Have you ever wondered what unsuccessful people do with their downtime? It’s not a topic that gets much airtime, but it can be fascinating – and potentially revealing.

Get ready to have your preconceptions challenged as we delve into the lesser-explored side of success.

Here’s an enlightening peek into the free time habits of the less successful, and why they might be holding them back.

1) Aimless scrolling

It’s a trap we’ve all fallen into.

You pick up your phone to check one thing, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds, news sites or shopping platforms.

This is a common pastime for the less successful. But why is it a problem?

Well, it’s essentially empty calories for your brain. It doesn’t stimulate thought, it doesn’t inspire creativity, and it doesn’t contribute to personal growth or achievement.

In fact, research shows that excessive screen time can lead to lower levels of productivity and satisfaction.

So, if your free time often sees you lost in the digital abyss of aimless scrolling, it might be time for a reality check.

Break free from the cycle and dedicate your downtime to more fruitful pursuits to start moving towards success.

2) Binge-watching television

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a good Netflix binge as much as the next person.

There’s something comforting about immersing yourself in a fictional world for a few hours, forgetting about your own problems and responsibilities.

But I’ve noticed that when relaxation turns into routine, when the highlight of my day is the next episode, that’s when alarm bells start to ring.

If you’re finding that you’re spending most of your free time watching other people’s lives on screen rather than living your own, this could be a sign that you’re stuck in an unproductive rut.

Television can be great entertainment, but it shouldn’t become a substitute for real-life experiences and personal growth.

It’s all about balance. Enjoy your favorite shows, but also make sure you’re spending time on activities that stimulate your mind, improve your skills, or contribute to your goals.

3) Procrastination disguised as relaxation

I have to confess, there was a time when I was a master procrastinator.

I remember this one time I had a major presentation due for work, one that could have seriously boosted my career. Instead of working on it, I found myself spending hours reorganizing my bookshelf, sorting my socks by color, and even repotting all my indoor plants.

I convinced myself that I was just taking some well-deserved downtime. But looking back now, I realize that it was procrastination in disguise.

Unsuccessful people often spend their free time avoiding their responsibilities rather than facing them head-on. They hide behind seemingly productive tasks to avoid doing what really matters.

If you’re spending your free time doing things that could be put off rather than focusing on tasks that could move you forward, you’re probably standing in your own way.

Procrastination is a tough habit to break, but recognizing it is the first step to overcoming it.

4) Staying stuck in a comfort zone

Did you know that the comfort zone is actually a psychological state where things feel familiar to a person, and they are at ease and in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and stress?

In this zone, a steady level of performance is possible.

But here’s the thing – while it’s comfortable and safe, not much growth happens here.

Unsuccessful people often spend their free time staying within their comfort zones. They stick to what they know and avoid trying new things or taking risks.

While this can feel safe and even satisfying in the short term, in the long term it can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities.

Pushing beyond your comfort zone can be scary, but it’s also where you’ll find the most growth and potential for success.

Whether it’s learning a new skill, trying a new hobby or simply changing up your routine, stepping out of your comfort zone could be the change you need to kick-start your journey to success.

5) Neglecting self-improvement

When it comes to self-improvement, I’ve found that it’s not always about doing more, but rather about doing things differently.

Unsuccessful people often spend their free time without investing in self-improvement. They might be busy, but they’re not necessarily productive.

They might be doing things, but not the right things.

Think about it. Are you spending your free time learning a new language, reading educational books, working out, or doing other activities that contribute to your growth personally or professionally?

Or are you just filling up the hours with activities that don’t really add value to your life?

The key is to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to how you spend your free time. A few hours spent on focused, purposeful self-improvement can be far more valuable than a whole day spent aimlessly.

Remember, it’s not about being busy. It’s about being productive and intentional with your time. Your free time is a golden opportunity for self-improvement – don’t waste it.

6) Shunning social interaction

I’ve noticed that many unsuccessful people spend a lot of their free time alone.

Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying some solitude. It can be a great way to unwind and recharge.

However, consistently avoiding social interaction can lead to missed opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Networking, building relationships, and learning from others are all important elements of success that often take place in social settings.

Also, connecting with others opens up a world of different perspectives, ideas, and experiences that can enrich your life and broaden your horizons.

If you find yourself consistently choosing isolation over interaction in your free time, it may be worth reconsidering your approach.

Strike a balance between solitude and socializing to make the most out of your free time.

7) Ignoring health and wellness

This is a big one. 

Instead of staying active, eating nutritious food, or practicing mindfulness, they might opt for fast food, sedentary activities, or just zoning out.

This isn’t about body shaming or pushing for unrealistic fitness goals. It’s about recognizing that our physical and mental health plays a huge role in our overall success.

When we’re physically healthy, we have more energy, our minds are sharper, and we’re generally better equipped to face the challenges that come our way.

Similarly, when we’re mentally healthy, we’re more resilient, focused, and better able to handle stress and adversity.

If you notice that your free time habits aren’t supporting your health and wellness, it might be time for a change.

Small steps towards healthier habits can make a big difference in your journey to success.

8) Living without goals or plans

I’ve saved this point for last because I believe it’s the most critical.

They drift along, letting life happen to them rather than taking charge and shaping their own destiny.

Free time can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, but only if it’s used strategically.

Without clear goals and a plan to achieve them, it’s easy to get caught up in unproductive activities that waste time and energy without moving you forward.

Setting goals gives you a sense of direction. It turns your vague dreams into tangible targets that you can work towards in your free time.

Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a side hustle, or pursuing a hobby with passion, having a goal can transform your free time into productive, fulfilling periods that bring you one step closer to success.

So if you’re spending your free time without any clear goals or plans, it might be time to sit down, reflect on what you want from life, and start setting some targets.

Every journey starts with a single step. Make sure your steps are leading you towards success.

Final thoughts

Reflecting on how we spend our free time can be an eye-opener.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of aimless scrolling, binge-watching, or staying stuck in a comfort zone. But recognizing these tendencies is the first step towards change.

Ask yourself, are you spending your free time in a way that supports your goals and enriches your life? Or are you merely passing time?

If you’re not happy with where you are, maybe it’s time to do things differently.

Consider this an invitation to use your free time more constructively. Set clear goals, step out of your comfort zone, invest in self-improvement, and nurture your health and well-being.

Start small if you need to. Each small step towards better habits can make a significant difference over time.

Reflect on these points, and see where you can make changes. Time is a precious resource – make sure you’re spending it wisely.