If you’ve ever wondered what highly successful people do on their Friday evenings, you’re not alone.
It’s not all about work and no play. In fact, psychology suggests that these individuals follow specific routines and habits that set them apart.
Their Friday nights might involve a blend of relaxation, planning, and even a bit of work. But it’s their unique approach to using this time that often leads to their success.
Being successful isn’t just about luck or talent. It’s a mindset, and it’s about the actions you take, even on a Friday evening.
So, what exactly do they do differently? Here are six things that highly successful people prioritize on Friday evenings to stay ahead in both their personal and professional lives.
1. Unplug and recharge
The first thing that highly successful people do on a Friday evening may surprise you – they unplug.
Yes, you heard it right. They disconnect themselves from work emails, calls, and even social media. It’s all about giving their minds the much-needed break from the constant barrage of information and responsibilities.
Psychology tells us that our brains need downtime to process and consolidate information, and what better time than a Friday evening?
This act of unplugging isn’t just about avoiding work-related stresses, but also about making room for other essential aspects of life – be it family, friends, hobbies, or simply some quiet introspection.
So, while it may seem counterintuitive in our fast-paced world, taking a step back to recharge might actually be the key to more productive and creative weeks ahead.
2. Plan for the upcoming week
While many of us might associate Friday evenings with a complete switch-off mode, successful people see it as an opportunity to plan for the upcoming week.
Now, this doesn’t mean they spend their entire evening buried in calendars and schedules. Instead, they take a few moments to reflect on the past week and set clear, achievable goals for the next.
This practice goes beyond simply listing tasks. It involves strategizing, prioritizing, and setting a roadmap for success. It’s about identifying potential challenges and creating solutions in advance.
By doing this on a Friday evening, they’re able to hit the ground running on Monday morning. They’ve already got a clear picture of what needs to be achieved and how they’re going to do it.
What’s more, this forward-looking approach allows them to fully relax over the weekend, safe in the knowledge that they’re prepared for whatever the next week may bring.
The result? A stress-free weekend and a productive start to the week.
3. Engage in physical activity
Successful people understand the importance of maintaining their health. This isn’t just about diet, but also includes regular physical activity.
On Friday evenings, instead of slumping on the couch, they might be found at the gym, going for a run, or even taking a leisurely walk.
This isn’t just about staying fit and healthy. Physical activity releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that create feelings of happiness and euphoria. These “feel good” chemicals not only help to reduce stress and improve mood, but also boost self-confidence and improve sleep quality.
By incorporating physical activity into their Friday evening routine, successful individuals are taking steps to ensure they’re in the best possible shape – both physically and mentally – ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way.
4. Connect with loved ones
In the midst of their busy schedules, successful people never forget the value of personal relationships. Friday evenings often serve as a time to connect with family and friends.
This could mean having a quiet dinner with their partner, playing games with their children, calling an old friend, or even visiting their parents.
These simple acts are reminders that success isn’t measured solely by professional accomplishments, but also by the strength and depth of one’s relationships.
Being there for their loved ones not only provides emotional support but also helps to maintain a sense of balance and perspective. Investing time in personal relationships is a rich and rewarding part of life that successful people cherish and prioritize.
5. Indulge in a hobby
Believe it or not, successful people are not all work and no play. They understand the importance of having a hobby or an activity that they truly enjoy.
Whether it’s reading a book, painting, gardening, playing an instrument, or even cooking a gourmet meal, Friday evenings often serve as the perfect time to indulge in these non-work related pursuits.
Taking time out for a hobby allows them to step out of their professional roles and tap into their other interests and passions. It’s a refreshing change that not only rejuvenates them but also fuels their creativity and broadens their horizons.
Author and speaker Jones Loflin also points out that hobbies can actually make us more successful at work because they replenish our energy and make us more interesting.
Because at the end of the day, we are all multifaceted individuals with diverse interests. And success is about celebrating and embracing all aspects of our lives.
6. Get a good night’s sleep
It might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people undervalue the importance of a good night’s sleep. Successful people, on the other hand, understand that sleep is non-negotiable.
Friday evenings aren’t for late-night parties or binge-watching TV shows until the early hours. They’re for ensuring they get enough rest to recharge their bodies and minds.
Sleep deprivation doesn’t lead to success – it leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and health problems. Success and long hours of work don’t have to go hand in hand. So, respect your body’s need for rest.
Remember, there’s no glory in being the most tired person in the room. Real success comes from being the most rested, the most focused, and the most ready to seize the day.
Embrace balance
If there’s one thing to take away from the habits of successful people, it’s this: embrace balance.
Success isn’t about constant work or relentless ambition. It’s about maintaining a healthy equilibrium between professional aspirations, personal relationships, self-care, and leisure.
Friday evenings are a symbol of this balance. They serve as a transition from a productive workweek to a restful weekend, and successful people know how to navigate this transition effectively.
So, as you move forward and carve your own path to success, remember not to lose sight of the other important aspects of life. After all, true success is holistic and well-rounded. It’s about thriving in all areas of life and not just in your career.
