Forget ‘New Year, New You’ – Brits consider September the best month to make changes in their lives.
A poll, of 2,000 adults, found 38% feel more motivated to improve their life now, compared to any other time of the year.
Getting a new job (14%), finding a new hobby or interest (11%) and moving house (seven%) are ways people get a fresh start during the ninth month of the year.
When it comes to the top changes Brits would like to make this month, prioritising wellness (41%), improving sleep (39%) and learning a new skill (25%) came out top.
Starting a diet (22%) practising meditation and mindfulness (17%) and upgrading technology were also on the list.
The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Vodafone Xchange this month, which lets customers get a new phone every year, with no early upgrade fees and nothing left to pay on their old phone plan, when they exchange their old phone.
Rob Winterschladen, consumer director, Vodafone UK, said: “September is a key month in the tech calendar, with major industry launches – but it’s not just devices that get upgraded at this time of year.
“Our research shows that over eight million Brits actively make lifestyle changes during this month, whether it’s fitness, learning a new skill, or upgrading their tech.
“This reinforces the idea that people use the start of autumn to refresh both their personal lives and their devices.”
Nearly half (46%) say tech and apps play a crucial role in personal development and making annual change, while 29% believe staying updated with the latest tech is essential for everyday life and personal progression.
The ‘September resolutions’ are down to a sense of renewal after summer (40%), a back-to-school mentality inspiring fresh routines (24%), and the idea that, unlike in January, there’s less pressure at this point in the year (30%), making it easier to commit to meaningful improvements.
No matter what month they chose to do so, 17%% actively try to ‘reinvent’ themselves annually – whether that’s September or any other month of the year. While 15% actively embark on a lifestyle ‘annual upgrade’ at the beginning of autumn.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found 11% would prefer to upgrade their mobile each year – for 42% of them it’s so they can keep up with new features and improvements. Despite this, 29% said their phone contract does not give them the flexibility or freedom of choice to do so.
Other reasons for upgrading their device each year include having the newest models (33%), while a quarter (25%) say they consider a mobile upgrade a form of self-improvement.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, working with Vodafone, added: “As the research shows, September is a perfect time for us to reflect on the year and set new goals, without the enormous pressure that the New Year can bring.
“The added pressure and stress that comes with ‘new year new you’ type resolutions often equate to a decrease in productivity, so using that post-summer energy to quietly focus on making improvements in your life can be a recipe for success for many.”
