The results show a growing trend towards a way of life referred to as "Lateral Living" with more people exploring alternative avenues towards personal fulfillment and success. According to the study, 28 percent of people fall into this category, and can be described as "The New Potentialists".

But what does this trend mean for Canadians as a whole?

The research suggests that many do aspire to make some changes in their lives. Traveling the world, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures ranks top of the wish list for half of us, and more than a third would like to spend more time enjoying a hobby, while more than a quarter would just like to spend more time with their family.

While more than a third said that the economic recession has made them re-evaluate what is important in their lives, less than one-in-ten feel that making more money and career success is their main priority.

In fact, when asked to prioritize aspects of their lives, nearly half of Canadians say that time with family/friends is on top, followed by a healthy lifestyle and rich life experiences, while monetary and career success are less important. And when asked about their current life, 77 percent are more focused on their personal life experiences than their careers.

Some Research Highlights:

- 80% of women believe they will reach their full potential; only 74% of men feel the same way

- 89% of women are optimistic about the future, compared with 84% of men

- Two in five women (40%) say the past year has made them re-evaluate what's important in their lives, compared with 34% of men

- 90% of those surveyed believe Canadians have as much of a chance of realizing their potential as the rest of the world

Regional Findings:

- British Columbians are more likely to believe they lead a lifestyle that is culturally enriched and stimulating than anyone else in the country, with 63% indicating this is true.

- Albertans have been most impacted by the economic climate over the past year, with 42% indicating the recession has caused them to re-evaluate what's important in their lives, and 51% indicating that they have recently changed the focus of their lives.

- Residents of the Prairie provinces are Canada's most optimistic: 89% stated they are optimistic about the future, and 80% believe they will realize their full potential.

- When looking to the future, Ontarians responded most favourably to the thought of spending more time at home with the family (31%).

- Atlantic Canadians are most interested in pursuing a life-long ambition, with 20% citing this as a goal (compared with 12% in BC and 15% in Ontario).

Global Findings:

A similar global survey was conducted by The Future Laboratory and commissioned by American Express in the summer of 2009, indicated that 'Potentialism' is a global trend that demonstrates itself in other major countries including Australia and the UK.

- 20% of Australians say they're currently realizing their potential - with the number one barrier to doing so being time (45%).

- 46% of Australians want to learn a new skill; 37% want to face a new mental or physical challenge.

- 16% per cent of respondents from the UK say they are realizing their potential, but four out of five say the recession has made them re-evaluate what's important

- Only 21% of UK respondents consider their career a definition of their success; 46% say they would like to learn a new skill.