Average adult spends just over 10 years of their lives on ‘autopilot’
The average adult spends the equivalent of just over 10 years of their lives on ‘autopilot’ – following the same routines and rituals day in and day out.
This equates to 1,396 hours each year, 27 hours a week or nearly four hours a day doing the same things.
A quarter of those polled even admitted they drift through five or more hours a day without any real thought about what they are doing. And 64 per cent of adults claimed their daily routine hardly ever changes.
The top five things Brits are likely to do in the same way every day include getting dressed or showering at the same time of day, and eating the same breakfast.
But 79 per cent of those who feel they are ‘stuck in a rut’ of repetitive routines feel this holds them back from achieving their goals, including travelling the world, learning a new instrument, and starting to invest.
The study, commissioned by bank NatWest, also found 51 per cent of adults admit they procrastinate instead of acting on tasks that need doing – including managing their finances, organising dates with friends and food shopping.
As a result, six in 10 have bought a self-help book – but half never finished it, with some not even completing the first chapter.
Although 53 per cent of those polled via OnePoll think they should be more proactive about managing their personal finances.
Striving for your own goals
Following the findings, NatWest has launched a video series with entrepreneur Stephen Bartlet, with episodes looking at setting goals, starting a business and managing personal finances, to help motivate people to take action.
The Diary Of A CEO podcast host and youngest ever ‘Dragon’ on hit TV show Dragons Den, said: “We all have goals and ambitions – whether that is buying a pair of trainers, saving for a big event or even starting your own business.
“But we also know how hard it can be to take that first step to make those things happen.
“The Money Motivation series is aimed at helping anyone to take that first step to setting and achieving their goals – whatever those may be.”
Says NatWest CEO, Alison Rose:
“Everyone experiences different challenges and obstacles in life.
“But we hope that Stephen’s inspiring story and motivational personality can help people to set and strive for their own goals – whatever they may be.”
Top 10 goals Brits want to achieve but have yet to action
- Learn a new skill or craft
- Travel the world
- Start a new career
- Learn an instrument
- Start investing
- Reignite friendships
- Write a book
- Research family tree
- Start a business
- Go back into education / retrain
