The drive we have at this age is down in part to being more confident, having higher levels of energy and adopting a positive outlook on life. While determination to succeed may be at its peak during our early to mid-thirties, motivation is still a struggle for most adults overall, with half admitting it is “a battle”.
The study of 2,000 adults was commissioned by Bupa Health Clinics to mark the launch of I Quit, a campaign urging people to “quit the fads and focus on making a long-term change”.
Dr Naveen Puri from Bupa Health Clinics said: “Drive plays an important role in achieving our goals no matter what they are.
“Of course, everyone wants to reach their goals but doing so isn’t always as easy as they may think.
“Having support can make all the difference and can help keep you on track when facing obstacles along the way.
“When setting goals, I would advise making these realistic to your ability.
“For example, if you’ve never run before, why not aim to do a 5K race within three months rather than wanting to run a marathon in a year.
“Once you’ve achieved this, you’ll have a sense of achievement which will give you more motivation for future goals.”
The study also found those polled currently have an average of four goals, with saving money, eating healthily and getting fit the most common.
And despite 85 percent claiming they “tend” to stick to their goals until they succeed, 86 percent admitted they’re not “completely confident” they will achieve their aims.
The biggest barriers to succeeding include not having enough money, not having enough time – and laziness.
Although having to pursue goals alone and without any support or guidance also emerged as major hindrances among those polled.
In fact, the Bupa Health Clinics study, carried out through OnePoll found seven in 10 would be much more likely to achieve their goals – if they had some kind of support network behind them.
Dr Naveen Puri added: “It is really encouraging to see so many people putting their health and fitness as a key focus, no matter what their age.
In fact, the Bupa Health Clinics study, carried out through OnePoll found seven in 10 would be much more likely to achieve their goals – if they had some kind of support network behind them.
Dr Naveen Puri added: “It is really encouraging to see so many people putting their health and fitness as a key focus, no matter what their age.
“In our health clinics, we see many people who have taken up fad diets throughout January and we want to encourage people to adopt a healthier approach that they can maintain all year round – with the ongoing support of our lifestyle and health advisors.”
Top 20 Life Goals
1. To save money
2. To eat more healthily
3. To get fit/do more exercise
4. To relax more
5. To drink more water
6. To read more
7. To go on holiday to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go
8. To go travelling
9. To be kinder to yourself
10. To pay off debt/get back on track financially
11. To carry out a particular DIY task/project
12. To spend more time with children or family
13. To drink less/no alcohol
14. To eat less/no meat
15. To practice mindfulness
16. To move/buy a house
17. To study/do a course
18. To learn a new language
19. To stop smoking
20. To cycle/walk to work