7 things successful people always do in their free time, according to psychology

There’s a stark contrast between how successful people spend their free time and how others do.

This difference isn’t about having more resources or opportunities. It’s about making intentional choices that foster growth, self-awareness, and authenticity.

Psychology sheds light on seven specific things successful people always do in their downtime.

By weaving these activities into your routine, you’re not just mimicking success; you’re crafting a lifestyle that aligns with your true potential.

Read on to discover the seven things successful folks do differently when they clock out and how you can incorporate these habits into your own life.

1) Successful people engage in learning

You’ve heard the saying, “Knowledge is power.” But successful individuals take this to heart, especially during their off-hours.

Psychology shows us that continuous learning is a key trait of those who excel. They recognize that every moment is an opportunity to grow and improve, and they seize it.

Remember, this isn’t about cramming textbooks or attending lectures. It’s about pursuing knowledge in ways that align with their passions and interests.

This could be reading a book on a new topic, listening to an enlightening podcast, or even exploring a new hobby.

Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” This captures the essence of what successful people do in their downtime.

They refuse to stagnate, choosing instead to be perpetual students of life. This not only enhances their skills but also aligns with their commitment to self-improvement and authenticity.

Next time you have some free time, consider investing it in learning something new – just like the successful do.

2) They practice mindfulness

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about successful people, it’s their ability to remain present and mindful.

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experiences.

I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed by my never-ending to-do list. Instead of succumbing to stress, I decided to follow the example set by successful individuals. I took a few minutes off for mindful breathing, focusing on each inhale and exhale.

The result? My mind felt clearer, and I could tackle my responsibilities with renewed energy and focus.

Carl Jung, the renowned psychologist, wisely said, “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

Practicing mindfulness resonates with this profound insight. It allows successful people to align their actions with their inner selves, fostering self-awareness and authenticity.

So, the next time you find yourself with free time or feeling overwhelmed, take a leaf out of the success handbook – pause, breathe, and practice mindfulness.

3) They prioritize physical wellbeing

Let’s face it, how often do we compromise our health in the pursuit of success?

Successful people understand that a healthy mind requires a healthy body. They don’t view exercise as a chore but rather an essential part of their routine.

Whether it’s a morning run, a yoga class, or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator, they find ways to stay active.

To quote renowned psychologist Joyce Brothers, “No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.”

This nugget of wisdom isn’t just about mental relaxation. Physical activity can serve as a powerful stress reliever and productivity booster.

Ignoring your physical wellbeing might seem like an easy trade-off in the short term, but it’s not sustainable.

Remember, the next time you’re questioning whether to hit the gym or the couch in your free time – successful people choose the former.

4) They cultivate a hobby

Successful people don’t just work hard, they play hard too. And this isn’t only about relaxation or having fun. Research has shown that hobbies can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional wellbeing.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that individuals who engaged in a creative hobby performed better at work.

The reason? Hobbies, especially creative ones, can boost mood, foster a problem-solving mindset, and help to manage stress.

Whether it’s painting, gardening, cooking or even playing an instrument, successful people use their free time to nurture a hobby.

This not only gives them a sense of achievement outside of work but also enhances their overall quality of life.

Consider picking up that forgotten guitar or dust off those paint brushes. Not only will it add joy to your life, but it might also contribute to your success journey.

5) They make time for reflection

Reflecting on your actions and experiences is another key habit of successful people. Self-reflection can provide valuable insights and foster personal growth.

It’s a tool that has helped me navigate my own journey towards success.

As Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”

Successful people aren’t afraid to face their mistakes and learn from them. They take time to sit back and evaluate their actions, decisions, and their outcomes.

This moment of introspection helps them understand what works and what doesn’t, encouraging them to continuously evolve.

Growth isn’t possible without reflection. So next time you have some free time, spend a few moments in quiet reflection—it’s a small investment with big returns.

6) They embrace boredom

Yes, you read that right. Successful people allow themselves to be bored. Now, this might seem counterintuitive in our fast-paced world where being busy is often equated to being productive.

But there’s a method to this madness.

Psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time…serenity, that nothing is.”

Boredom isn’t about idleness or wasting time. It’s a state of mind that allows space for creativity and innovation.

By resisting the urge to fill every moment with activities or distractions, successful people open themselves up to new ideas and perspectives.

The next time you find yourself with nothing to do, don’t rush to fill that void. Embrace it. Who knows, your next big idea might be lurking in that quiet moment of boredom.

7) They disconnect

In our hyper-connected world, successful people understand the value of unplugging. They prioritize time away from screens and make a conscious effort to disconnect from the digital noise.

Sigmund Freud once said, “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” This wisdom encourages us to savour the quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle.

So, make it a point to disconnect occasionally. You’ll be surprised at the peace and clarity it brings.

Wrapping up

The habits of successful people during their free time aren’t about stringent schedules or high-powered activities. It’s about making intentional choices that foster growth, self-awareness, and authenticity.

Whether it’s engaging in continuous learning, practicing mindfulness, or embracing boredom – the common thread is intentionality. Each activity is a conscious choice made to nurture their minds, bodies, and souls.

Remember, success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey that involves continuous growth and evolution. And it’s these habits during the ‘off-hours’ that often make the difference.

So as you go about your day, consider incorporating these habits into your own routine.

You might be surprised at the impact they have not just on your productivity, but on your overall sense of wellbeing and fulfillment.

After all, success is more than just professional achievement – it’s about leading a balanced, fulfilled life. And that’s something we can all strive for.