When we think of highly successful people, it’s easy to imagine their lives as a whirlwind of productivity, relentless work ethic, and laser-focused ambition.
But here’s the thing: even the most accomplished individuals understand the importance of stepping away from the hustle.
And what they do in their downtime isn’t just about relaxation—it’s intentional, strategic, and often fuels their next big breakthrough.
From recharging their minds to fostering creativity, the way successful people spend their off-hours might surprise you—and inspire you to rethink your own.
Today, we uncover seven things they do when the world thinks they’re “off the clock.”
1) They prioritize self-care
Success is not just about working relentlessly. It’s equally about taking care of your own physical and mental health.
Highly successful people understand this well. They know that to perform at their best, they need to be in their best shape – mentally, emotionally, and physically.
This is well-backed up by experts, too. For instance, the folks at Very Well Health have noted that self-care is associated with benefits like reduced stress, improved job satisfaction, and even better relationships.
That’s why you’ll often find successful people investing their downtime in activities that promote self-care. It could be a morning run, an evening yoga session, or just reading a good book.
These activities help them relax, rejuvenate, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for sustained success.
2) They learn
Another habit that sets highly successful people apart is their insatiable curiosity. They see downtime not just as an opportunity to relax, but as a chance to grow.
Whether it’s reading, listening to podcasts, or taking up a new skill, successful individuals prioritize learning as part of their routine.
This is also well backed up by research. Dr. Randall Bell, a socioeconomist and researcher, discovered a fascinating correlation:
“Those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 percent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three [books].”
This isn’t just about professional development—it’s about broadening perspectives and fueling creativity.
Whether it’s diving into industry insights, biographies, or even fiction, successful people embrace learning as a lifelong journey.
3) They nurture relationships
Here’s one you probably expected.
Highly successful people understand that success isn’t a solo journey—it’s built on the strength of relationships.
In their free time, they prioritize connecting with others, whether it’s catching up with family, spending quality time with friends, or networking with like-minded individuals.
Why? Because strong relationships are the foundation of emotional well-being and growth.
For many successful individuals, downtime is an opportunity to nurture their personal and professional networks. They might schedule coffee with a mentor, attend a community event, or simply have a meaningful conversation with a loved one.
These interactions not only provide support and inspiration but often open doors to new opportunities.
As author Porter Gale put it, “Your network is your net worth.” Highly successful people take this to heart—even when they’re off the clock.
4) They pursue passions outside of work
One might think that highly successful people spend all their time focused on their work or business. However, many of them have hobbies and passions outside of their professional life.
Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, painting, hiking, or even cooking, they make time to pursue these activities. They see it as a creative outlet and a way to break away from the monotony of work.
Engaging in these activities not only helps them unwind but also enhances their creativity and problem-solving skills, which can have a positive impact on their work.
So don’t feel guilty about spending time on your hobbies. They’re not a distraction but a source of inspiration and growth.
5) They practice mindfulness
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to live in the moment.
I’ve been there, with my mind constantly racing ahead to the next task, meeting, or deadline. You probably have, too.
However, successful people understand the importance of mindfulness. They take time to disconnect from the noise and truly be present. It could be through meditation, a walk in nature, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.
This practice helps them clear their minds, focus better, and reduce stress.
6) They set goals for personal growth
Achieving success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And like any journey, it requires direction.
That’s where personal growth goals come in.
Successful people don’t just set professional goals. They also set personal ones. These could be related to health, relationships, skills, or even hobbies.
Setting such goals gives them something to strive for in their downtime. It gives purpose to their free time and helps them grow as individuals.
Consider setting some personal growth goals for yourself. They will not only enrich your life but also contribute to your overall success.
7) They reflect and plan
Last but not least, reflection and planning are cornerstones of success.
They help successful people understand where they are, where they want to be, and how they can get there.
During their downtime, successful people often take time to reflect on their achievements, learnings, and challenges. They also use this time to plan for the future, set new targets, and strategize on the next steps.
This continual process of reflection and planning not only keeps them grounded but also helps them stay ahead of the curve.
The takeaway: It’s about balance
Success is a fine balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment. Downtime plays a significant role in maintaining this balance.
Whether it’s through self-care, continued learning, nurturing relationships, pursuing passions, practicing mindfulness, setting personal growth goals, or reflecting and planning, successful people consciously use their downtime to enhance their lives.
They understand that success isn’t just about what you achieve in your career, but also about how you grow as an individual and contribute to the world around you. It’s about living a life that’s not just successful, but also meaningful and fulfilling.
So the next time you find yourself with some free time, remember what you’ve learned here. Because how you spend your downtime could very well define your success.
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