There’s a stark contrast between how successful people spend their free time and how most folks do. It’s not about working non-stop or being a bore, quite the contrary.

Success isn’t a product of luck, but a series of deliberate actions and decisions. This extends to how one spends their downtime as well.

Successful people know the importance of balance. They understand that the way they spend their free time can either fuel their success or hinder it.

In my exploration of this topic, I’ve discovered nine things that successful people avoid doing in their free time.

Let’s dive in.

1) Squandering time

A key difference between successful individuals and others is how they view and utilize their free time.

While it’s tempting to fritter away hours on end binge-watching TV shows or endlessly scrolling through social media, successful people avoid this pitfall. They understand that time is one of the most valuable resources they have and it’s finite.

Don’t get me wrong, they do relax and enjoy their free time, but in a mindful way. They strike a balance between leisure and productivity, making sure their downtime is spent on activities that rejuvenate them mentally and physically, or help them grow.

Squandering time on mindless activities? That’s something successful people steer clear of in their free time.

This isn’t about being a workaholic, it’s about making conscious choices that align with their long-term goals.

2) Neglecting self-improvement

Successful people never stop learning. They view their free time as an opportunity for self-improvement.

I remember a conversation I had with a friend who is an accomplished entrepreneur. He told me that he dedicates a significant portion of his free time to learning new things. Whether it’s reading a book, taking an online course, or even listening to educational podcasts while jogging, he’s always finding ways to broaden his knowledge and skills.

He explained, “If I’m not growing, I’m stagnating. And I’ve worked too hard to let that happen.”

His words stuck with me. It made me realize that successful people don’t just passively consume entertainment in their free time; they actively seek opportunities for growth.

That’s not to say they don’t enjoy leisure activities, but they are intentional in ensuring those activities serve a purpose and contribute to their overall success.

3) Ignoring physical health

Successful people never neglect their physical wellbeing in their free time. Quite the opposite, they prioritize activities that keep them fit and healthy.

It’s not a coincidence that many Fortune 500 CEOs are known to be regular exercisers. For instance, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is known to wake up at 3:45 a.m. and hit the gym several times a week.

These successful individuals understand that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, which in turn enhances their overall performance. They see exercise not as a chore but as an investment in their future success.

So, the next time you’re contemplating skipping your workout to binge-watch another TV series, think about the long-term cost of that decision. Healthy habits in your free time can have a direct impact on your success.

4) Overworking themselves

Ironically, despite their dedication and drive, successful people don’t spend their free time drowning in more work. They understand the importance of disconnecting and recharging.

Working round the clock might seem like the path to success, but it’s a surefire way to burnout and reduced productivity in the long run. Successful people know their limits and respect them. They set boundaries between work and personal time to ensure they stay energized, motivated, and creative.

Spending every waking minute working? That’s something successful people steer clear of in their free time. It’s all about balance.

5) Surrounding themselves with negativity

Successful people are acutely aware of the impact their surroundings have on their mood, mindset, and ultimately, their success. They avoid spending their precious free time in negative environments or with pessimistic individuals.

Instead, they surround themselves with positivity, be it people who uplift and inspire them, or activities that spark joy and motivation. They understand that negativity can drain energy and stifle creativity, while positivity can fuel ambition and generate fresh ideas.

If you aspire to be successful, be mindful of the company you keep and the environment you immerse yourself in during your free time. Positive vibes only!

6) Forgetting loved ones

Amidst their hustle and drive, successful people never lose sight of what truly matters – their loved ones. They know that true success isn’t measured solely by professional accomplishments, but also by the quality of their relationships.

In their free time, they prioritize connecting with family and friends. Whether it’s a shared meal, a leisurely walk, or just a heart-to-heart conversation, they cherish these moments of connection.

After all, success is sweeter when you have people to share it with.

No matter how high you climb on the ladder of success, never forget the people who have been there for you and supported you along the way.

7) Neglecting self-care

In the quest for success, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. But successful people understand that attending to their own personal needs isn’t an indulgence, but a necessity.

I recall a time when I was so engrossed in my work that I neglected basic self-care. I skimped on sleep, ate poorly, and ignored signs of stress. The result? My productivity plummeted and my health took a hit. It was a wake-up call.

Now, no matter how busy I am, I make time for self-care – be it a quiet cup of tea, a brisk walk in the park, or just some quiet time to decompress. Because I’ve learned the hard way that taking care of myself is not only good for me but also crucial for my success.

Successful people never neglect self-care in their free time. They know their capacity to succeed is directly linked to their wellbeing. So they prioritize activities that nourish their mind, body, and soul.

8) Getting stuck in a rut

Successful people never allow themselves to get stuck in a rut during their free time. They know that variety is the spice of life, and applying this principle to how they spend their free time can lead to increased creativity, inspiration, and overall satisfaction.

Whether it’s exploring a new hobby, trying a new cuisine, or visiting a different part of town, they seek out new experiences and perspectives. They’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zone.

Stagnation is the enemy of progress. So, successful people make sure their free time involves a healthy dose of novelty and diversity.

9) Losing sight of their goals

Successful people never let their free time become a distraction from their larger goals. They might be taking a break from work, but they never take a break from their aspirations.

They use their free time to reflect on their path, reassess their objectives, and plan for the future. They understand that every moment, even those seemingly idle ones, can contribute to their journey of success.

Your free time is not just a break from work; it’s an integral part of your success story.

Final thoughts

The journey to success is a personal and often complex voyage. However, it’s clear that the way one spends their free time plays a significant role in that journey.

You may have noticed a recurring theme in the habits of successful people: intentionality. They don’t let their free time slip away aimlessly. Instead, they use it mindfully, balancing relaxation, self-improvement, and maintaining valuable relationships.

Remember, success isn’t solely about professional achievements; it’s about leading a balanced and fulfilling life.

So take a moment to reflect on how you spend your free time. Are your habits aligning with your goals? Are you living intentionally even in your off hours?

Consider these questions and remember that every moment can be a step towards success if used wisely.