9 weekend habits successful people never waste their time on (2024)

Ever wonder what successful people avoid on weekends?

They treat time like gold, especially those precious two days off.

This isn’t about magic formulas; it’s about smart choices.

Let’s dive into the nine weekend habits successful people steer clear of.

You might be surprised how a few shifts can transform not just your weekend, but your entire life.

1) Mindless scrolling on social media

It’s a trap many of us fall into.

You pick up your phone to check a single notification, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds.

But successful people know better.

They understand that time is their most valuable asset and they simply cannot afford to waste it on such unproductive activities.

The allure of social media is real and powerful, but it’s essentially just noise – a distraction from the things that truly matter.

Successful individuals prioritize their time spent on social media, using it strategically to network, learn or unwind – but never allowing it to consume their precious weekend time.

The bottom line is, every minute you spend scrolling is a minute you could have used to read a book, enjoy nature, or work on your personal goals.

Make your choices wisely.

2) Skipping exercise

I’ll admit, there was a time when I thought weekends were for relaxation and relaxation alone.

Exercise?

That was a thing for the weekdays.

But after reading about the habits of successful people, I realized I had it all wrong.

Successful people know that exercise isn’t just about keeping the body fit.

It’s about keeping the mind sharp and energized. It’s about maintaining balance and reducing stress.

And these benefits don’t stop when the work week ends.

So, I started incorporating exercise into my weekends.

Nothing drastic – a morning run, some yoga, or even just a long walk.

And let me tell you, the difference in how I felt was noticeable. It wasn’t just my body thanking me, but my mind too.

Now, no matter how tempting it is to lounge around all weekend, I make sure to get moving.

Because successful people understand that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and a healthy mind is the foundation of success.

3) Neglecting personal relationships

Personal relationships are the backbone of a fulfilling life.

They offer emotional support, inspire us, and even influence our long-term health.

In fact, a study by the Harvard Medical School revealed that people with strong social ties were happier, healthier, and lived longer than those without.

Successful people understand this truth.

They don’t let their professional aspirations overshadow personal relationships.

Weekends are when they invest quality time in nurturing these bonds – be it with family, friends or significant others.

It’s not just about socializing for the sake of it.

It’s about deepening connections, creating shared experiences and making memories.

4) Overworking

Weekends are not just an extension of the work week.

Successful people understand this and avoid the trap of overworking.

They know that constantly pushing without taking time to rest and recharge can lead to burnout, decreased productivity and even health problems.

The brain needs downtime just as much as the body does.

Weekends for successful people are about disconnecting from work-related stress and responsibilities.

It’s when they take a step back, relax, pursue hobbies, or indulge in activities that bring them joy.

It’s important to remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint. And just as with any long race, pacing is key.

Overworking during the weekend won’t get you to your goals any faster; in fact, it might even slow you down.

5) Ignoring self-care

It’s easy to neglect self-care in our fast-paced world.

But successful people know that taking care of oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Self-care can take many forms – from taking a relaxing bath, meditating, or just curling up with a good book.

The point is to do something that rejuvenates you and makes you feel good.

Ignoring self-care can lead to stress, burnout, and a decrease in overall well-being.

Successful people understand this and carve out time during their weekends for activities that nourish their body, mind, and soul.

Ultimately, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Prioritizing self-care is not being selfish; it’s about ensuring you are at your best so you can give your best to others and your work.

6) Taking nature for granted

There’s something incredibly grounding about spending time in nature.

It offers a unique sense of calm and perspective, reminding us that we’re part of a larger, beautiful world.

Successful people recognize this.

They value the restorative power of nature and make time to enjoy it during their weekends.

It could be a hike in the woods, a walk on the beach, gardening, or simply sitting in a park.

In our increasingly digital world, we often forget to appreciate the natural beauty around us.

But taking the time to connect with nature not only benefits our mental and physical health but also nurtures our sense of wonder and gratitude.

So next time you’re planning your weekend, make sure to include some time with Mother Nature.

Trust me, it’ll do wonders for your soul.

7) Procrastinating on personal goals

Years ago, I had a pile of books I wanted to read, a guitar gathering dust, and a wish to learn a new language.

But somehow, I could never find the time.

I’d tell myself, “I’ll do it next weekend,” but that next weekend never seemed to come.

Then I realized that successful people don’t wait for the perfect moment.

They use their weekends to pursue personal goals and passions. They understand that time slips away quickly and if you want to do something, you need to start now.

So, I made a change.

Instead of putting things off, I started dedicating part of my weekends to my personal interests.

The satisfaction of finally getting started was immense. It was like reclaiming a part of me that had been neglected for too long.

Don’t let your personal dreams and passions sit on the back burner.

Use your weekends to bring them to life.

8) Neglecting sleep

In an effort to make the most out of their weekends, some people tend to neglect their sleep.

They stay up late, wake up early, or even pull all-nighters.

But successful people know better.

They understand that sleep is not just a period of rest, but a critical component of good health, productivity, and overall well-being.

More importantly, they recognize that the quality of their waking hours matters more than the quantity.

So instead of sacrificing sleep to get more done, they prioritize getting sufficient and good-quality sleep.

They know that a well-rested mind is more creative, focused, and efficient.

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.

It’s not wasted time; it’s an investment in your future self.

9) Forgetting to plan for the week ahead

Success doesn’t happen by chance. It’s a result of consistent planning and preparation.

Successful people use their weekends not only to rest and recharge but also to plan for the upcoming week.

This isn’t about working through the weekend.

It’s about setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and scheduling activities.

By doing this, they start their week with a clear roadmap, reducing stress and improving productivity.

Planning ahead allows you to hit the ground running on Monday morning, rather than scrambling to figure out what needs to be done.

It’s a habit that saves time, reduces stress, and sets you up for success.

Final thoughts

Success is built on the weekends as much as during the week.

The habits we’ve explored are not just mistakes to avoid; they’re opportunities.

Each weekend is a chance to enhance your well-being, deepen relationships, and advance your goals.

Remember, success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you live your life every day.

So, this weekend, why not start making changes that set you up for a lifetime of success?