– By Astrid Hall
Rekindling a love of reading, learning a language and taking more walks have emerged among a list of things Brits want to do – but never get around to, according to research.
A study of 1,300 adults found ditching takeaways after a night out and joining a gym also featured highly.
Vowing to wake up 10 minutes earlier each day, learning to ski, and promising themselves they will stop picking their nose also made the lost.
Overall the study found more than eight in 10 Brits want to make a change in their life but in reality will never succeed.
Two in five put this down to simply being ‘too busy’, while 21 per cent said it’s because they ‘just can’t get motivated’.
However, the research by webuyanycar.com also found 87 per cent try to be better even if they don’t always achieve exactly what they desire.
And even though one in five admitted falling into old habits, the same number managed to make a long-term habit out of their ambitions, sticking with at least one for more than five years.
Millions of Brits have successfully lost weight, managed to read more or have even cleared their debt.
Others have mastered a new language or even bought a second home.
Richard Evans, of webuyanycar.com , said: “Millions of Brits are determined to do and be better people as we move into 2018, even if it’s a struggle to find the time or muster the effort to fully achieve this.
“Interestingly, the research showed that we’re a country who believe bettering ourselves is a year-round endeavour and not just something for January, since over 40 per cent of people concentrate on self-improvement 365 days a year.
“Like much of the population, at webuyanycar we strive to offer the best service 52 weeks a year, by providing a quicker sale, opening branches seven days a week and generally being more Phil.”
The study found almost half of the nation will set goals in a bid to be healthier this year, while three in 10 want to make themselves happier.
Millions of Brits have made an attempt at forging a new habit at the start of 2018, which will last an average of 16 days before falling off the wagon.
These included writing a book, revamping their wardrobe and landing a job in their dream career.
Others have attempted to learn an instrument, while some have had a go at sticking to new fitness regime.
More than one in twenty said it was too expensive to commit to a new habit, which is no wonder with adults spending an average of £504 a year on achieving their aspirations.
In fact, almost one in 10 Brits have splurged £2,000 or more on a new hobby or makeover as their most expensive attempt at self-improvement.
It’s not just money people are spending though, as Brits estimate they whittle away five hours and 32 minutes every month trying to achieve goals or quit habits, regardless of whether they succeed.
As half of adults said they struggle to quit even the smallest of habits, such as biting their nails, 45 per cent will seek the help of their friends or family when trying to reach a goal or improve themselves.
Richard Evans, added: “Setting goals to self-improve, learn a new hobby or change an old habit is a positive starting point, especially at the beginning of the year, even if it takes some time to accomplish them.”
Top 30 things people want to do but don’t get around to:
1. Lose weight
2. Walk more
3. Eat better
4. Read more
5. Learn a language
6. Manage finances better
7. Drink less
8. Spend less
9. Go to bed an hour earlier
10. Eat less
11. Socialise more
12. Join a gym
13. Re-vamp the wardrobe by throwing out unworn clothes
14. Unsubscribe from emails
15. Eat your five-a-day
16. Actually stick to a fitness plan
17. Travel the world
18. Clear debt
19. Spend time or more time with family
20. Write a will
21. Help/volunteer with a charity
22. Wake up ten minutes earlier
23. Quit smoking
24. Write a book
25. Clean the house properly
26. Re-decorate the house
27. Actually go to the gym after joining one
28. Buy a home
29. Visit relatives who live far away
30. Learn/practise an instrument
ENDS
