change can also bring good things.” Fifty percent are convinced that with every door that closes, new doors open. In addition, just under half of those surveyed would advise their younger selves to trust their gut (47%) and their own abilities (“You can do it,” 43%).

Saying “no” takes more effort than embarking on an adventure

The desire for more courage is particularly evident in everyday social situations. For 37% of respondents, it takes effort to say “no.” 34% find it difficult to address problems openly or resolve conflicts. One-third (33%) have to force themselves to ask others for help, and 32% find it hard to stand up for their own needs or express their wishes. Being the center of attention in front of others takes effort for 29%, while approaching strangers does so for 24%.

Women, in particular, cite social situations more frequently as a challenge. For example, 40% of women—compared to just 34% of men—find it difficult to say “no.” In all three areas—openly addressing conflicts, asking others for help, and standing up for their own needs—37% of women find it difficult. Among men, however, the figures are 32%, 29%, and 27%, respectively.

The majority of respondents would like to step outside their comfort zone more often

Overall, 55% of respondents would like to step outside their comfort zone more often. Among 18- to 34-year-olds, this figure is 74%, while among those aged 65 and older, it is 35%. At the same time, 74% believe that people in Switzerland should generally step outside their comfort zone more often. Thus, expectations of society are higher than those of oneself. Respondents believe that society should be more confident, especially in social situations—such as small talk or when interacting with strangers (48%). But respondents also wish that the Swiss population would step out of their comfort zones more often in the areas of work and education (27%), as well as sports, exercise, and health (23%), or in the creative fields of art, music, and crafts (21%).

Confidence in one’s own abilities helps the most

Confidence in one’s own abilities is most often what makes it easier to step out of one’s comfort zone. 56% cite this as an important source of support. Past experiences follow at 49%, and a basic trust that everything will turn out well at 42%. For 37%, having people who will catch them is important, while for 34%, having a Plan B helps.

There are clear generational differences here. Young adults rely particularly on their social circle: for 50% of 18- to 34-year-olds, having people who will catch them is helpful. Among those aged 65 and older, the figure is 22%. Older adults, on the other hand, rely more heavily on their experiences. 59% of those aged 65 and older cite past experiences as helpful. Among younger respondents, however, the figure is only 36%. “Courage rarely comes from within us alone. People need self-confidence, but they also need relationships that give them security and support,” explains Simon Weiner, Head of Sales Network & Market Development at Helvetia in Switzerland.

In hindsight, big steps usually seem like the right choice

If people believe in themselves, life events are generally viewed positively in hindsight. 99% of respondents rate a major trip as very or somewhat positive, while 97% rate a wedding and starting or expanding a family in the same way. The move toward self-employment, buying a home, or a career change are also rated positively by the vast majority . And even changes that may initially cause great concern—such as a breakup—often appear in a different light later on. 69% of respondents look back on them very or somewhat positively. “The results make it clear: What takes courage and effort upfront is often perceived later as an important and right step in one’s own life,” says Michael Hermann of Sotomo.

About the Survey

The data was collected between June 9 and 18, 2026. The analysis included responses from 1,866 people. The weighted sample is representative of Switzerland’s resident population in terms of key sociodemographic characteristics.