The UK is embracing a newfound zest for life – taking up a host of new hobbies including surfing, writing a book and flying a plane.
A poll of 2,000 adults found over two-thirds (68%) feel more driven than ever to embrace life and step out of their comfort zone to try new things.
Skydiving, driving on a racetrack and conquering a mountain range are among the top 20 ambitions.
While becoming fluent in a new language, overcoming a fear and finally learning an instrument they've always wanted to play also featured highly.
The study also revealed a shift in outlook, with half of respondents saying they’re now more focused on shorter-term attainable goals that can provide instant pleasure, rather than longer-term lifetime ambitions.
The research was commissioned by BMW to promote the launch of its new 2 Series Active Tourer.
A spokesman for the brand said: “Remaining physically and mentally active is critical to our happiness and well-being.
“So it’s great to know that many people are acting on their ambitions, and setting off in pursuit of new experiences.”
As many as four in ten respondents share this belief, saying that having ambitions in life is key to staying on top of both physical and mental well-being.
And more than a third (37%) say always having something to aim for means they never stop learning.
It also emerged that rather than slowing us down, age only accelerates this drive – with more than half of the nation (52%) saying that getting older has given them perspective, and made them more determined to achieve their goals.
Despite these good intentions, however, some of us are stalling – with 45% getting to the end of the weekend and worrying they’ve “wasted” it and should have done more, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
BMW’s spokesman added: “We all know that sensation of the days and weeks seeming to pass more quickly the older we get.
“Now is the time to get out there, seize the day, jump in the car, and have a go at whatever it is that you’ve always wanted to try.”
BMW has developed an Active Tourer Map to help the nation discover the Top 20 well-being and daredevil experiences in the UK.
For further information on the 2 Series Active Tourer range, visit here.
THE TOP 20 AMBITIONS BRITS WANT TO ACHIEVE IN THEIR LIFETIME:
- Master a foreign language
- Write a book
- Overcome a fear
- Learn a musical instrument
- Scuba dive
- Drive on a racetrack
- Ride a horse
- Take up painting
- Fly a plane or a helicopter
- Do a skydive
- Do a yoga class at sunset
- Learn how to ballroom dance
- Conquer a well-known mountain range
- Run a marathon
- Sail a boat
- Learn to cook a dish with a famous chef
- Go white water rafting
- Learn to surf
- Master a Latin dance routine
- Sing on a stage
