Six in 10 Brits have hobbies they are desperate to try but have been held back by lack of money, time and not knowing where to start, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.
The research, commissioned to celebrate the partnership between Davina McCall’s podcast, Begin Again and Monzo, found learning a language, playing a musical instrument and writing are the top things people hope to do one day. Painting or drawing, photography and pottery are also on their minds, as are padel, line dancing and foraging, while slightly more left-field goals include ghost hunting, axe throwing and circus skills.
Barriers to starting new hobbies
Along with limited finances (33%), time (28%) and self-belief (24%) - and getting started (24%) - one in 10 are stopped by the fear they’ll be judged by others. It also emerged 17% don’t have anyone to do their dream hobby with or aren’t comfortable braving it alone.
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."
She added: "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."
Reinvention and regional differences
On average those polled have five experiences, challenges, hobbies or skills they’ve always wanted to do or try but haven’t yet. For 16%, they have been put off as they worry they’re too old to pursue their goals. 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%). Although the research carried out through OnePoll found seven in 10 people are open to changing their ways - having reinvented themselves twice on average so far. 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. Significant life changes, such as changing career (7%) and the end of a long-term relationship (6%) are also motivations.
Confidence and regional trends
Around six in 10 Gen Zs (59%) feel more self-assured now than they did 10 years ago, but this falls to 46% among 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 fulfilled such ambitions.
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."
