Despite these benefits, the vast majority (88%) put off making any change in their lives. More than half (51%) admit that at least every month they put off a change they know they need to make, with common reasons being a lack of time, finding it too hard or cost.
The research suggests making a change can create a positive ‘knock on’ effect in people’s lives: nearly half (46%) said doing one thing, such as losing weight (22%), led them to make another change in their life. For example, following the first successful change a quarter of people (26%) were inspired to improve their fitness and 24% went on to get a new job.
With the number of people in the UK who have been unemployed for a year or more now at 904,000 – the highest level since 1996 – learndirect says it is crucial people take action. So today it is launching the Make a Change campaign to help people do something new which improves their lives, builds their confidence and increases their job prospects.
To get people started and to stay motivated, learndirect has developed the Six Steps to Making a Change guide – a handy online guide and checklist with advice and tips on how to set goals, sort out any problems and get the right support to succeed. The guide aims to help people reach their goals – such as building their confidence, helping children with their homework or making themselves ready for work.
Sally Evans, Head of Marketing & Communications at learndirect adds, “We all know how making changes in our lives can be tough. We also know how rewarding it can be too, as we feel more confident and more able to face other challenges. There’s no doubt one change often leads to another and that’s why we are urging people to think about something they want to do but have put off in the past. Our Six Steps to Making a Change guide aims to help more people reach their goals to change their lives forever.”
