When the clock strikes 7, most of us are ready to kick back and relax. But for high-achievers? It’s a different story.
According to a psychologist, these go-getters have an entirely different approach to their post-work hours.
And it makes sense – success doesn’t come from what you do in your downtime, right?
Well, this might surprise you. There are actually 8 specific things that high-achievers usually do after 7pm.
So, lean in. The secrets of the successful are about to be spilled.
1) They prioritize self-care
Self-care isn’t just a fancy term for pampering yourself. It’s about maintaining your health, both physically and mentally.
High-achievers know this better than anyone.
They understand that to keep performing at their best, they need to take care of themselves. And no, that doesn’t necessarily mean spa days or indulgent shopping sprees.
It’s about making sure they get enough sleep, eat right, exercise regularly and take time out to relax and recharge.
Because they know that if they’re not at their best, they can’t give their best.
While the rest of us might be tempted to flop on the couch and binge-watch our favorite series after 7pm, high-achievers are more likely to be taking a brisk walk, preparing a healthy meal or winding down with a good book.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s self-preservation. And high-achievers have mastered it.
2) They invest in continuous learning
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a successful entrepreneur friend of mine.
It was late, well past 7pm, and I expected him to be unwinding after a long day of decision-making and problem-solving.
Instead, he was engrossed in a book about behavioral economics. I asked him why he wasn’t taking it easy, and his answer was simple: “There’s always something new to learn.”
High-achievers, like my friend, understand the value of continuous learning.
They use their evenings to read, take online courses, or listen to informative podcasts. They’re constantly filling their minds with new knowledge and insights.
That’s what helps them stay ahead of the curve, adapt to changes, and come up with innovative ideas that others might miss.
The next time you find yourself with some free time in the evening, consider picking up a book or listening to a podcast. You never know what you might learn.
3) They plan for the next day
The most successful people don’t wake up and wonder what they’re going to do that day.
They already know because they planned it out the night before. This isn’t just a random habit, but rather a strategic move.
Research shows that our ability to make decisions depletes as the day progresses, a phenomenon known as decision fatigue.
By planning their next day the night before, high-achievers free up their mental energy for more important decisions during the day.
Instead of ending their day aimlessly browsing through social media, they make a to-do list, set their priorities, and outline their tasks for the next day.
This way, they wake up with a clear plan of action, ready to hit the ground running.
4) They reflect on their day
Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth, and high-achievers know this.
They take time each evening to reflect on their day, assessing what went well and what didn’t.
They don’t do this to dwell on their mistakes or wallow in self-pity. Rather, they see it as a chance to learn and improve.
They ask themselves questions like, “What could I have done better?” or “What did I learn from this experience?”
By reflecting on their day, they’re able to identify patterns, gain insights, and come up with strategies for improvement.
It’s this constant self-evaluation and learning that helps them continually grow and succeed.
5) They nurture their relationships
This is one I can relate to on a personal level. I’ve always admired how high-achievers manage to juggle their busy schedules and still make time for their loved ones.
Whether it’s a quick call to catch up with a friend, a dinner date with their partner, or bedtime stories with their kids, they understand the importance of nurturing their relationships.
I’ve found that this not only enriches their personal lives but also provides them with a support system that helps them weather the storms of life.
Take it from me (and the high-achievers out there), never underestimate the power of strong, genuine relationships.
Make the time to connect with the people who matter to you. It’s worth it.
6) They know when to disconnect
In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to assume that high-achievers are always on, always connected, always working. But that’s not the case.
Many successful people understand the importance of disconnecting from their work and technology.
They set boundaries and take time in the evenings to unplug and enjoy some quiet time.
This might involve meditating, taking a walk, or simply sitting quietly with their thoughts. By disconnecting, they give their minds a chance to rest and rejuvenate.
While it might seem like they’re doing less, they’re actually doing more for their mental well-being and productivity in the long run.
7) They pursue a passion
High achievers aren’t just about work and productivity. They also understand the importance of having a passion outside their profession.
Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, gardening, or even skydiving, they dedicate time after 7pm to pursue activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
Doing something they love not only helps them relax and unwind but also boosts their creativity and keeps them motivated.
It’s a beautiful reminder that there’s more to life than just work and success.
8) They prioritize rest
Believe it or not, high-achievers value their rest as much as their work. They understand that to perform at their peak, they need to be well-rested.
This means getting enough sleep, but it also includes taking time to just relax and do nothing.
It’s in these moments of rest and relaxation that they recharge and prepare for another day of high achievement.
Don’t skimp on your sleep or relaxation time. Your productivity depends on it.
Final thoughts
As we come to the end of this exploration, it’s evident that high-achievers have a certain rhythm to their evenings.
But remember, it’s not just about doing more. It’s about being intentional with what you do.
These evening habits are not cast in stone but are flexible guidelines to help you make the most out of your time after 7pm.
The goal isn’t to overload your evenings with tasks but to find balance and purpose in how you wind down your day.
And who knows? By adopting some of these habits, you might not just become more productive, but also find a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in your everyday life.
So, as the sun sets today, take a moment to reflect. How will you choose to spend your evening?
What changes can you make to ensure that your post-7pm hours contribute positively to your success?
Remember, every new nightfall is an opportunity for growth. Seize it.
