7 things highly successful people never do on weekends, according to psychology

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard”. It’s a mantra many of us swear by, thinking that by completely immersing ourselves in our work during the week and then going wild on weekends, we’re setting ourselves up for success.

But what if I told you that’s not necessarily the case?

Here’s the thing.

Highly successful people, according to psychology, have a different approach to their weekend habits. They don’t just switch off their work brains and go into party mode. Instead, they utilize their weekends in ways that contribute to their overall success and well-being.

So if you’re scratching your head wondering “What exactly are they doing differently?” – you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll dive into seven things highly successful people never do on weekends, a counter-intuitive approach that might just hold the key to the next level of your success.

It’s not about working 24/7. It’s about making choices that build resilience, foster creativity, and keep that flame of ambition burning bright – even on a Saturday. Let’s get started.

1) They don’t neglect their well-being

Here’s a common misconception.

Many of us believe that the weekend is a time to let loose, indulge, and perhaps even neglect our health a bit. After all, we’ve worked hard all week, right?

But here’s the catch.

Successful people understand that physical well-being plays a crucial role in mental performance and overall productivity. They don’t view weekends as an excuse to abandon healthy habits.

Instead, they use this time to recharge and rejuvenate their bodies. Whether it’s through exercise, nutritious meals, sufficient rest or mindfulness practices – they maintain a balanced lifestyle even when they’re off the clock.

This isn’t about sticking to a strict regimen. It’s about showing respect towards your body and understanding its role in achieving success. So next time you contemplate skipping that weekend workout or opting for junk food over a balanced meal, think again.

2) They don’t disconnect completely

Now, this might seem contradictory to the idea of work-life balance. Let me clarify with a personal example.

A few years back, I found myself burnt out from the constant grind. So, I decided to switch off completely during the weekends, thinking it would help me recharge. No emails, no work calls, just pure relaxation.

But here’s what happened.

Come Monday, I was overwhelmed with a backlog of emails, missed calls and unfinished tasks. It took me half the day just to catch up, leaving me stressed and less productive.

Successful people, I’ve learned, don’t disconnect completely. Instead, they set specific times to check their emails or voicemails to avoid any Monday morning surprises.

This doesn’t mean they’re working full days on weekends. Rather, it’s about maintaining a certain level of awareness and staying ahead of potential fires.

Remember, it’s all about balance. Find yours.

3) They don’t ignore their loved ones

Let’s get real for a moment.

In the hustle and bustle of climbing the ladder of success, it’s easy to sideline the people who matter most. We’ve all been there – cancelling plans because of an urgent work call, missing family dinners because of late-night meetings, or simply being present physically but mentally miles away.

That’s not how successful people roll.

Weekends for them are a time to reconnect and strengthen their bonds with family and friends. They understand that success isn’t just about professional achievements, but also about nurturing personal relationships.

I’m not saying you should dedicate your entire weekend to socializing. But setting aside some quality time for your loved ones can work wonders for your emotional health and personal growth.

After all, at the end of the day, it’s these connections that truly enrich our lives, isn’t it?

4) They don’t let their minds stay idle

Ever heard of the phrase “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”?

There’s some truth to it.

Successful people understand that letting their minds wander aimlessly can lead to unproductive thoughts or worry about things beyond their control.

That’s why they never allow their minds to stay idle during weekends. Instead, they engage in activities that stimulate their brains and inspire creativity. This could be anything from reading a book, learning a new hobby, exploring nature, or even solving puzzles.

By keeping their minds active, they’re not just warding off negative thoughts but also fueling their creative juices and expanding their knowledge.

So next time you find yourself aimlessly flipping through TV channels or mindlessly scrolling through social media, try doing something that challenges your mind instead. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.

5) They don’t waste their mornings

Rise and shine!

While it might be tempting to hit the snooze button and sleep in on weekends, successful people choose to make the most of their mornings.

The reason is simple. Studies have shown that our brains are most alert and creative in the morning. It’s a golden period where we are at our most productive, with less distractions and a fresh mind.

Successful people seize this opportunity to pursue personal projects, brainstorm new ideas, or plan their upcoming week. By doing so, they’re not just maximizing their productivity but also setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.

So maybe it’s time to rethink that weekend sleep-in. A morning well-spent could just be the secret to a successful day, and ultimately, a successful life.

6) They don’t beat themselves up

We’re all human. We make mistakes, we have off days, and sometimes, things don’t go according to plan.

Now, it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and regret, especially when we have more time to think during weekends. But successful people choose a different route.

Instead of beating themselves up over past mistakes or setbacks, they practice self-compassion. They acknowledge their flaws, learn from their mistakes, and most importantly, they forgive themselves.

This doesn’t mean they ignore their shortcomings. Rather, they use them as stepping stones towards growth and improvement.

Next time you find yourself dwelling on past errors during your weekend downtime, take a leaf out of their book. Remember, kindness begins with being kind to yourself.

7) They don’t forget to plan ahead

This might be the most crucial habit of all.

Successful people understand the power of planning. They don’t just drift into the weekend without a thought of what’s to come. Instead, they use their time wisely to organize and prepare for the upcoming week.

This could involve setting goals, scheduling tasks, or simply reflecting on their priorities. The aim is to enter the new week with a clear vision and a road map to success.

Don’t mistake this for turning your weekends into another workday. It’s about taking control, being proactive, and setting yourself up for success. Because when it comes to achieving your goals, every little bit counts.

Wrapping up

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, you’re not alone.

Most of us are guilty of treating weekends as an escape from reality rather than a precious resource. But the good news is, it’s never too late to change our habits.

Start by taking small steps. Maybe wake up a bit earlier this Saturday, or spend some time with a loved one you’ve been neglecting. Try to stay active, both physically and mentally. And most importantly, don’t forget to plan for the week ahead.

Remember, success isn’t just about financial wealth or professional achievements. It’s about personal growth, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.

So next time the weekend rolls around, make a conscious choice to use your time wisely. You might be surprised at how these little changes can lead to big results.

And who knows? You might just find that the path to success is a lot more enjoyable than you thought. Here’s to creating weekends that work for you, not against you.