Success is about more than just hard work and dedication. It’s also about how you spend your downtime.
According to psychology, successful people tend to fill their free hours in certain ways that contribute to their accomplishments.
Here’s a peek into what they do differently. These are the 10 things successful people always do in their free time, and how these activities help them stay on top of their game.
Let’s get started.
1) They read for personal growth
Successful people understand the power of knowledge and the importance of continuous learning.
And what better way to learn than to read?
According to psychology, reading not only expands one’s knowledge but also improves cognitive functions like memory and focus.
Successful individuals often spend their free time diving into books that can contribute to their personal or professional growth. It could be anything from biographies of other successful individuals to books on philosophy, science, or even fiction that broadens their perspective.
They don’t just read for the sake of reading but choose books that challenge their thinking and stimulate their mind.
If you’re looking to emulate the habits of successful people, consider picking up a book during your free time. Not only will it enrich your knowledge base but it could also sharpen your mental faculties.
2) They engage in physical activity
I’ve always noticed that the most successful people I know make time for physical activity, no matter how packed their schedule might be.
Take me as an example. I’ve found that incorporating regular exercise into my routine has not only kept me physically fit but also mentally sharp. Whether it’s a morning run, a lunchtime yoga session, or a post-work gym workout, these moments of physical exertion become a crucial part of my day.
Psychological studies back this up too. Regular exercise is linked with improved mood, increased energy levels, and enhanced cognitive function. Plus, it’s an excellent way to manage stress levels – something we all could use a little help with!
If you’re looking to emulate successful habits, don’t underestimate the power of getting your body moving. It’s more than just good for your health; it’s good for your success.
3) They practice mindfulness
Successful people understand the importance of being present in the moment, and many of them practice mindfulness as a way to achieve this.
Mindfulness is the act of consciously focusing the mind on the present moment without judgment and without concern for the past or the future.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness can result in decreased stress and anxiety, as well as improved concentration and satisfaction with life.
Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Management found that managers who were trained in mindfulness practices reported improved decision-making skills and a greater ability to keep an open mind.
Incorporating mindfulness into your free time can mean meditating, taking mindful walks, or even just intentionally focusing on one task at a time. It’s a simple yet powerful way to boost not only your mental health but also your potential for success.
4) They nurture their relationships
Success isn’t just about professional growth; it’s also about maintaining meaningful relationships.
Successful people understand the importance of dedicating time to their loved ones. This could be their family, friends, or significant others. They intentionally make time for deep conversations, shared experiences, and even just simple moments of togetherness.
Psychology supports this too. Studies show that having strong social connections can increase a person’s happiness, reduce stress and even contribute to a longer life.
So if you’re looking to adopt the habits of successful individuals, ensure that you’re investing time in nurturing your relationships. Remember, success isn’t just about what you achieve on your own but also about the love and support you share with others.
5) They pursue a hobby
Successful people aren’t all work and no play. They understand the importance of balance and often have hobbies that they are passionate about.
Hobbies provide a break from routine, allowing the mind to relax and recharge. Plus, pursuing a hobby can also result in learning new skills and meeting new people.
Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, gardening, painting, or hiking, having a hobby provides an outlet for creativity and can bring a sense of accomplishment outside of work.
So go ahead and pick up that guitar, dust off your old camera, or lace up your hiking boots. Embrace a hobby and watch it contribute to your success in unexpected ways.
6) They give back
Successful people know the value of giving back. They understand that their success isn’t just their own, but a culmination of support, opportunities, and often, privileges.
Many make it a priority to spend some of their free time contributing to causes they believe in. This could be volunteering at a local charity, mentoring someone just starting in their field, or even just helping out a neighbor in need.
Giving back doesn’t just make a difference in the lives of others, but it also enriches the giver’s life. Studies have shown that acts of kindness release endorphins, creating what is known as the “helper’s high.”
True success isn’t just about gaining; it’s also about giving. Giving back is an integral part of the success story, one that adds meaning and depth to your own journey.
7) They set aside time for self-reflection
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to check in with ourselves. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
Setting aside time for self-reflection is something I’ve incorporated into my routine, and it’s a common habit among successful people. This could be journaling, meditating, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts.
Self-reflection allows us to understand our feelings, revisit our goals, and assess our progress. It’s a time to celebrate our wins, no matter how small, and learn from our mistakes.
It’s during these quiet moments that we can gain clarity and perspective, helping us to make better decisions and be more in tune with ourselves. So remember to make time for yourself amidst your busy schedule. It’s not just about self-care; it’s about self-awareness and growth.
8) They intentionally do nothing
In a world that glorifies busyness and productivity, successful people understand the importance of doing absolutely nothing.
Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, they just sit back and allow themselves to be idle. This isn’t about being lazy or wasting time, but about letting their minds wander freely.
Studies have shown that periods of idleness can actually boost creativity and problem-solving skills. It’s during these moments of downtime that our brains process experiences, consolidate memories, and reinforce learning.
So don’t feel guilty about taking a few moments to just stare out the window or daydream. It’s not wasted time; it’s your brain at work in a different way.
9) They invest in their personal development
Successful people never stop learning. They constantly seek out opportunities for personal development, even during their free time.
This could be attending a workshop, taking up a new course, or even listening to a podcast on a subject they’re interested in.
Investing time in personal development not only enhances their skills and knowledge but also keeps them up-to-date with trends and technologies in their field.
It’s a proactive approach to success, understanding that growth doesn’t just happen, but is a result of consistent effort and learning.
Remember, investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make. Not only does it contribute to your success, but it also boosts your self-confidence and self-efficacy.
10) They prioritize rest
At the end of the day, successful people understand that rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
They know that to perform at their best, their bodies and minds need time to recover and rejuvenate.
This could be getting a good night’s sleep, taking short power naps during the day, or even scheduling complete rest days where they do nothing work-related.
Rest is essential for maintaining physical health, promoting emotional well-being, and enhancing cognitive function.
So don’t skimp on rest. It’s not an indulgence but an integral part of the success equation.
Final thoughts: Success is a journey
Success isn’t an overnight phenomenon. It’s a journey of constant learning, growth, and adaptation.
The habits we’ve discussed here – reading for personal growth, engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, nurturing relationships, pursuing a hobby, giving back, setting aside time for self-reflection, intentionally doing nothing, investing in personal development, and prioritizing rest – are not mere checkboxes on the pathway to success.
They’re integral parts of a successful individual’s lifestyle, contributing not only to their professional achievements but also to their personal well-being and happiness.
However, remember that these habits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Success is a highly individual journey and what works for one might not work for another. The key lies in understanding yourself and figuring out what habits best contribute to your success.
As American writer Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” So start today. Incorporate these habits into your routine. Make small changes and watch them add up to big results.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about reaching the destination. It’s about making the journey worthwhile.
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