27.5 Million Brits Affected by IFS (In Future Syndrome)

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, Nov 12 (MARKET WIRE) --
Tomorrow never comes for millions of Brits who have hit the pause button
on their life during the recession.

It would seem we have become a procrastination nation as four fifths of
Britons (80 per cent) admit they have deferred something over the last
two years with half (49 per cent) blaming the recession. The syndrome has
meant they have put their dreams including learning a new skill (15 per
cent), changing careers (eight per cent), getting fit (37 per cent) and
going travelling (19 per cent), firmly on hold.

But people should not despair according to the Association of Colleges
(AoC) who commissioned the research - 'In future syndrome' (IFS) is not
terminal and 2010 is set to be a year of action for the country.

More than four fifths of Britons (85 per cent) who have put something off
claim they will get around to doing at least one thing in the next year.
And many have already made progress. Out of those with work or skills
related intentions, 35 per cent have already researched the courses or
qualifications they would need while 14 per cent have actually got in
touch with their local college.

Besides the recession, it is lack of money (49 per cent), time (50 per
cent), confidence (32 per cent) and skills (12 per cent) that appear to
be fuelling IFS. Confidence is a particular issue - 40 per cent of those
who put off changing their career did so due to lack of self belief and
20 per cent of those who delayed gaining new qualifications cited the
same reason.

Martin Doel, CEO of the AoC, said:

"Thinking up ifs and buts why you can't do things is a natural instinct,
but it's a real shame lack of confidence and self belief are listed as
reasons for delays. Rather than stalling on ambitions during a recession,
instead people should be looking at their skills, talents, careers and
interests and looking for the opportunities that exist. Colleges are the
perfect place to start putting your plans into place, whatever your
dreams and ambitions are."

Donna Dawson, psychologist, commented:

"IFS can keep us from achieving our dreams because once we start putting
things off, it becomes easier to continue to do so, and harder to find
the discipline and self-confidence to change.

"The opposite of IFS is to focus specifically on what we want, to set it
as a goal, and then to break down this goal into smaller actions that
will help us to achieve it - actions that can be undertaken on a daily,
weekly and/or monthly basis. Also, making a list of those things that are
hindering us from achieving our goal, and putting solutions next to these
problems, can help us to clarify and visualise the whole process. Writing
down a concrete plan of action reinforces our intentions and can help to
motivate us if we begin to feel frustrated, depressed or unconfident. And
feeling in control of a situation is the fastest way to regain
self-confidence."

Colleges Week (9-15 November) is a national celebration of the role
colleges play in providing opportunities for individuals, businesses and
communities. The week is coordinated and organised by the Association of
Colleges and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).

Notes to editors:

For more information please contact the Colleges Week team on 020 7419
7322 or collegesweek @ bbpr.com.

Research was carried out by PCP. Total sample size was 1064 18-69 year
old adults. Fieldwork was undertaken in November 2009. The survey was
carried out online.

(i) According to mid-2008 ONS data there are 34,410,780 adults between
18-69 years old in England. 80% of our sample say they have delayed
something over the last two years. 80% of 34,410,780 is 27,528,624.

Contacts:
Colleges Week Team
on 020 7419 7322
collegesweek @ bbpr.com

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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