For many, weekends are either a time to catch up on work or a complete break from it.
But is this really the best approach for long-term success?
Highly successful people have cracked the code—they strike a balance between rest, productivity, and personal growth.
Instead of wasting the weekend on Netflix binges or cramming in extra hours of work, they focus on intentional activities that enrich their lives.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 unique ways that successful people make their weekends work for them—and how you can do the same.
1) They take time for self-reflection
Highly successful people understand the power of introspection. The weekend provides a much-needed pause from the week’s bustle, offering an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate.
This is not simply about dwelling on past events or future anxieties. It’s about constructive reflection that allows them to assess their actions, decisions, and experiences.
They analyze what worked, what didn’t, and what lessons can be gleaned.
Consider the practice of journaling, a common tool used for self-reflection. It helps in capturing thoughts, ideas, and observations, leading to clarity and a better understanding of oneself.
Self-reflection isn’t just a weekend activity for them; it’s a way of life. It’s how they ensure they’re living in alignment with their values and constantly learning from their experiences.
By practicing regular self-reflection, they are able to tap into their creative potential, adapt to challenges, and make more informed decisions.
2) They engage in creative pursuits
Creativity isn’t just about producing art or inventing new technologies.
For successful individuals, it’s a state of mind that they cultivate and carry into every aspect of their lives, including their weekends.
They understand that creativity isn’t something to be compartmentalized into specific tasks, but a powerful tool for problem-solving, innovation, and personal expression.
Whether it’s through painting, writing, playing an instrument, or simply brainstorming new business ideas, they use their free time to tap into their creative potential.
This practice allows them to return to their work rejuvenated and brimming with fresh ideas.
It also serves as a delightful reminder of the joy of creating for the sake of creation, not just for productivity or profit.
3) They actively cultivate self-awareness
Personal development is a priority for successful individuals, and they often dedicate their weekends to fostering growth and self-improvement.
An integral part of this is cultivating self-awareness, a practice that enables them to understand their strengths, weaknesses, emotions, beliefs, and motivations better.
Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and success. It’s the tool that allows them to make informed decisions, manage their emotions, build stronger relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives.
In my video on the imposter syndrome, I delve into how embracing feeling like an imposter can be a sign of deep self-awareness and a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.
I share insights on how this syndrome encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities, recognize our achievements without external validation, and pursue self-improvement grounded in genuine self-acceptance.
You can watch it here:
This practice of cultivating self-awareness is incredibly empowering. It offers a deeper understanding of who we are, what we want, and how we can align our actions with our deepest values.
If you found this video insightful and want to join 30,000 others exploring living a life with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
4) They consciously support ethical businesses
Successful people understand that their actions, including their financial decisions, have a significant impact on the world.
This understanding often translates into consciously choosing to support ethical businesses during their weekends.
Whether it’s shopping at a local farmer’s market, choosing a sustainably sourced product, or investing in companies that prioritize social responsibility, they make a deliberate effort to align their spending habits with their values.
They realize that every dollar they spend is a vote for the kind of world they want to live in.
By making conscious financial choices, they contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
This practice goes beyond mere transactional exchanges.
It’s a way of participating ethically in the economy, promoting social good, and living in alignment with their deepest values.
5) They embrace obstacles as opportunities
Highly successful people have a unique perspective towards challenges and setbacks. Instead of seeing them as insurmountable barriers, they view them as opportunities for learning and growth.
They understand that failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of it.
Each setback offers valuable feedback and insights that can be used to refine their strategies and make better decisions in the future.
In my video where I explore “the illusion of happiness” and why chasing it makes you miserable, I delve into this concept further.
It’s about embracing life’s challenges and fostering meaningful relationships, instead of pursuing an idealized version of happiness.
Watch it here:
This mindset isn’t just about resilience in the face of adversity. It’s about actively seeking growth from every experience and using challenges as catalysts for innovation and personal development.
6) They disconnect to reconnect
In a hyper-connected world, highly successful people recognize the value of disconnecting.
They intentionally carve out time during their weekends to unplug from digital devices and the incessant flow of information.
While it may seem like disconnecting would hinder productivity, it actually enhances it. Detaching from constant notifications and digital distractions allows them to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
This practice is not about shunning technology, but rather about using it mindfully.
It’s a way to create space for deep thinking, creativity, and authentic connections with others. By disconnecting, they recharge their mental batteries and often return to their work with a renewed sense of clarity and focus.
The act of disconnecting is an assertion of control over their own time and attention.
7) They invest in their relationships
Success isn’t solitary. Highly successful individuals understand the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships. Weekends offer them the opportunity to nurture these connections.
Whether it’s spending quality time with family, catching up with old friends, or meeting new people, they make a conscious effort to strengthen their relationships.
These interactions provide them with a sense of belonging, emotional support, and a network of individuals who can offer diverse perspectives and experiences.
But this goes beyond just socializing. It’s about engaging in meaningful conversations, showing empathy, and offering support. It’s about building relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared values.
These connections not only enrich their lives but also play a crucial role in their successful journey. A strong network can open up new opportunities, provide invaluable feedback, and offer support during challenging times.
As they say, “No man is an island.” We thrive through our relationships with others. These interactions fuel our growth, resilience, and happiness.
They remind us that success is not just about achieving our goals but also about sharing our journey with others and helping them along the way.
The power of intentional weekends
The habits cultivated by successful individuals during their weekends reveal a commitment to personal growth, ethical living, and relationship-building.
By engaging in self-reflection, practicing empathy, and investing time in their relationships, they create a solid foundation for continued success.
Disconnecting from digital distractions allows for deeper thinking and recharges their mental clarity.
Most importantly, these practices reflect a conscious choice to live in alignment with their values.
As they integrate these traits into their lives, they not only pave the way for their own achievements but also inspire those around them to strive for a fulfilling and balanced life.
If you found these insights helpful and want to continue exploring personal growth and living with more purpose and freedom, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
