A recent study found only 13% of Brits feel ready for the day — but experts say stepping outside your comfort zone can help.
A poll suggests most of us are getting through the day in a fog of tiredness, poor concentration and low motivation. Just 13% of people said they feel fully ready for the day ahead – while a huge 88% admitted they have days when they can barely function, including 21% who say it happens often.
And one in five (20%) said they wish they could focus better and feel more prepared for daily demands. Despite that, only 34% believe productivity is something you can actually learn. But experts insist we can train ourselves to perform better – by forcing ourselves out of our comfort zone.
The research was commissioned by Brass Monkey, a cold water immersion company launched to address a “growing gap in modern readiness culture” – what it describes as the “readiness deficit.”
Dr. Pippa Grange, a performance psychologist and author of Fear Less and Life. Reclaimed., explained: “Calming down and learning to cope are two different things.
“Confidence, and with it readiness, comes from taking action again and again, and finding out you can handle it.
“Most of us assume confidence comes first and action follows. It’s usually the other way round.
“Confidence is built by doing things that stretch us, especially when they feel uncomfortable at the time.”
The poll also pinpointed when Brits feel at their sharpest – with the average person peaking at 11.39am. But the classic afternoon slump happens at 3:01 pm, with focus dropping after lunch.
On average, people said they feel low on energy three days a week, and reckon they’re working below their best for around eight days a month.
When stress hits, Brits said they cope by watching TV (28%), exercising (27%), and comfort eating (23%).
Yet more than half (53%) admitted they’ve never actively tried to improve their focus, resilience or productivity – and only 57% said they challenge themselves at least once a month.
When they do step outside their comfort zone, most said they feel nervous (52%), anxious (50%) or overwhelmed (27%).
But after getting through something difficult, they reported feeling relief (46%), pride (33%) and a boost in confidence (29%).
On their worst days, 54% said they mainly want more energy. Others want more motivation (35%), better stress management (20%) and improved resilience (11%).
The OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults also asked what helps people feel ready for the day. Good sleep came top (43%), followed by regular exercise (40%) and setting goals (25%).
Some also said breathwork (10%), cold-water baths (6%) and sauna or heat sessions (4%) make a difference.
Brass Monkey’s Dan Bosomworth added: “Many people are spending days running below their full potential, held back by tiredness, low motivation and a lack of focus.
“Our research shows that when people push themselves beyond their comfort zone, the rewards often outweigh the discomfort, with many coming away feeling more confident and proud.
“Building readiness does not always require a major life change or one single fix; sometimes it starts with embracing a combination of small, manageable challenges that build.”