10 January 2023 , 15:15
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Three in five Brits want to try to say “yes” more in 2023 – including to new travel destinations, more social activities, and new friendships, research has found.
Over half of adults admit to being held back by FOSY – a “fear of saying yes” – with 37%, of the 2,000 people polled, putting this down to a lack of confidence.
The same number blame financial worries for not saying “yes” to things – with one in three having avoided asking someone out on a date.
A further 32% have been held back from trying a new hobby, and 35% believe they have missed out on making new friends by not saying “yes”.
In fact, despite the New Year being considered as a time to broaden horizons and try new things, the average Brit will typically say “no” to something they actually want to do every 10 days during January.
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But Brits want to use 2023 to put themselves out there more, the research found – with a third (34%) planning to accept more invitations to social gatherings.
Almost a quarter want to say yes to trying new cuisines this year (Crodino)The research was commissioned by Crodino, to mark the launch of its campaign to encourage people to let go of saying no, by offering complimentary experiences this month – including cookery classes, bouquet making, and karaoke.
The non-alcoholic aperitivo has also teamed up with psychologist Emma Kenny, who spoke about what holds Brits back, and why conquering the “fear of saying yes” will have a positive impact.
She said: “FOSY is a common phenomenon, linked to the emotions we experience when faced with opportunities that push us outside our comfort zone.
“When there's a chance we might be judged or we have pre-conceived ideas that we're not good at something, our instinctive, knee-jerk reaction is to say “no”.
“The research tells us that, in January, it’s even more common to say no to something, even if it’s something we want to do.
“The benefits of doing more of the things we wish we could, but are afraid to say “yes” to, are vast.
“When we take on new experiences, we grow in courage and develop personal resilience which increases our confidence and self-esteem, making life feel altogether more rewarding.”
When it comes to trying new experiences in 2023, the research also revealed that 23% want to tuck into delicacies they haven’t tried before, while more than a fifth (21%) hope to upskill their cooking ability over the course of the next 12 months.
And a third will accept more invitations to social gatherings, to try and make new friends (Plume Creative/Getty Images)After several years of restrictions, 36% simply want their life to be busier and with more variety.
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And 43% feel having the ability to say “yes” to more will bring a sense of fulfilment.
Consequently, the research, conducted via OnePoll, found 40% hope it will make them a more positive person.
Loris Contro, Campari Group UK Italian Icons brand ambassador, said: “We understand that taking the initial leap of faith and saying “yes” to something new can be daunting at first – but the outcome can be so rewarding.
“That’s why we want to help people overcome their fear of saying yes, and start the year as we mean to go on by doing the things we want to do.
“With millions taking part in Dry January, it shouldn’t prevent anyone from going out, or missing out on their favourite flavours.”
Following the findings, Crodino has partnered with various hospitality venues across London – including Eataly, Nest, and Salt Yard Borough – and people can apply here for a free pass to an experience until January 17th.
TOP 10 THINGS TO SAY “YES” TO IN 2023:
- New travel and holiday destinations
- More social activities and plans
- New friendships
- New health and exercise regimes
- New hobbies
- Cultural experiences
- New career and job opportunities
- New opportunities for self-care
- Live music events
- New food and cuisine