A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed the top activities Brits hope to try but have not yet, including learning a language, playing a musical instrument and writing a book or blog. Painting or drawing, photography and pottery are also high on the list, alongside padel, line dancing and foraging. More unusual dream hobbies include ghost hunting, axe throwing and circus skills.
The research, commissioned to celebrate the partnership between Davina McCall’s podcast Begin Again and Monzo, found that limited finances (33%), time (28%) and self-belief (24%) are the main barriers. Getting started (24%) also holds people back, and one in 10 worry about being judged by others. Additionally, 17% said they have no one to do their dream hobby with or are not comfortable trying it alone.
Barriers and Feelings of Regret
On average, those polled have five experiences, challenges, hobbies or skills they have always wanted to try but have not yet. They also own three pieces of equipment for hobbies they have never or barely used. Among those who have not embarked on particular goals, the study found this has resulted in feelings of regret (32%), frustration (24%) and fears they have missed out (24%).
Davina McCall, speaking about the findings, 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."
Desire for Reinvention and Regional Differences
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 are put off because they worry they are 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.
Self-belief drops steadily with age. 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. Regionally, those living in London have the most hobbies they want to try but have not started (82%), followed by the West Midlands (64%), Scotland and the North West (both 61%). The lowest number is in Northern Ireland (56%), but this could be because more people there have managed to pick up their dream hobby.
Free Events and Financial Support
Monzo has launched its new ‘Get busy living’ platform, 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. 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."
