Six in 10 Brits have put off making improvements to their homes, careers and lives because they feel the 'effort just isn't worth it', a poll of 2,000 adults has found. Nearly half (42%) regret putting off making an improvement to their home or life.
Delayed home improvements
Many have delayed simple improvements that would make their lives easier, such as decluttering (42%), redecorating (41%), carrying out repairs (39%) or getting a smart meter (10%). Others have not switched energy suppliers (19%), improved home insulation (13%) or opted for energy-efficient lightbulbs (9%), believing the hassle will outweigh the reward.
The poll also found over a quarter (28%) have decided against starting a new fitness routine because it feels like too much of a time commitment. Another 18% have put off making career changes or applying for a new job, worried it would be too much hassle for too little return.
Reasons for procrastination
A further fifth (20%) admit they've put things off simply because they assumed it would be too disruptive to fit into their routine. A quarter (25%) say trying something new has been put on hold because reviews left them doubtful about the outcome.
However, among those who did eventually make a change, 70% said they experienced benefits beyond what they initially expected, while 64% wish they had ignored their assumptions and acted sooner.
Expert and organisational views
TV presenter Anna Richardson, who is backing the research commissioned by Smart Energy GB, said: "We've all done it, decided something's going to be a faff before we've even given it a go, then let it drag on for months, sometimes years.
"But honestly, more often than not, once you've taken that first step it's much easier and more rewarding than you'd imagined. You get your time back, stop carrying that nagging thought around with you, and often find yourself wishing you'd done it sooner.
"Smart meters are a great example of something that some people put off getting, when in reality they can be quick to get installed and easy to use, helping households better understand their energy use and save money."
The research also found that over half (56%) believe outdated information is a key factor preventing people from making improvements, and 22% revealed this has directly influenced their decision about whether to make a change.
Regrets and consequences
Tackling life admin (20%), eating more healthily (31%) and reaching out to people they hadn't spoken to for a while (26%) are among the top things people wish they had done sooner. Of these, 36% recognised the problem became worse over time, while 34% admitted it caused unnecessary stress.
Nearly half (45%) regret not taking better steps to manage their energy use at home, suggesting many households wish they had acted sooner, the survey conducted by OnePoll.com found. As a result, 46% believe they may have paid more than they needed to, while 41% worry they could have wasted energy without realising.
A spokesperson for Smart Energy GB said: "The research highlights how easy it can be to put off changes that could make a positive difference in our daily lives.
"While seven in 10 households now have a smart meter, some people haven't yet taken up the offer of an installation.
"Four in five smart meter owners are already happy with their smart meter, and recent technical fixes and new industry standards introduced in 2026 are helping improve the experience for customers even further.
"Smart meters can help households save money on their energy bills, feel more in control of what they're spending and put an end to estimated bills."
Anna Richardson's top tips on how to start small tasks you've been putting off: If you've got five spare minutes, just start the task rather than thinking about finishing it, because getting started is often the hardest part. Instead of seeing a job as one huge task, break it into small, manageable steps so it feels much easier to tackle. If you're already up and doing something nearby, use the momentum to tick off a similar task while you're at it. Remember that sense of relief and satisfaction you feel once a job is done, because it can be a great motivator to get started. Use technology to take repetitive tasks off your plate - for example, a smart meter automatically sends meter readings for you, so it's one less thing to remember.
