Most of us will NEVER achieve our childhood dreams

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by Emma Dodds |
Updated on

Research has found that hardly any British adults have achieved the dreams they had as children

One of the best things about being a child is that you can cultivate wild aspirations without people thinking you've got a screw lose.

But according to a study undertaken on behalf of mattress manufacturer Simba, most of us will NEVER achieve our childhood dreams.

Sad, isn't it.

GALLERY: The top 30 life experiences that Brits wish they could tick off their bucket lists

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The top 30 life experiences that Brits wish they could tick off their bucket lists (slider)

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30 - Go glamping29 - Get a dog28 - Go sky diving27 - Learn to dance26 - Try bungee jumping

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25 - Live in another country24 - Go to a casino in Las Vegas23 - Get a tattoo22 - Write a novel21 - Quit your job

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20 - Change your career19 - Learn to fly a plane18 - Apply to be an extra in a movie or television show17 - Research your family tree16 - Eat in a Michelin starred restaurant

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15 - Get married14 - Run a marathon13 - Learn a language12 - Move house11 - Drive a rally car

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10 - Ski9 - Ride in a helicopter8 - Go on a cruise7 - Learn to play a musical instrument6 - Drive Route 66

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5 - Travel on the Orient Express4 - Swim with dolphins3 - Fly First Class2 - Visit the seven wonders of the world1 - See the Northern Lights

The study found that less than one in 10 people have landed the dream job they decided on as a child, and eight in 10 have yet to achieve their childhood dreams.

Of the 2,000 adults polled, 55% reckon that it's all down to their finances and think that stability is the biggest barrier between them and their dreams, while 28% think it's down to lack of time.

However, it's not all doom and gloom, as one in 10 achieved their dream job before moving onto something else, and seven in 10 believe you're never too old to let go of your childhood dreams.

Three in five think you should hold onto aspirations you had as a child as a source of hope, even if it's really unlikely you'll ever achieve it.

A third of people believe they'll be able to fulfill their dreams once they reach the age of 55 and in their twilight years.

The UK's most common dreams and aspirations

  1. To own my own house

  2. To have my dream career

  3. To have kids

  4. To get married

  5. To live abroad

  6. To retire young

  7. To own my own business

  8. To own a dog

  9. To learn another language

  10. To have a house with a swimming pool

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