Frank Sinatra’s 1965 hit, “It was a very good year,” framed the benchmarks of a life well-lived through relationships at various ages: when he was 17, “small-town girls … on the village green”; at 21, “city girls who lived up the stair”; at 35, “blue-blooded girls of independent means.”

Fast forward 60 years. What are the ingredients that now constitute “a very good year?” Data from a survey of 2,000 Americans offers an intriguing snapshot: the average rating for 2024 was a 6.1 out of 10, a score that captures a sense of cautious optimism amid the mundane.

An average year with bright spots

The most common score given was a neutral five out of 10, indicating a year that was neither particularly bad nor exceptionally good. Yet, 30 percent of respondents rated their year as an eight or higher, suggesting significant pockets of positivity. At the heart of many memorable moments in 2024 were connections, growth, and personal achievements.

When asked what made the year stand out, the most popular response was deeply heartwarming: reconnecting with an old friend or family member. This simple yet meaningful act underscores the enduring value of relationships in defining life’s quality. Other notable experiences included creative and personal growth, getting a new pet, learning a new skill, volunteering for a cause, and addressing health and wellness goals. Collectively, these responses reflect a shift toward valuing personal enrichment and relational depth over purely material accomplishments.

Themes of personal growth

Growth was a recurring theme. An impressive 67 percent of respondents felt they experienced growth in some form during the year, with over half citing improvements in their personal lives. Of those who say they did some growing in 2024, over half (52 percent) felt they’d seen improvements in their personal life, while 38 percent saw developments in their mental and emotional life and 29 percent felt they’d made improvements in their physical health and fitness. Financial strides were also noted, with 25 percent reporting improvements in their monetary situations.

This emphasis on growth aligns with a broader cultural trend: the pursuit of self-improvement as a marker of a fulfilling life. Learning new skills, dealing with health challenges, and paying off significant debts were among the milestones celebrated, demonstrating resilience and a focus on long-term goals.

Memorable moments beyond growth

Other standout events included visiting new places, starting new jobs, and even purchasing significant items like a car. These experiences highlight the importance of novelty and milestones in creating a sense of accomplishment. Once-in-a-lifetime events, such as witnessing an eclipse or attending a memorable concert, also featured prominently, emphasizing the human desire for unique and enriching experiences.

The numbers behind the year

The detailed breakdown of scores paints a refined picture:

• Scores of 1-4: About 23 percent of respondents rated their year below average, indicating struggles or unmet expectations.
• Scores of 5-7: The majority, 47 percent, landed in the middle range, suggesting a year that balanced challenges with positive moments.
• Scores of 8-10: A notable 30 percent rated their year as excellent, reflecting significant personal or professional successes.

Reflections on a “good” year

What makes a year “very good” in the modern era? Unlike Sinatra’s romantic benchmarks, today’s metrics lean heavily on connection, growth, resilience, and health. From tackling mental health challenges to achieving fitness and wellness goals, health remains a cornerstone of a fulfilling year: of the top 20 events that made 2024 “memorable,” overcoming a significant health challenge ranked 7. Reuniting with loved ones and achieving personal goals resonate deeply in defining a fulfilling year. As uncertainty reigns in the world, these themes offer a roadmap for finding meaning and satisfaction, regardless of external circumstances.

In 2024, the benchmark for “a very good year” seems to lie not in perfection, but in progress—in small, meaningful moments that remind us of our capacity to adapt, grow, and connect. Perhaps, like Sinatra crooning about his years of wine and roses, we too can find the poetry in our decidedly modern lives and look back on 2025 as a vintage year.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine, including Medicine on Fire: A Narrative Travelogue and Story Treasures: Medical Essays and Insights in the Narrative Tradition.