Success isn’t just about how hard you hustle during work hours – it’s also about how you spend your time when you’re not working.
In fact, the habits and activities you engage in during your downtime can play a crucial role in shaping your success.
Psychology shows that the most successful people don’t just relax in front of the TV or scroll mindlessly through social media when they have free time.
Instead, they prioritize activities that recharge them mentally, physically, and emotionally, helping them stay focused, creative, and motivated when it’s time to get back to work.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 things successful people love to do when they’re not busy, and how these habits can fuel your own success.
Ready to level up your downtime?
1) They nurture their creativity
Psychology suggests that engaging in creative activities has a positive impact on our problem-solving skills and overall mental well-being.
It helps us to relax, express ourselves, and explore new ideas. It can also boost our confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
That’s why you’ll often find successful people indulging in activities like:
- Cooking a new recipe
- Gardening
- Tinkering with a DIY project
These seemingly mundane tasks provide a safe space for them to experiment, make mistakes, and learn – crucial elements in the recipe for success.
They’re not doing these activities to become the best at them. It’s more about nurturing a mindset of curiosity and openness that fuels continuous growth and learning.
2) They invest in personal growth
In my own journey, I’ve found that successful people never stop learning. They view their free time as an opportunity to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally.
This could be through:
- Reading a book
- Taking an online course
- Attending a seminar
- Practicing a new language
Psychology supports this habit. Lifelong learning has been linked with cognitive vitality, reduced stress, and greater life satisfaction.
Lifelong learning also keeps you engaged, curious, and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
This commitment to personal growth is deeply aligned with my own values. I believe that by confronting our limitations and expanding our horizons, we can unlock our fullest potential and lead more fulfilling lives.
3) They embrace feeling like an imposter
An interesting aspect of successful people is that they often feel like imposters, as if they’re not truly deserving of their accomplishments. While this might sound counterproductive, it’s actually a sign of self-awareness and the potential for further personal growth.
In my video about imposter syndrome, I explore how this feeling isn’t a flaw to be fought against, but a catalyst for authentic growth and empowerment.
In fact, imposter syndrome can encourage you to:
- Embrace your vulnerabilities
- Recognize your achievements without external validation
- Pursue a path of self-improvement grounded in genuine self-acceptance
I invite you to watch my insights on imposter syndrome here:
4) They cultivate authentic relationships
Success isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s also about the connections we foster with others.
Successful people recognize the profound importance of authentic relationships and supportive communities. They understand that we can’t thrive alone, and our relationships help us pursue our dreams and overcome challenges.
That’s why successful people use their free time to build genuine connections based on mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation.
They know that authentic relationships require effort, vulnerability, and courage. They require us to show up as we truly are, without pretense or masks. And they require us to accept others in the same way.
5) They contribute to a better world
Successful people aren’t solely focused on their personal growth and ambitions. They also understand their role in the larger ecosystem of life.
They use their talents and resources to contribute to a better world, whether that’s through their creative pursuits, their work, or their engagement with social and environmental issues.
In alignment with this, I’ve found that being a conscious consumer and investor has been a crucial part of my journey.
Recognizing that every financial choice I make is a vote for the kind of world I want to live in has allowed me to direct my resources towards businesses and initiatives that promote social good.
In my video on personal freedom hacks, I share practical insights on how to break free from societal expectations and pressures, allowing us to live more authentically and contentedly.
This includes redefining success on our own terms, embracing a positive relationship with oneself, and focusing on creating fulfilling relationships and experiences in the present.
You can watch my insights on personal freedom here:
6) They welcome obstacles
Successful people embrace obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. They don’t get discouraged by failure, but instead, view it as feedback and an invitation to adapt and evolve.
This belief is firmly rooted in the understanding that every challenge contains within it the seeds of creative possibility.
Instead of focusing on the discomfort of the moment, they shift their attention to the potential lessons and growth opportunities inherent in the situation.
This approach requires a fundamental shift in mindset – from seeing problems as threats to viewing them as catalysts for innovation and change. It fosters resilience, encourages creative problem-solving, and leads to more effective strategies for achieving goals.
7) They prioritize self-care and well-being
In the pursuit of success, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. However, successful individuals understand the importance of taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
They prioritize activities that nourish their body and mind, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices.
They know that their capacity to perform at their best is directly linked to their overall health and well-being.
This approach goes beyond superficial self-care routines. It involves:
- Cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness and compassion
- Doing the inner work to confront fears and challenge limiting beliefs
- Nurturing a positive relationship with oneself.
In the end, success isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s also about who we become in the process. And taking care of our well-being is an integral part of that journey.
As the World Health Organization wisely points out, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The power of intentional living
How you spend your free time can be just as important as how you manage your work hours.
Successful people understand that rest and recovery, along with personal growth activities, are key to staying at their best.
Whether it’s investing in relationships, learning something new, or simply taking time to relax and recharge, these habits help foster creativity, focus, and resilience.
By adopting some of these practices, you too can create a balance that not only supports your success at work but also enriches your life as a whole.
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