Studies have shown that there are several common traits that successful people share. While success cannot be replicated, the one trait we can most try to emulate in order to garner success for ourselves is the habits that successful people seem to have in common. They don’t simply maximise their productivity while they’re at work; high-achievers also use their downtime and days off in ways that can aid their success. Discover some of the top common weekend habits of successful people and see what you can do to start moving forward the path towards your own success.
Make time for your passions. Work is what you do, but it doesn’t necessarily define you. Having a hobby or interest outside of the office, whether it’s playing sports, pursuing photography, or even baking, is a great way to unwind after a long week. Having a hobby also helps you tap into your personal joy. Engaging in side projects and creative endeavours can also result in enhanced work performance because it encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. If you don’t already have a hobby, try taking a cooking class or dance lessons. Try something new until you find yourself a new passion.
Disconnect from work. Technology is now at our fingertips and in our pockets, thanks to smart phones. However, being connected to your email 24/7 prevents you from enjoying a much-needed break from work, which could eventually lead to burnout. Check in with yourself and see if you can change your usage habits. If it is important to keep on top of your email, perhaps try to set some time aside where you can allow to disconnect, like mealtimes with your significant other or bedtime with your children. This will enable you to enjoy life around you and help you refocus when it comes time to go back to work.
Spend quality time with friends and family. Be sure to carve out time to focus on your loved ones. Your personal relationships are a big part of what makes life enjoyable and may even be a reason why you often work so hard. It’s important to provide for our families, but time is essential too. Do you work so many hours during the week that you often don’t have the time to check in on your relationships? The weekend is the perfect opportunity to sit down for a meal or go for a walk, or for those who are further away, schedule a phone call or FaceTime session. Making time for the people who bring joy to your life will help you remember one of the many reasons why you work so hard in the first place.
Take a nap. The weekends are meant to be a time of rest so go ahead and enjoy an afternoon nap. This doesn’t mean you should spend all afternoon in bed! Naps are meant to leave you feeling refreshed, energised, and ready to accomplish your to-do list. Short power naps are best and should not last longer than 20 minutes.
Volunteer. Extremely successful people find time to give back. Giving back not only provides benefits for others, but for you as well. The sense of accomplishment and joy that is felt by giving back is something that can make anyone feel successful. In fact, studies show that people who volunteer within their communities display increased growth and personal well-being -- the best type of success anyone could ask for.
Successful people know work is important, but it doesn’t need to come first seven days a week. They spend their weekends doing the things that they enjoy to help recharge for a productive work week ahead. The next time you decide to spend your weekend watching mindless TV, remember that your time can be the stepping stone to the next breakthrough for yourself and your career. Hopefully that will motivate you to start your new weekend habits.
