If someone continuously works late into the night, you might assume they’re a workaholic; if someone is always the first to leave the office, you might think they’re lazy.
Just as with human emotions, the habits of successful business people aren’t always so black and white.
In fact, the routines of those who excel in the business world are often carefully crafted, nuanced and consistently followed.
Certain individuals seem to have cracked the code to thriving in their professional lives, and that’s usually because they adhere to these eight specific evening ‘rules’.
Let’s peel back the layers of these evening habits and dig deeper into what makes these people exceptionally successful in business:
1) Unplug from work
Work can be as relentless as emotions.
It’s always there, lurking in the back of your mind, and once it takes over, it can be hard to switch off.
That’s exactly what exceptionally successful business people do – they unplug.
However, for those who are highly driven, disconnecting from work can feel like a herculean task, almost as if they’re cutting off a part of themselves.
That’s the beauty of it: These individuals have mastered the art of compartmentalizing their professional lives, understanding that to succeed in the long run, they need to give their minds a break.
They know when to step away, when the day has stretched into the night and it’s time to switch gears from work mode to rest mode.
If you’re highly driven, disconnecting from work is your gateway to long-term success and well-being.
2) Establish a winding down routine
Routines are as grounding as it gets.
They provide structure, predictability, and a sense of control, especially when the business world can feel like a roller coaster of highs and lows.
I’ve always been a night owl, finding myself most productive when the world quiets down.
However, being exceptionally successful in business isn’t just about productivity—it’s about sustainability, too.
I established a winding down routine, my own little evening ‘rule’ that I swear by.
An hour before bed, I put away my laptop, silence my phone, and pick up a book instead.
Sometimes it’s a gripping novel, other times it’s the latest on behavioral economics.
This small shift helps me transition from the chaos of the workday to the calm of the night, preparing my mind for restful sleep.
3) Prioritize sleep
Sleep is as essential as breathing.
It rejuvenates your mind, replenishes your energy, and boosts your cognitive functions.
Yet, it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when the going gets tough.
Exceptionally successful business people, however, see sleep differently.
They don’t view it as a luxury, but rather a non-negotiable necessity.
Did you know that Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post, is a huge advocate for sleep?
After experiencing a wake-up call in the form of a physical collapse due to exhaustion, she now ensures she gets a full night’s rest and encourages others to do the same.
Sleep isn’t a sign of laziness or lack of dedication as it’s a powerful tool that aids in decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity.
If you’re serious about your business success, prioritizing sleep could be your ticket to exceptional performance and longevity in the business world.
4) Reflect on the day
Reflection is as enlightening as a good book.
It allows you to look back on your actions, decisions, and experiences, offering you valuable insights and lessons that you can carry into the future.
Exceptionally successful business people often take time at the end of each day to reflect.
They ponder over their successes and failures, what went right and what went wrong, and how they can improve.
Reflection isn’t about dwelling on the past or overanalyzing.
It’s about learning and growing, understanding patterns, and making adjustments where needed.
When the day is done and it’s time to switch off, take a few moments to reflect.
Evaluate your decisions, celebrate your achievements, and acknowledge areas for improvement.
5) Plan for the next day
Planning is as vital as having a clear vision.
It provides a roadmap, guiding you towards your end goals and helping you navigate through the twists and turns of the business world.
Like many successful business people, I find value in planning for the next day before I call it a night.
Listing down my tasks, setting my priorities, and arranging my schedule helps me start my day with a clear mind and focused intent.
I’ve found that this doesn’t just boost my productivity, but also reduces stress.
Knowing exactly what I need to do when I wake up eliminates the morning scramble and puts me in control of my day from the get-go.
If you’re passionate about your work like I am, planning your next day in advance could be your key to staying ahead in the game.
6) Pursue a non-business related hobby
Hobbies are more important than they appear.
While they may seem like simple pastimes, they offer a refreshing break from the pressures of work, stimulating your mind in different ways and often leading to unexpected insights.
Many highly successful business people dedicate part of their evenings to a hobby that’s completely unrelated to their work.
Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, painting, or gardening, these activities help them relax and recharge.
While it might seem like time spent away from work is time wasted, the truth is quite the opposite.
These hobbies provide a much-needed balance, fostering creativity and preventing burnout.
7) Foster personal relationships
Relationships are as enriching as they are complex.
They offer support, companionship, and perspective, all of which are invaluable in the challenging world of business.
Successful business people understand the importance of nurturing personal relationships.
They make time to connect with their loved ones, to share their day, listen to others, and simply enjoy the company of those close to them.
This isn’t just about maintaining a social life.
It’s about grounding oneself in the reality outside of work, gaining insights from diverse interactions, and building a support system that can weather the ups and downs of business life.
If you’re striving for exceptional business success, don’t overlook the power of personal relationships.
It could be your anchor in the stormy seas of business challenges.
8) Practice gratitude
Gratitude is the key to happiness and success.
It shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s present, fostering a positive mindset that can propel you towards your business goals.
Exceptionally successful business people often end their day by acknowledging what they’re grateful for.
This could be a successful deal, a productive day, or simply the privilege of pursuing their passion.
Practicing gratitude isn’t about being complacent.
It’s about appreciating the journey as much as the destination, celebrating every step along the way.
As you wrap up your day, take a moment to practice gratitude. It may just be the most powerful evening ‘rule’ of all.
Final thoughts
By now, you might have realized that being exceptionally successful in business isn’t merely about working harder or longer.
As Will Durant once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
These evening ‘rules’ are not one-time actions but habits to be cultivated over time.
These habits might seem simple or mundane on the surface, but they hold the key to sustained success and personal growth.
They remind us that success is not just about professional achievements but also about personal contentment and holistic well-being.
As you continue your journey in the business world, take a moment to reflect on these ‘rules’.
Consider how they can fit into your evenings and perhaps redefine what success means to you.
After all, being exceptionally successful in business isn’t just about reaching the top.
It’s about enjoying the climb and making sure you’re in good shape when you get there.
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