What we do in our spare time says a lot about us. And successful people know that how they spend those extra hours can make a big difference.
Instead of just wasting time, they use it wisely—whether it’s to recharge, learn something new, or build better relationships. They understand that success isn’t just about working hard but also about making the most of their free time.
If you’ve ever wondered what highly successful people do when they’re off the clock, here are some habits worth paying attention to.
1) They never stop learning
Successful people know that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. In their spare time, they read books, take courses, listen to podcasts, or explore new ideas.
It’s not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about staying curious and open-minded. The world is always changing, and the most successful people make sure they’re always growing with it.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, staying up to date on industry trends, or simply exploring a new hobby, they use their free time to keep expanding their minds.
2) They prioritize their health
I used to think that working nonstop was the key to success. But after burning myself out more times than I’d like to admit, I realized that taking care of my health is just as important as working hard.
Now, I make it a point to stay active in my spare time—whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, or just taking a walk to clear my mind. I’ve noticed that when I take care of my body, I have more energy, focus, and creativity in everything else I do.
Successful people understand this. They make time for exercise, eat well, and get enough rest because they know that their health fuels their success.
3) They build strong relationships
Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you surround yourself with. That’s why successful people use their spare time to strengthen their relationships, both personally and professionally.
Studies have shown that strong social connections can lead to greater happiness, lower stress levels, and even a longer life. The most successful people understand this and make an effort to spend time with family, friends, and mentors.
Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a colleague, having dinner with loved ones, or simply checking in with an old friend, they know that meaningful relationships are one of the greatest investments they can make.
4) They pursue hobbies they enjoy
Successful people don’t just work all the time—they also make space for hobbies that bring them joy. Whether it’s playing an instrument, painting, hiking, or even cooking, they understand the value of doing something purely for enjoyment.
Hobbies provide a mental break from work, spark creativity, and even improve problem-solving skills. Some of the most innovative ideas come when the mind is relaxed and engaged in something completely unrelated to work.
By making time for their passions, successful people keep themselves balanced, refreshed, and often even more inspired in their professional lives.
5) They give back
Truly successful people understand that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s also about what you give. They use their spare time to help others, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting causes they care about.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about making a difference in someone else’s life. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we can see. And often, the most rewarding moments aren’t the ones spent chasing personal goals but the ones spent lifting others up.
Success isn’t just measured by wealth or status—it’s measured by impact. And the people who leave the biggest mark on the world are often those who choose to give back.
6) They take time to reflect
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily life—moving from one task to the next without ever stopping to think about where you’re going. But successful people make time to pause, reflect, and check in with themselves.
They think about what’s working and what isn’t. They ask themselves tough questions: Am I on the right path? Am I spending my time on what truly matters? Am I becoming the person I want to be?
Reflection isn’t always comfortable. It can bring up doubts, regrets, or realizations that change everything. But without it, it’s too easy to drift through life instead of intentionally shaping it. And the most successful people know that clarity comes from taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture.
7) They step outside their comfort zone
Growth doesn’t happen by staying in the same place. That’s why successful people use their spare time to challenge themselves—whether it’s by trying something new, meeting different kinds of people, or tackling a fear they’ve been avoiding.
It’s not always easy. In fact, it can be uncomfortable. But every time they push past their limits, they expand what they’re capable of. Over time, what once seemed intimidating becomes second nature, and they find themselves achieving things they never thought possible.
The most successful people aren’t necessarily the ones who are the smartest or most talented—they’re the ones who are willing to take risks, embrace discomfort, and keep growing no matter what.
8) They protect their time
Successful people understand that time is their most valuable resource. They’re intentional about how they spend it, making sure their free hours align with their priorities and values.
They set boundaries, say no to distractions, and avoid wasting time on things that don’t serve them. They know that every moment spent on something meaningless is a moment taken away from something that truly matters.
Instead of letting life pull them in every direction, they take control of their time—because they know that how they spend it will ultimately shape who they become.
bottom line: success is shaped in the quiet moments
What people do in their spare time often reveals more about their future than what they do at work.
Research has shown that small, consistent habits shape long-term success more than bursts of intense effort. The way successful people spend their free time—learning, reflecting, building relationships, protecting their energy—isn’t random. It’s intentional.
Warren Buffett once said, “The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” The quiet moments, the choices made when no one is watching—those are the things that define a person’s path.
Success isn’t just built in boardrooms or during long hours at a desk. It’s built in the spaces in between.
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