Six in 10 Brits have hobbies they are desperate to try but have been held back by a lack of money, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.
Top dream hobbies
Learning a language, playing a musical instrument and writing a book or a blog are the top things people want to do one day. Painting or drawing, photography and pottery are also high on the list, as are padel, line dancing and foraging. Slightly more unusual dream hobbies include ghost hunting, axe throwing and circus skills.
Along with limited finances (33%), time (28%), self-belief (24%) and getting started (24%), one in 10 have held back as they are worried they will be judged by others. It also emerged 17% do not have anyone to do their dream hobby with or are not comfortable giving it a go alone.
Regret and frustration
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 have missed out (24%). On average, those polled have five experiences or hobbies they have always wanted to try but have not managed to yet. Those polled own three pieces of equipment for hobbies they have never or barely used.
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 refresh their lives include retirement, children growing up, and moving home. For 16%, they have been put off as they worry they are too old to go after their dreams. Significant life changes, such as changing career (7%) and the end of a long-term relationship (6%) are also key motivators.
Confidence drops with age
Any desire to change among those polled might be countered by a lack of confidence, with self-belief dropping 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.
When it comes to regional differences, those living in London have hobbies they want to try but have not started (82%) more than anywhere else. This is followed by the West Midlands (64%), Scotland and the North West (both 61%). The lowest number living in Northern Ireland (56%) — but this could be because more of those living there have managed to pick up their dream hobby.
Partnership and events
The research was commissioned to celebrate the partnership between Davina McCall's podcast, Begin Again and Monzo, which has launched its new 'Get busy living' platform. They are 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.
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. 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."
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."
