9 things highly successful people love to do on weekends

Weekends are a treasure trove of time. They’re your golden opportunity to dive deep into what you love and foster personal growth.

Successful people understand this better than anyone. They don’t just lounge around on weekends; they have specific activities they love to engage in, ones that often contribute to their success in a significant way.

Let me share with you the 9 things that highly successful people love to do on their weekends. Get ready to be inspired and perhaps, adopt a few of these habits for your own weekend routine.

1) They unplug

Switching off from work, literally and digitally, is a common trait among highly successful people on weekends.

They understand the importance of creating a clear separation between work and personal life. This often means turning off their work devices and not checking emails.

Consider this practice as their method of ‘recharging’ – both their devices and their own mental batteries.

It’s like hitting a reset button, allowing them to return on Monday with fresh perspectives and renewed energy levels.

2) They pursue a hobby

One striking trait among overachievers is their dedication to passionate hobbies, often allocating significant time during weekends for these pursuits.

Take my neighbor, Sabrina, for instance. By profession, she’s a successful lawyer, renowned for her expertise and diligence in the courtroom. Yet, come Saturday morning, you’ll find her donning hiking boots and heading for the nearby trails.

For Sabrina, hiking isn’t just a pastime—it’s a passion that fuels her spirit and rejuvenates her mind after demanding workweeks.

She meticulously plans her hikes, exploring new trails, and immersing herself in nature’s beauty. She once told me that this weekend ritual isn’t just about leisure but a cornerstone of her success.

Engaging in her hobby of hiking allows Sabrina to recharge her batteries, fostering mental clarity and creativity. It’s during these solitary moments amidst towering trees and panoramic vistas that she hatches her most innovative legal strategies.

Moreover, her passion for hiking instills discipline, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of goals—qualities that undoubtedly spill over into her professional endeavors.

3) They exercise

A considerable number of highly successful people have a dedicated fitness routine that they religiously follow on weekends. Exercise is not just about maintaining physical health; it’s also about mental well-being.

Did you know that regular exercise can boost your creativity and productivity? A study by Stanford University found that walking increases creative output by an average of 60 percent.

Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a rigorous session at the gym, or a peaceful yoga class, incorporating some form of physical activity into your weekend schedule can work wonders for your overall performance and success.

4) They plan for the week ahead

Top performers don’t wait for Monday to kickstart their week—they prep on Sundays to hit the ground running.

They’re all about setting goals, mapping out meetings, and fine-tuning their to-do lists. It’s about crafting a clear roadmap for the week ahead, ensuring they’re ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

Why? Because planning ahead isn’t just about saving time—it’s a stress-buster that supercharges productivity. Thus, if you’re gunning for a smooth and efficient week, follow suit: carve out some Sunday time to get your game plan locked and loaded.

5) They spend quality time with loved ones

High achievers get it: real wealth isn’t just about fat paychecks—it’s about the people we love and the moments we share with them. That’s why they make it a point to set aside some serious quality time on weekends for their loved ones.

Imagine this: a lively family dinner where the house is bursting with laughter, or a chill day out with buddies, swapping stories about all the crazy stuff you’ve done together.

For these go-getters, these moments are pure gold. They know that amid the hustle and bustle of work, it’s these simple connections that really make life rich.

And playing with the kids? It’s not just fun and games—it’s their escape from the daily grind. In those goofy moments, they find joy and a reminder of what truly matters.

6) They practice self-care

One thing that stands out about highly accomplished people is their attention to self-care. They understand that they can’t pour from an empty cup and that taking care of their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is paramount.

Self-care isn’t just about spa days or indulging in a favorite treat – though those things are great too! It’s about setting aside time to reflect, to rest, and to rejuvenate. It’s about listening to what your body and mind need and honoring those needs.

It might be reading a book, meditating, taking a long bath, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. These little acts of kindness towards oneself can make a huge difference in one’s overall well-being and success.

7) They learn something new

High-flyers have an insatiable curiosity and a love for learning. Weekends provide a perfect opportunity to explore new topics, skills, or ideas.

For instance, a few years ago, I decided to learn a new language. Every weekend, I spent a few hours studying Spanish. It was challenging and sometimes frustrating, but the joy of being able to hold a conversation in a different language was worth every bit of effort.

Learning something new is not just about acquiring knowledge or skills. It’s about challenging oneself, stepping out of comfort zones, and growing in unexpected ways.

So go ahead, pick up that guitar, dive into that programming course, or start that book on astrophysics you’ve been eyeing. You never know where it might lead you.

8) They indulge in creative pursuits

Goal crushers understand the importance of creativity and often pursue creative activities during their weekends. This could be anything from painting and writing to cooking or even gardening.

These activities aren’t just a break from the grind—they ignite fresh sparks in the mind. They foster innovative thinking and problem-solving, vital for excelling in any domain.

Regardless of whether you label yourself as ‘creative,’ injecting some artistic flair into your weekend routine is a must. Whether it’s doodling or experimenting with a new recipe, the goal is to unleash your mind’s potential, free from constraints or conventions.

9) They reflect

Peak performers frequently leverage their weekends for reflection, pausing to evaluate their triumphs, glean lessons from setbacks, and strategize their next moves.

Reflection isn’t just a downtime activity—it’s a turbocharger for personal and professional evolution. It empowers you to glean profound insights, navigate decisions with clarity, and fortify your alignment with goals and principles.

So, carve out a slice of your weekend for introspection. It could be the secret sauce for unleashing your true prowess and attaining the success you crave.

Final thought: Success is a lifestyle

Success isn’t an accident. It’s the result of intentional actions, consistent habits, and a balanced lifestyle. And weekends play a crucial role in this equation.

The common thread among these nine habits is that they’re all about nurturing the self – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

They’re about stepping back from the hustle and bustle of work, indulging in activities that bring joy, and setting oneself up for success in the coming week.

The key takeaway here is not to replicate these habits verbatim but to understand the underlying principle – taking time out for oneself.

Whether it’s through learning, exercising, planning, or spending time with loved ones, it’s about using weekends as a catalyst for growth and rejuvenation.