Are goals making us miserable?
New research from the Singapore Tourism Board reveals that traditional self-improvement approaches such as goal-setting appear to be declining in popularity as Britons increasingly look to travel and nature to support their wellbeing and personal development, with Singapore, a City in Nature, emerging as a standout destination for those seeking a reset.
While goal-setting remains common, with one third of adults (33%) setting goals for 2026, attitudes are shifting. One in ten Brits (12%) now believe traditional start-of-year resolutions may be harmful to their wellbeing, with over a third (31%) admitting they feel guilty when they break a goal and 43% reporting disappointment when they fall short. These findings point to a broader shift in how Brits approach self-improvement – with many turning towards strategies that offer more meaningful and lasting benefits, such as travel.
According to the research, 41% of Brits believe holidays have a positive impact on wellbeing, amid growing frustration with start-of-year goals. This shift underscores travel’s growing role as a modern wellness strategy. Yet travellers aren’t simply searching for remote escapes. While nature and greenery emerge as the UK’s number one reset setting, with 42% of Brits choosing it above all other wellness strategies, cultural city breaks (14%) appear to enjoy enduring appeal.
Amidst these evolving traveller preferences, Singapore presents a unique proposition as a destination that seamlessly combines both: vibrant urban energy alongside restorative greenery.
Singapore has over the years embarked on extensive greening efforts, first as a Garden City and then evolving into a City in a Garden. Its current “City in Nature” represents its next phase, moving from preserving green spaces to actively integrating lush greenery and natural ecosystems within dense urban development to enhance climate resilience and liveability.
With nearly half the city-state covered in greenery (around 47%), Singapore seeks to demonstrate how modern urban life is able to not just co-exist, but also be enhanced, by nature. Singapore’s approach to biophilic living extends far beyond traditional parks. The city-state features more than 193 hectares of skyrise greenery, including rooftop gardens and vertical green walls that create elevated “parks in the sky”, supporting over 2,000 native plant species and more than 400 bird species within the urban landscape.
More broadly, Singapore’s long-term urban planning approach has contributed to its growing international recognition as a “Blue Zone 2.0” by author Dan Buettner – regions where people live significantly longer than the global average due to lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors. Unlike traditional Blue Zones where traditional culture evolved a lifestyle of longevity over centuries, Singapore represents an engineered longevity hotspot where forward-thinking policies and urban design contribute to its population living longer, healthier lives.
From the moment travellers arrive at Changi Airport – home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the lush Forest Valley – they will encounter Singapore’s distinctive approach to urban-nature integration. Across several days, visitors can uncover how greenery is woven seamlessly throughout the city, shaping everything from its skyline to its everyday spaces.
Singapore offers a range of green accommodation options – such as Pan Pacific Orchard, which features over 14,000 square meters of green foliage. Visitors can begin the day walking through the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, enjoy a spa break in the lush surrounds of converted military barracks Dempsey Hill, and experience world-class dining by evening.
Singapore’s tourism experiences are expected to meet the growing demand from Brits for nature-based activities, with the research revealing over half of Brits (53%) say time in nature makes them feel calmer, 46% feel happier, and one third (32%) feel re-energised.
Marissa Sim, Area Director Northern & Southwestern Europe, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are a destination where lush greenery is seamlessly woven into everyday urban life, allowing visitors to reset without stepping away from the energy of a global city. From the moment you arrive, nature is ever-present – whether walking through garden-filled spaces, exploring expansive parks, or dining against green backdrops. This unique balance enables travellers to recharge both mind and body without having to compromise on enjoying rich culture, world-class cuisine and vibrant city experiences. It’s this effortless blend of nature and urban lifestyle that makes Singapore such an ideal travel destination for those seeking a modern reset.”
Website: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com
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