It’s not just about what you do during the day that seals the deal on success. What you do before hitting the hay plays a significant role too, psychology suggests.
Ever wondered what highly successful people do shortly before going to bed each night? Well, it’s not just about counting sheep or scrolling aimlessly through their phones.
These go-getters have a routine, a set of habits they follow religiously to ensure they’re recharged and ready for another day of crushing goals.
In this piece, I’ll share with you the 7 things these high achievers do before calling it a night, and how these habits might just be the secret sauce to their success.
1) Prioritize a digital detox
In our hyper-connected world, it’s quite tempting to spend the last waking minutes checking emails or scrolling social media. But highly successful people know the importance of switching off their digital devices before bed.
In fact, they make a conscious effort to disconnect from technology at least an hour before going to bed. This digital detox is an essential part of their nighttime routine.
Why is this so important? The main reason is that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with our sleep quality. The blue light emitted from screens can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.
But it’s not just about ensuring a good night’s sleep. It’s about giving the mind a much-needed break from the constant influx of information and digital distractions.
As renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The most intense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security and calm that is not easily disturbed.”
This quote might not be directly related to digital detox, but it speaks volumes about the importance of finding peace and tranquility in our lives – something that turning off our devices can help us achieve.
By prioritizing a digital detox before bed, successful individuals allow their minds to unwind, setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep and a more productive day ahead.
2) Cultivate gratitude
Successful people understand the power of positive thinking, and one effective way to harness this is through cultivating gratitude. Personally, I’ve found that taking a few minutes before bed to reflect on what I’m grateful for has had a profound impact on my overall outlook.
Each night, I jot down three things I’m thankful for in my journal. They don’t have to be big or life-changing events—sometimes, it’s as simple as appreciating a good cup of coffee or a friendly chat with a neighbor.
Over time, this practice has trained my brain to focus more on the positives and less on the negatives.
This isn’t just my personal observation; it’s backed by psychology. As the famous psychologist William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.”
By focusing on gratitude, we can actually shift our mindset and cultivate a more positive attitude.
Successful people know this, and they use it to their advantage. By ending their day on a positive note, they’re setting themselves up for success the next day. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how such a simple routine can have such a profound impact on your life.
3) Embrace reflection
Ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? We’ve all been there.
Successful people have their fair share of bad days too. But what sets them apart is the way they handle these challenging situations. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, they take time each night to reflect on the day’s events and learn from their experiences.
This isn’t always easy. Trust me, I know. It requires being brutally honest with yourself and confronting your failures head-on. But it’s through this raw, unfiltered reflection that we truly grow and improve.
Instead of shying away from self-reflection, successful people embrace it. They understand that it’s through this process that they can identify areas for improvement and make the necessary changes to become better versions of themselves.
4) Set the stage for the next day
Highly successful individuals know that the secret to a productive day starts the night before. They use this time to plan and prepare for what’s ahead.
This could be as simple as jotting down a to-do list or laying out clothes for the next day. The aim is to reduce decision-making in the morning, freeing up mental energy for more important tasks.
People who make decisions early in the day are more likely to stick with them. This is because our willpower is strongest in the morning and gradually depletes throughout the day.
By planning the night before, successful people take advantage of this psychological phenomenon. They set themselves up for success by making important decisions when their willpower is at its peak and avoiding decision fatigue later in the day.
If you’re looking to boost your productivity, consider incorporating this habit into your nightly routine. It might just be the game-changer you need!
5) Indulge in leisure reading
You may think successful people are always on the go, constantly striving for the next big thing. But many of them understand the value of winding down and taking time for themselves, especially before bed.
One habit I’ve noticed among successful individuals is that they often indulge in leisure reading at night. Whether it’s a gripping novel, an enlightening non-fiction book, or the latest business magazine, they make time to feed their minds with knowledge and inspiration.
As a lifelong bookworm myself, I can attest to the power of a good book in sparking creativity and expanding perspectives. Plus, it’s a great way to relax and disconnect from the day’s stress.
So why not grab a book tonight and enrich your mind while unwinding from the day? It’s a habit that could prove beneficial both for your success and your well-being.
6) Embrace the power of doing nothing
In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and be more, it might seem counterintuitive to suggest doing nothing. But hear me out.
Highly successful people understand the value of simply being – of sitting in silence and allowing their minds to wander without any specific goal or purpose. This quiet time before bed can be a powerful tool for stress relief and idea generation.
As a self-confessed workaholic, this was a hard pill for me to swallow. But once I embraced the power of doing nothing, I found it to be an incredible way to recharge and refocus.
So tonight, instead of filling every moment with tasks and activities, try doing nothing. You might just find it’s the most productive thing you do all day.
7) Prioritize quality sleep
Last but certainly not least, successful people understand the power of a good night’s sleep. They prioritize quality rest and understand that it’s the foundation of a productive day.
As the renowned psychologist William Dement said, “Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”
So, they stick to a consistent sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and respect this crucial recovery time. It’s not just about clocking in hours; it’s about making those hours count for rejuvenating body and mind.
Wrapping up
The journey to success is often painted as a non-stop hustle, but the truth is, the quiet moments before bed play a pivotal role in shaping our days and ultimately our lives.
These nightly habits of successful individuals aren’t merely tasks to tick off a list. They are conscious choices, small steps that add up to significant changes over time.
From prioritizing a digital detox to embracing the power of doing nothing, these practices might seem simple on the surface. But the underlying impact on our mental well-being, productivity, and overall success can be profound.
So as you prepare for bed tonight, consider these habits. Maybe it’s time to switch off your device earlier, jot down a few things you’re grateful for, or even spend a few minutes in quiet reflection.
After all, success isn’t just about the grind; it’s also about taking care of ourselves, learning continuously and making every moment count – even those quiet ones before we drift off to sleep.
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