Half of Brits will struggle to achieve their summer lifestyle goals, including touching their toes and running a 10k – because they procrastinate too much.
Eating a healthier diet, getting eight hours of sleep most nights, reading more books, and meeting new people are among the top 20 targets Brits have set for themselves this summer.
But a study of 2,000 adults found that just 17% are completely confident they will meet these goals.
A third admitted life gets in the way, with nearly one in five (18%) already convinced they won’t be successful.
Procrastination is the main barrier that prohibits people meeting these goals, with nearly half (49%) struggling to achieve them as a result – with watching TV (34%), scrolling social media (29%) and snacking (23%) the top pitfalls.
In fact, the study, commissioned by California Almonds, found the average Brit wastes 10 hours a month procrastinating.
This leaves a quarter feeling low on energy, limiting their ability to achieve their goals – which makes 31% feel guilty.
But despite 55% finding low energy levels a significant barrier to success, just 45% choose foods to fuel body and mind.
And 44% are unaware that slow-release energy foods such as nuts, like almonds, could be the secret to unlocking summer success.
Other obstacles to meeting goals include mindless snacking (28%), busy schedules (31%), and finding it hard to juggle having a healthy diet with socialising (29%).
TV personality and fitness fanatic, Mark Wright, said: “There is nothing worse than having a list of things to do, and then an energy slump means you get completely derailed.
“Eating foods, like almonds, which contain protein, fibre, and healthy fats, to deliver a slow-release of energy, has been a game changer for me, leaving me ready to smash my goals throughout the day.
“At the end of the day, we all procrastinate, especially if it's a difficult task. I do it all the time with working out but, as soon as it's done, I feel amazing for it.
“The reason I work out is all about how it makes me feel, so I love setting myself training goals to tick off each week – and in order to do this, I have to fuel myself properly.”
MARK WRIGHT’S TIPS FOR A PROCRASTINATION-FREE SUMMER:
- MAKE AHEAD MEALS – “It’s so easy to grab a ready meal or takeaway when you can’t be bothered or don’t have time to cook. Prepping healthy meals means you always have something to hand, even when you’re rushing out.”
- SNACK [W]RIGHT – “Mindless snacking is a common procrastination technique, but it doesn’t have to be all bad. Choosing snacks which can provide slow-release energy could stop you in your procrastination tracks. If you’re often tempted by unhealthier snack options when hunger hits, make sure you have healthy snacks to hand. I always have almonds on-the-go to provide feel-good fuel.”
- ONE STEP AT A TIME – “I get wanting to progress quickly, but taking on too much can be overwhelming and cause procrastination. Instead, take small, manageable steps towards your goal, such as adding more vegetables to meals or easing yourself into the gym once or twice a week. These small changes will have a big impact and get you raring to build up to bigger steps at your own pace – if you’re prone to overthinking or worried you’ll fail, just taking that first small step can start you on the path to success.”
- THE CRUCIAL COUNTDOWN – “We’re all guilty of a sneaky scroll on social when we should be doing something else. Whenever I’m avoiding starting something I give myself three seconds – once I’ve counted to three in my head, I just get up and do it. And I usually feel much better for it.”
TOP 20 LIFESTYLE GOALS BRITS WANT TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
- Feeling good in your clothes
- Eating a healthier diet
- Getting eight hours of sleep most nights
- Reaching a goal weight for a holiday/special occasion
- Spending more time in the outdoors
- Going on more walks
- Decluttering your home
- Reading more books
- Stretching down to your toes
- Completing a 10k run
- Completing a 5k run
- Achieving a handstand
- Meditating/practicing mindfulness regularly
- Meeting new people
- Going on a hike
- Lifting a specific amount of weight in the gym
- Paying off your debts
- Eating less meat and fish
- Setting more time aside to switch off
- Cutting back on alcohol consumption
