New Year’s resolutions that benefit others last longer and are more likely to succeed says new research
As British Summer Time approaches, at least a third* of New Year’s Resolutions have been broken – and there is little doubt that this is a common trend every year. New research,* however, reveals that when your resolutions impact on and help others, you’re far more likely to succeed.
The study – commissioned by Foresters, the international financial services organisation – wanted to see what resolutions Brits are focusing on this year, as well seeing how determined they are to stick to them!
Saving pounds and dropping them are the top two goals, but people also are keen to do their bit:
- 48% of women are determined to shift the pounds in 2013 compared to 33% of men
- 36% of women and 24% of men want to save more money this year
- almost one in ten (8%) women want to help those in need by donating more time or money to charity, compared to 6% of men.
With the recession biting hard, it also seems that women are focusing more on quality family time, with 15% aiming to spend more time with their loved ones this year and 12% hoping to get in touch with old friends.
So, what happened to all those good intentions?
- almost a third (30%) of women broke their resolutions before the end of January, 4% more than men (26%)
- 48% of women who made resolutions found themselves cancelling plans with loved ones or forgetting to sponsor a friend because they felt tired, stressed or just too busy
- this wilting willpower is 10% more likely to be found in women, as only 38% of men admitted to resorting to bad habits after a stressful or tiring day
- over a quarter (26%) of women also found themselves rapidly losing motivation when their resolution proved too difficult.
Steve Dilworth, Managing Director, Member Network UK Foresters, comments: “New Year’s Resolutions are a brilliant way of making changes to our lives. Whether you want to spend more time with family or simply put more into your local community, January can be the perfect time to start afresh and break bad habits.
“However, as we’ve seen, this is much easier said than done. A bad day at the office or a busy schedule can prompt us to undo all our good work in an instant. Relating resolutions to other people is one way of ensuring you’re less likely to give up at the first hurdle – for example, raising money for charity through a sponsored run will improve both your own health and the lives of others.
“When your actions benefit those around you, you’re far more likely to succeed. At Foresters we run projects throughout the year which help to improve communities and support local charities, and I’m always amazed at how many people repeatedly volunteer. Last Christmas, which is such a busy time of year, we saw 977 members turn out to help Cash for Kids, and I know that this year we will see even more. ”
Ends
*Research: Over 1,300 people across the UK responded to an online survey at the end of January / beginning of February 2013. Population estimates from Dec 2011 – Office of National Statistics. This was conducted by Wriglesworth Research – winner of several industry awards for use of research including the CIPR Awards, Golden Hedgehog Awards and PR Week Awards.
Contact:
Steve Dilworth, Managing Director, Member Network UK, Foresters, telephone: 0208 628 3435 or email: steve.dilworth@foresters.co.uk
About Foresters:
At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We’re member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.
Our products benefit both your family and your community. We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.
We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 135-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.
As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2012 Mission Christmas Appeal helped over 250,000 children to have a better Christmas and granted £5.3m in cash, gifts and toys to local children.
Forester Life has funds under management of £1bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation. Internationally, Foresters has over £10bn* funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.**
Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.
*As at 31 January 2013
**An ‘A’ excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is ‘stable’, which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A to F, A being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 6 July 2012. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.
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