Brits placing hobbies on maintain for 3 key causes – and it isn’t simply time
New research shows Brits have a long list of activities or hobbies they’d love to try but don’t – here’s why.
Davina McCall’s podcast, Begin Again, has partnered with Monzo(Image: PinPep)
A poll of 2,000 adults found learning a language, playing a musical instrument and writing – whether that’s a book or a blog – are the top things they hope to do one day. Painting or drawing, photography and pottery are also top of their to-do lists, as are padel, line dancing and foraging. Slightly more left-field dream hobbies include ghost hunting, axe throwing and circus skills.
But along with limited finances (33%), time (28%) and self-belief (24%) – and getting started (24%), one in 10 people are worried they’ll be judged by others. It also emerged 17% don’t have anyone to do their dream hobby with or aren’t comfortable giving it a go alone.
Those polled have five things they want to try but haven’t yet(Image: PinPep)
The research was commissioned to celebrate the partnership between Davina McCall’s podcast, Begin Again and Monzo, which has launched its new ‘Get busy living’ platform.
They’re hosting free events this September and October including rave Pilates in Manchester, a wellness event in Cardiff, line dancing in London and public speaking workshops in Edinburgh.
Speaking about the findings, Davina said: “So many people have things they’ve always wanted to try, but the hardest part is taking that first step – whether that’s finding the time, the confidence, or just knowing where to start.
“It’s even harder when you feel like you’re doing it alone.
“That’s exactly why we’ve built ‘Get busy living’ with Monzo – to help Brits make time for the things they love, and to create spaces where people can connect with like-minded communities and stop putting their passions on hold.”
Brits want to get into drawing and painting(Image: PinPep)
On average, those polled have five experiences, challenges, hobbies or skills they’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet. Those polled own three pieces of equipment for hobbies they’ve never or barely used.
Among those yet to embark on particular goals, the study found not doing so has resulted in feelings of regret (32%), frustration (24%) and fears they’ve missed out (24%).
The research carried out through OnePoll found seven in 10 people are open to changing their ways – having reinvented themselves twice on average to date. Exactly a third have a desire to reinvent themselves, with 46% simply ready for a change and 36% keen to make up for lost time.
Other reasons for wanting to ‘relaunch’ themselves include retirement, children growing up, and moving home. For 16%, they have been put off as they worry they’re too old to pursue their goals.
Significant life changes, such as changing career (7%) and the end of a long-term relationship (6%) are also key motivators.. But any desire to change among those polled might be countered by a lack of confidence, with self-belief dropping steadily with age.
Brits are keen to try sporty activities like yoga and pilates(Image: PinPep)
Around six in 10 Gen Zs (59%) feel more confident now than they did 10 years ago, but this falls to less than half (46%) of Millennials, 26% among Gen X and 13% among Boomers.
When it comes to regional differences, more than anywhere else those living in London have hobbies they want to try but haven’t started (82%). This is followed by the West Midlands (64%), Scotland and the North West (both 61%).
With the lowest number living in Northern Ireland (56%) – but this could be because more of those living there have managed to pick up their dream hobby.
Monzo’s AJ Coyne said: “Whether it’s the nerves before going to your first class alone, finding time for a new hobby, or working out how to budget for the things you love, there are plenty of reasons people put their passions on hold.
“Get busy living is about making sure money isn’t one of them. We want everyone to have the confidence and freedom to do more of what they love, without financial admin getting in the way.”
Top 10 hobbies Brits want to do but haven’t
- Learning a language
- Playing a musical instrument
- Writing (e.g. a book or blog)
- Painting or drawing
- Photography
- Pottery
- Going to the gym regularly
- Yoga or Pilates
- Wild swimming
- Archery
