Dramatic lifestyle changes like new exercise regimes, cutting alcohol intake and eating less meat typically last less than two months, according to research.
A study of 2,000 adults found they stick to a new habit for an average of just seven weeks before giving it up, while 21 per cent only keep at it for a month.
More than half (53 per cent) have tried to make positive changes to their habits in the past year but failed to keep them up, including eating less meat and more salad, turning lights off when not in the room and having more ‘me’ time.
Others have unsuccessfully tried to cycle or walk instead of driving, go to bed earlier and hit 10,000 steps a day.
Reducing their sugar intake, using their phone less and cutting back on alcohol were also among the top 40 changes people have tried to make.
However, it also emerged 54 per cent have vowed to only make little changes to their lifestyle from now on, with 72 per cent believing they are more achievable and realistic than bigger shifts.
One thing at a time
The research was commissioned by centre:mk to launch its environmental exhibition to highlight the impact of small changes.
Their spokesperson, Kim Priest, said: “It’s interesting to see the habits people try and make as part of their daily routine, but give up on.
“We all have goals we want to implement into our lifestyles, but often it’s easier said than done.
“But we believe one small change at a time can have a big impact in the long run.
“It’s easier to concentrate on smaller adjustments and give it all your focus rather than feeling overwhelmed by lots of big changes to diet, fitness, finances and environmental habits.”
The study also found 67 per cent of adults are more likely to fail at sticking to a lifestyle change if they attempt too many at once.
Reasons for implementing changes initially included improving physical health (32 per cent), saving money (31 per cent) and to do their bit for the planet (24 per cent).
But lack of willpower (27 per cent), motivation (27 per cent) and time (20 per cent) resulted in failing.
When successfully sticking to a new habit they feel positive (37 per cent) and proud (30 per cent), but disappointed (34 per cent) and frustrated (28 per cent) when they don’t.
Exhibition highlights environmental and social achievements
It also found physical health changes are most important to Brits (33 per cent), followed by social and behavioural (27 per cent) and environmental (22 per cent).
But 74 per cent believe if everyone made a small environmental change to their lifestyle it would collectively have a big impact on the planet.
And 48 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, have made more adjustments to their lifestyle as they’ve got older.
Situations including the Covid pandemic (29 per cent), a health scare (25 per cent) and becoming a parent or grandparent (21 per cent) made people want to make a change.
The likes of social media (21 per cent) and the news (19 per cent) have also inspired people to overhaul their habits, as well as family (30 per cent) and friends (27 per cent).
Kim Priest added: “We’re excited to launch an exhibition at the centre this month that showcases our environmental and social achievements and the impact these have made so far and continue to make.
“We’ll also be displaying plaques in specific locations around the centre highlighting some of the little things we’ve changed and the results of these, from saving energy, reducing waste and CO2, as well as making a difference to the wider community.”
Top 40 lifestyle changes Brits have failed to stick at in the past 12 months
- Exercising more often
- Going to bed earlier
- Hitting 10,000 steps each day
- Reducing my sugar intake
- Going on my phone less
- Give up or cut back on my alcohol intake
- Eat more salad
- Reading more
- Recycling my rubbish
- Having more ‘me time’
- Meal planning for the week ahead
- Eating less meat
- Cycling or walking over driving
- Taking quicker showers
- Reducing the amount of takeaway I order
- Keeping houseplants alive
- Shopping in BYO stores e.g. fill up your own bottle of milk
- Buying loose food rather than packaged e.g. bananas without a plastic wrapper
- Changing to a reusable razor rather than disposable
- Meditating
- Turning off sockets when not in the room
- Recycling clothes rather than throwing them away e.g. giving to charity shops
- Not over-filling the kettle
- Turning off lights when not in the room
- Using reusable makeup wipes rather than disposable
- Going to the gym more often
- Turning off the tap when brushing my teeth
- Freezing or reusing leftover rather than throwing them away
- Buying locally produced food
- Giving more to charity e.g. either time, things or money
- Taking a lunch time walk / break
- Using reusable carrier bags
- Using reusable coffee cups and water bottles
- Trying a vegetarian diet
- Cooking in bulk
- Keeping a journal
- Trying a vegan diet
- Using metal or paper straws rather than plastic
- Growing my own food
- Volunteering
