As the founder of Hack Spirit and an expert in mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve spent years studying the habits of high achievers.

These successful individuals don’t just rise and shine with the sun, but also have a specific set of rituals they perform every evening.

Let’s delve into the 10 things high achievers do every evening. I promise you, these aren’t impossible habits to incorporate into your life. 

1) Mindful wind-down

When it comes to high achievers, their evenings are just as structured as their day. But instead of scheduling meetings and ticking off tasks, they focus on winding down. This is where the idea of mindful wind-down comes in.

Our brains need time to switch from work mode to rest mode. And high achievers know this all too well. They understand the importance of a transition period to signal the brain that it’s time to relax.

How do they do it? It could be as simple as reading a book, meditating or even taking a leisurely walk. The point is to create a routine that signifies the end of the workday and the beginning of personal time.

This mindful wind-down not only helps them relax but also prepares them for a good night’s sleep. And we all know how important sleep is for peak performance.

2) Reflection time

As someone who lives and breathes mindfulness, I can’t stress enough how important reflection is. High achievers understand that taking the time to reflect on their day helps them to learn from their experiences and make better decisions.

Every evening, they set aside a few minutes to think about what went well, what didn’t, and what they could do differently. This isn’t about dwelling on the negative or basking in the positive, but rather about cultivating a balanced perspective.

As the famous Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.”

This quote encapsulates the essence of reflection. It’s not about escaping from our problems or celebrating our wins, but about facing reality with serenity and understanding.

3) Goal setting

One thing I’ve learned from studying high achievers is the crucial role of goal setting. It’s not just about setting a target for the next day, but about aligning these small targets with their larger, long-term vision.

Every evening, high achievers take a moment to plan their next day. They set clear and realistic goals for what they want to achieve. This not only helps them stay focused, but also makes it easier to tackle the day with purpose and direction.

Being the Hack Spirit founder, I can personally vouch for the power of goal setting. It has helped me grow Hack Spirit from a blog into a full-fledged mindfulness platform.

If you’re looking to emulate the habits of high achievers, start setting your goals every evening. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in your life.

4) Digital detox

In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless scrolling and constant notifications. High achievers, however, understand the importance of a digital detox.

They make it a point to disconnect from their devices every evening. This break from screens allows their minds to relax and recharge, fostering better sleep and mental well-being.

The famous mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This quote is a gentle reminder that while we can’t control the digital influx, we can certainly control our engagement with it.

How about setting a cut-off time for screen usage in the evening? Maybe replace that time with a book or simply sit in silence. It’s these small practical steps that can lead to a healthier relationship with technology and better overall well-being.

5) Gratitude practice

Gratitude isn’t just a buzzword in the world of mindfulness, it’s a powerful tool that can transform your outlook on life. I’ve seen it firsthand in my journey with Hack Spirit and my personal life.

High achievers often end their day with a simple gratitude practice. It’s about acknowledging the good in their lives, no matter how small or big. This practice helps them maintain a positive mindset and focus on their blessings rather than their problems.

Life Transition Coach Jeanette Brown, in her eye-opening book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, beautifully captures the importance of gratitude. Jeanette writes about how expressing gratitude can help us navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.

How about incorporating a gratitude practice into your evening routine? Simple acts like writing in a gratitude journal or silently thanking the universe for its gifts can help you build a happier and more fulfilled life.

6) Physical activity

Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you start a hardcore workout regime right before bed. But some light physical activity in the evening can do wonders for high achievers.

Whether it’s a leisurely walk around the block, some gentle yoga stretches, or even a quick dance session in the living room, moving your body helps to release any pent-up stress from the day.

Keep it simple and enjoyable. Remember, the goal is to relax and unwind, not to add another strenuous task to your day.

So, why not try adding some form of physical activity to your evening routine? It’s a practical way to boost your mood and prepare your body for restful sleep.

7) Mindful eating

As a mindfulness practitioner, I’m a firm believer in the power of mindful eating. It’s not just about what you eat, but how you eat.

High achievers often have their last meal of the day in a calm and relaxed manner. They take the time to savor each bite, appreciating the flavors and textures. This mindful approach to eating not only enhances the dining experience but also aids digestion and promotes better sleep.

In my own life, I’ve found that mindful eating has helped me develop a healthier relationship with food and appreciate it as a source of nourishment.

When you have your dinner, try eating mindfully. Take your time, pay attention to your food, and savor the experience. It’s these small mindful practices that can make a big difference in our overall well-being.

8) Quality time

High achievers understand the importance of spending quality time with their loved ones. Whether it’s playing with their kids, having a heart-to-heart talk with their partner, or simply cuddling their pet, they make sure to nurture their personal relationships every evening.

As the famous author Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This quote underlines the importance of our interactions with others in shaping our lives and theirs. High achievers know this well and deliberately carve out time for those who matter most to them.

No matter how busy your day was, always find some time to connect with your loved ones. It’s these bonds that provide us with emotional support and enrich our lives.

9) Embrace stillness

In our fast-paced world, the idea of embracing stillness might seem counterintuitive. But as a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve found that it’s often in the quiet moments that we find our greatest insights.

High achievers know this too. They understand the power of silence and make a conscious effort to incorporate it into their evenings. It could be as simple as sitting quietly for a few minutes, meditating, or just staring at the stars.

Allowing ourselves to be still gives our mind a much-needed break from the constant stimulation of the day. It helps us to recharge, refocus, and gain clarity.

10) Consistent bedtime

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning because of its impact. High achievers stick to a consistent bedtime.

They understand the importance of a good night’s sleep in maintaining peak performance. By going to bed at the same time every night, they train their body’s internal clock, leading to better sleep quality and improved overall health.

It’s as simple as setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it, even on weekends. This small but crucial habit can have a huge impact on your productivity and well-being.

Give it a try! Set a regular bedtime for yourself and make it a non-negotiable part of your evening routine. You might just wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Conclusion

The evening habits of high achievers aren’t particularly complex or out of reach. They’re simple, consistent actions that foster mindfulness, well-being, and productivity.

From mindful eating to maintaining a consistent bedtime, these habits are all about taking care of oneself in holistic ways. As you incorporate these practices into your evenings, you’ll likely notice a shift not just in your productivity, but also in your overall happiness and well-being.

For more insights on building a fulfilling life, do check out Jeanette Brown’s book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. It’s packed with practical advice and strategies that can help you navigate through life’s challenges with grace and resilience.