There’s a clear correlation between our daily habits and our overall success in life.

It’s no surprise that what we do in the evening hours, after our professional duties and daytime responsibilities have wrapped up, plays a crucial role in shaping our future. According to psychology, certain nighttime routines can actually hinder our potential to succeed.

Now, I’m not talking about the occasional late-night movie binge or that extra slice of pizza for dinner. I mean those regular patterns that become ingrained in our lives.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the 8 evening habits of people who will never be successful in life, according to psychology. We’ll explore these habits not to point fingers but to offer insights and suggestions for change. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Engaging in endless self-criticism

It’s common knowledge that how we perceive ourselves shapes our lives to a significant extent.

Psychology suggests that individuals who continually engage in self-criticism during their evening hours rarely find success in life. This is because such a habit encourages a negative mindset and erodes self-confidence.

Reflecting on your day is one thing, but obsessively nit-picking every detail of your actions or decisions can lead you down a path of self-destruction. This negative self-talk not only hampers your mental health but also prevents you from taking risks and seizing opportunities, both essential for success.

If you find yourself constantly criticizing your actions and decisions at the end of the day, it might be time to change that habit. Instead, try focusing on your achievements and lessons learned, no matter how small they may seem.

It’s not about being blind to your mistakes, but rather about acknowledging them without letting them define you.

2) Staying plugged in until bedtime

We live in a digital age where it’s tough to disconnect. I was once guilty of this habit myself.

In the past, my evenings were consumed by mindless scrolling through social media, answering work emails, or binge-watching the latest Netflix series until the wee hours of the morning. I believed I was being productive or ‘unwinding’, but in reality, I was setting myself up for failure.

Psychologists suggest that this habit can disrupt our sleep patterns and overall wellbeing, leading to decreased productivity and potential health problems. Over time, it became evident to me that this routine was affecting my morning motivation and energy levels.

I realized that to be successful, I needed to use my evening hours wisely. So, I started implementing a digital detox an hour before bedtime. Switching off all devices, I began reading books or practicing mindfulness instead. This simple change significantly improved both my sleep quality and overall productivity.

If you’re glued to your screens until late at night, consider this a wake-up call. Your path towards success might just require hitting that ‘off’ button on your devices a bit earlier.

3) Neglecting physical health

Evenings can be a time of relaxation, but they shouldn’t become an excuse to neglect our physical health. An inactive lifestyle, combined with poor nutrition, is often a recipe for disaster.

According to the American Heart Association, adults who watch TV for three hours or more each day may be twice as likely to die prematurely than those who watch less. This is indicative of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle that neglects physical activity.

If your evening routine includes hours of sitting, whether it’s in front of the TV or at a desk, it may be detrimental to your success. Successful people understand the importance of maintaining their health and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

Swap out some of that screen time for a brisk walk, a yoga session, or even some light stretching. Your body (and future successful self) will thank you.

4) Skipping out on quality time with loved ones

Life’s responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to remember that we don’t live in isolation. The relationships we nurture with our loved ones play a crucial role in our happiness and overall success.

Those who consistently avoid spending quality time with their family and friends during their evening hours may find it challenging to achieve lasting success. This is because they may miss out on the emotional support, guidance, and joy these relationships can offer.

If you’re always too busy or tired to engage with your loved ones in the evenings, it might be time for a change. Try setting aside dedicated time to connect with them, whether it’s sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply having a meaningful conversation.

Success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s also about cultivating rich, fulfilling personal relationships.

5) Ignoring the need for self-care

In a world where we’re constantly driven to do more, achieve more, and be more, it’s easy to forget the importance of caring for ourselves. But ignoring our own needs can set us up for burnout and hinder our path to success.

Those of us who constantly push our own needs aside in the evening, whether it’s skipping a relaxing bath for an extra hour of work or denying ourselves the pleasure of a good book because we’re too busy, are doing ourselves a disservice.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It helps us recharge, refocus, and handle life’s challenges more effectively.

If you’ve been neglecting your self-care routine, remember this: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take the time you need to replenish your mind, body, and soul. Your journey to success will be all the better for it.

6) Dwelling on past failures

One habit I’ve found particularly damaging is dwelling on past failures. For a long time, my evenings were consumed with replaying the day’s mistakes over and over in my head. It felt like I was stuck in a loop, unable to move forward.

This kind of negative thinking can be incredibly harmful. It breeds self-doubt and anxiety, hindering our progress towards success.

Eventually, I learned to see failure not as a dead-end but as a stepping stone towards growth. Now, instead of obsessing over my mistakes, I focus on the lessons they’ve taught me and use them to fuel my future actions.

If your evenings are marred by the shadow of past failures, try shifting your perspective. See each misstep as an opportunity for growth and improvement. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.

7) Avoiding planning for the future

Planning for the future can sometimes feel daunting, but avoiding it altogether is a surefire way to hinder your success.

Those who consistently overlook setting goals or planning for the next day in their evening routine may find themselves stuck in a cycle of unproductivity and procrastination. This lack of direction can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities.

If you’re in the habit of avoiding plans and goals, consider setting aside some time each evening to plan for the next day. This could be as simple as creating a to-do list or setting a few achievable goals.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. By organizing your thoughts and setting clear objectives, you’ll set yourself up for success.

8) Neglecting sleep

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. It’s not just about feeling well-rested; quality sleep is essential for our physical health, mental clarity, and emotional wellbeing.

Those who consistently skimp on sleep in their evening routine are putting their success at risk. Sleep deprivation can lead to decreased productivity, poor decision-making, and a host of health issues.

If you’ve been burning the midnight oil and sacrificing sleep for extra work hours, it’s time to rethink that strategy. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Your body, mind, and future successful self will thank you.