Success is our middle name. Over half of Poles are proud of their achievements

A recent study indicates a strong sense of national achievement in Poland, with 52% of respondents believing the country has succeeded over the past decade. This perception of success is built on a combination of stable systemic foundations, economic and political stability, and crucially, social factors.

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We wanted to check whether the development of our country translates into a sense of success among Poles and what success means to them.

Among the key drivers identified, self-belief emerged as a significant factor, cited by 31% of respondents. This internal conviction in one's own capabilities was highlighted as a primary element shaping national success, surpassing more traditional development factors. The readiness to take initiative and act, intrinsically linked to self-belief, was deemed as important as the political situation.

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The results are pleasing because they show that one of the factors that drives us in everyday life is self-belief.

Respondents also pointed to the importance of education and developing future competencies (around 20%), support for innovation and technology (19%), and building social cooperation and trust (18%). However, the study also noted a shift in the definition of success, with Poles increasingly looking beyond traditional metrics to include health, relationships, and life satisfaction.

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At the same time, it is clear that the very concept of success is clearly changing – Poles are increasingly looking at it more broadly, also through the prism of health, relationships, and a sense of satisfaction with life.

Generational differences emerged in the perception of success factors. Older respondents (45+) more frequently emphasized self-belief, while political stability was particularly important for men and the oldest participants. Younger women (Generation Z) highlighted education quality and a propensity for action, whereas Millennials stressed state support for innovation and technology. Interestingly, despite expectations for public institutions, their strength was ranked last among key factors for national success, suggesting Poles primarily view success through the lens of their own agency and initiative.

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Poles perceive success primarily through the prism of their own agency – the conviction that it is their actions, decisions, and initiative that really influence the country's future.