Brits embrace September for major life changes – from tech upgrades to new jobs
A poll, of 2,000 adults, found 38% feel more motivated to improve their life now, compared to any other time of the year
by Lauren Edwards · The MirrorForget the 'New Year, New You' mantra - Brits believe September is the prime time to make life changes. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 38% feel more driven to enhance their lives now than at any other point in the year.
The top ways people kick-start a fresh chapter in the ninth month include landing a new job (14%), discovering a new hobby or interest (11%), and relocating (7%).
When it comes to the most desired changes Brits want to implement this month, prioritising wellness (41%), improving sleep (39%) and acquiring a new skill (25%) topped the list. Starting a diet (22%), practising meditation and mindfulness (17%) and upgrading technology also made the cut.
The study was conducted to celebrate the launch of Vodafone Xchange this month, a service that allows customers to get a new phone every year without early upgrade fees or outstanding payments on their old phone plan, when they trade in their old device.
Rob Winterschladen, consumer director at Vodafone UK, commented: "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 of people (46%) reckon that tech and apps are key to personal growth and making yearly changes, while 29% think keeping up with the latest tech is vital for daily life and personal advancement.
The concept of 'September resolutions' comes from a feeling of renewal post-summer (40%), a back-to-school mindset inspiring new routines (24%), and the belief that there's less pressure at this time of year compared to January (30%), making it easier to commit to significant improvements.
Regardless of the month, 17% actively attempt to 'reinvent' themselves each year - be it September or any other month. Meanwhile, 15% actively start a lifestyle 'annual upgrade' at the onset of autumn.
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also discovered that 11% would rather upgrade their mobile annually - for 42% of them, it's to keep up with new features and enhancements. However, 29% stated their phone contract doesn't offer them the flexibility or choice to do so.
Other reasons for upgrading their device yearly include having the latest models (33%), while a quarter (25%) consider a mobile upgrade a form of self-improvement.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, collaborating with Vodafone, said: "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."
The top 20 resolutions Brits would like to make in September:
- Prioritise wellness
- Improve sleep
- Learn a new skill
- Find / start a new fitness regime
- Find a new hobby or interest
- Start a new diet (i.e. cutting down on meat, going gluten free, plant based)
- Practice meditation / mindfulness
- Start a new job
- Have a style overhaul / get a new wardrobe of clothes
- Join a gym
- Get a new haircut / change hairstyle
- Upgrade a piece of tech (e.g. mobile phone)
- Learn a new language
- Move house
- Start a new relationship
- Start therapy
- Change phone contract
- Quit a job
- End a relationship
- Relocate city / country