Success isn’t just about what you do while on the clock. It also has a lot to do with what you don’t do when you’re off the clock.
Surprisingly, how you spend your free time can either propel you towards success or hold you back. Successful people are very selective about their leisure activities.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 10 things successful folks avoid doing during their downtime. These are habits they steer clear of to maintain their momentum towards success.
Let’s get started.
1) They don’t waste time on mindless scrolling
You might be surprised to learn this but successful people aren’t glued to their devices during their downtime.
Social media and endless internet surfing can be huge time suckers. And time, as they say, is money. Successful people understand this and avoid the black hole of aimless scrolling.
Sure, they use technology for staying connected and informed. But you won’t find them wasting hours watching random videos or checking every notification that pops up.
When you find yourself reaching for your phone out of habit, think twice. Is this how you want to spend your precious free time? Remember, how you utilize your free time can greatly impact your road to success.
2) They don’t neglect their health
I’ve seen it time and time again – successful people prioritizing their health, even during their downtime.
Let me share a personal example.
A good friend of mine, let’s call him Sam, is a highly successful entrepreneur. Despite his demanding schedule, he never compromises on his health. I remember one weekend when we had planned to catch up over a movie marathon. He agreed but on one condition – that we incorporate a workout session into our plan.
And so, we did. We started our day with a great run in the park, followed by a healthy breakfast before diving into our movie marathon. It wasn’t the usual way I spent my weekends, but I felt incredibly productive and energized.
It was a lesson well learnt. Sam’s dedication to his health, even in his free time, was no doubt a part of his success recipe.
3) They don’t ignore continuous learning
Contrary to the belief that successful people always know everything, they are often the most keen on learning. They understand that knowledge isn’t static but a continuous journey.
Take Bill Gates, for example. He is known to read around 50 books a year. That’s approximately a book a week! It’s no coincidence that one of the most successful individuals in the world prioritizes learning in his free time.
Successful people don’t view their free time as an escape from growth and learning. Instead, they use it to expand their horizons, often investing time in reading, attending workshops or even taking up new hobbies.
4) They don’t avoid networking
Networking isn’t just for the office or business events. Successful people understand the value of building and maintaining relationships, even in their free time.
Whether it’s attending a community event, catching up with old colleagues over coffee, or even just a quick chat with a neighbor, they make time for it.
Why? Because they know that opportunities can come from the most unexpected places. And having a diverse network of contacts can open doors that otherwise remain closed.
Don’t isolate yourself when you’re off duty. Use your free time wisely to connect with others and nurture your relationships.
5) They don’t procrastinate on important tasks
Successful people value their time and understand the importance of getting things done. And that means not putting off important tasks, even during their free time.
If there’s something that needs to be done, they tackle it head-on rather than pushing it to the side. Whether it’s a personal project, an overdue task or a commitment they’ve made, they take responsibility and get it done.
Procrastination might seem tempting, but remember, it only leads to stress and missed opportunities down the line.
6) They don’t forget to give back
Success isn’t just about personal accomplishments. It’s also about making a positive impact on the world around you.
Successful people understand this and they make it a point to contribute to their communities during their free time.
Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring young professionals, or making donations to meaningful causes, they use their resources to make a difference.
Seeing the smiles on the faces they’ve helped, hearing the gratitude in the voices of those they’ve supported, these are rewards that no amount of money can buy.
7) They don’t neglect self-care
Success can come with its fair share of stress and pressure, I’ve learnt this the hard way. A few years back, I was so caught up in work that I forgot to take care of myself. The result? A complete burnout.
That’s when I realized that successful people aren’t just work machines. They understand the importance of self-care. During their free time, they take time to rejuvenate and replenish their spirits.
Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a quiet walk in the park, meditating, or just spending time with loved ones, they ensure they do things that bring them joy and peace.
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for maintaining the energy and focus you need to achieve success.
8) They don’t shy away from solitude
While networking and socializing are important, successful people also understand the value of spending time alone.
In a world full of noise, distractions, and endless to-do lists, solitude can be a rare and powerful tool. It provides a much-needed breather, a chance to reflect, and an opportunity for self-discovery.
Albert Einstein once said, “I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.” Could this be one of the secrets behind his genius?
Don’t fear solitude. Embrace it. Use your free time as an opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
9) They don’t disregard their passions
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to do what truly makes us happy. But successful people, they never let go of their passions.
Whether it’s painting, dancing, hiking, or simply cooking their favorite meal, they make time for what ignites their soul. They understand that nurturing their passions not only brings joy but also enhances creativity and productivity.
Don’t let your passions fade away in the rush of life. Use your free time to pursue what you love, what makes your heart beat faster. After all, success isn’t just about achievements, it’s also about fulfillment and happiness.
10) They don’t neglect their loved ones
At the end of the day, relationships are what truly matter. Successful people know this and they don’t let their pursuit of success come at the cost of their relationships.
They make it a point to spend quality time with their loved ones, cherishing and nurturing these bonds. Because success, without anyone to share it with, can be a lonely journey.
Your loved ones are your biggest cheerleaders, your support system. Don’t take them for granted. Use your free time to strengthen these bonds and create beautiful memories. Because that’s what life and success are truly about.
The essence: It’s all about balance
The journey to success isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. And just like a marathon, it requires balance – between work and relaxation, aspiration and contentment, self-improvement and self-care.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind.” This wisdom holds true even today. A healthy body and a calm mind are the cornerstones of a successful life.
So the next time you find yourself with some free time, remember these ten things that successful people avoid. Reflect on your own habits and see where you can make changes.
Remember, how you spend your free time is a reflection of your priorities. Make it count. After all, success is not just about reaching the destination, but also about enjoying the journey.
