Every weekend, you promise yourself this time will be different—you’ll stay on track, stick to your goals, and keep up your momentum. B

ut somehow, come Sunday night, you’re left wondering where the time went and why your discipline slipped away.

Sound familiar?

Weekends can be a trap that undoes all our hard work from the week. But highly disciplined people know that success isn’t built by chance; it’s a choice they make every day, including Saturdays and Sundays.

They use their weekends to build on their progress—not take a break from it.

If you’re ready to finally break free from the cycle and make meaningful strides toward your goals, it’s time to rethink your approach.

Here are eight weekend habits of people who’ve mastered self-discipline—habits you can adopt to transform your weekends into a springboard for success.

1) Highly-disciplined people plan their weekends in advance

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that weekends are for spontaneity and weekdays are for structure. However, highly-disciplined people understand the importance of planning even their off days.

Highly-disciplined people often have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish over the weekend, whether it’s completing a personal project, connecting with loved ones, or simply recharging their batteries.

They make these decisions ahead of time to avoid the stress and indecision that can come from last-minute planning.

This proactive approach allows them to maximize their free time and ensure they’re using it in ways that support their overall well-being and objectives.

It also provides a sense of control and purpose, which can contribute to a greater sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

2) They prioritize self-care

One thing that’s non-negotiable for me during weekends is self-care. And I’ve noticed this is a common thread among highly disciplined individuals.

Self-care can take on many forms. It might be:

• A morning run or yoga session
• An afternoon spent reading a thought-provoking book
• An evening dedicated to cooking a nourishing meal

The key is to engage in activities that rejuvenate us and make us feel centered.

Self-awareness plays an important role here. By understanding what truly replenishes us, we can make more conscious choices about how we spend our weekends.

Then, by taking the time to nurture ourselves, we create the space for transformation and growth.

3) They maintain a learning mindset

A common trait among highly-disciplined people is their commitment to learning.

Weekends provide a perfect opportunity to indulge in this habit. Whether it’s reading a book, taking an online course, or exploring a new skill, disciplined people consistently invest in their personal growth.

I’ve found that this learning mindset not only enhances my skills but also enriches my understanding of the world and myself.

One resource I’ve found particularly useful is my video on the illusion of happiness and why chasing it makes you miserable.

This video challenges the common belief that pursuing happiness is the key to a fulfilling life.

It suggests that true contentment comes from within, by embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself.

Here’s the link to the video:

Incorporating learning into your weekend routine can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose while also expanding your horizons. 

4) They embrace failures as learning opportunities

Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and weekends are no exception. We might have grand plans that don’t play out as expected, or we might make mistakes that lead to disappointment or regret.

Highly-disciplined people understand that failure is an inherent part of life’s journey. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or blame, they choose to see every setback as an opportunity for growth and learning.

This can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s not easy to face our shortcomings and missteps head-on.

But it’s in these moments of discomfort that we get to know ourselves better, confront our fears, and build resilience.

In my own life, I’ve found that the harshest failures often serve as catalysts for the most profound personal transformations. When we lean into the discomfort of failure, we create space for creativity and innovation.

5) They prioritize meaningful connections

Weekends offer a unique opportunity to connect with others in a more relaxed and intimate way.

Highly-disciplined people understand the profound importance of these connections and make it a point to nurture them.

That’s why they spend their weekends investing time and energy in relationships that enrich their lives and challenge them to grow.

It’s about having deep, meaningful conversations that go beyond surface-level chitchat.

It’s about showing up for our loved ones in times of need.

It’s about laughing together, sharing experiences, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

I’ve often found that the quality of my connections significantly influences my overall well-being and happiness.

Deeply engaging with others helps me to:

• Understand different perspectives
• Learn new things
• Feel a sense of belonging

However, creating meaningful connections is not always easy. It requires vulnerability, empathy, and genuine interest in others. Here’s a video where I delve into this topic further:

In this video, I share my insights on choosing a life partner based on authentic connections and long-term compatibility. The principles discussed here can be applied to all relationships in our lives.

6) They allow for unstructured time

In the midst of our structured lives, it’s easy to forget the importance of unstructured time.

While discipline often involves planning and structure, it’s also about understanding when to let go and just be.

Highly-disciplined people understand the value of downtime. This is time without any specific goals or tasks, where one can simply relax, reflect, or engage in enjoyable activities.

It’s a time for spontaneous creativity, where new ideas often emerge.

Unstructured time is not wasted time. It’s an opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level, to nurture our mental and emotional health. 

While it might seem counterproductive in our achievement-oriented society, allowing for unstructured time can actually boost productivity and well-being.

It balances out our structured activities and provides the space for personal growth and self-awareness.

So, while planning your weekend, make sure to factor in some unstructured time.

Whether it’s a lazy morning in bed, a leisurely walk in the park, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, this downtime can be incredibly beneficial.

7) They set aside time for reflection

Highly-disciplined people understand the importance of regular self-reflection. They know that to truly grow and evolve, they need to consistently evaluate their actions, decisions, and experiences.

During the weekend, disciplined individuals often carve out time for this introspection. This could be:

• Journaling
• Meditation
• Sitting quietly
• Reflecting on the past week

This reflective practice allows them to gain insight into their behavior, identify areas for improvement, and plan for the week ahead.

Reflection also helps in aligning our actions with our values. It provides us with a clearer understanding of whether we are living in a way that truly resonates with our core beliefs.

For instance, if one of your values is creativity, reflecting on your past week can help you understand if you’ve given enough time and energy to creative pursuits.

This practice of self-reflection can be transformative. It not only makes us more self-aware but also empowers us to live more intentionally and authentically.

8) They disconnect to reconnect

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to get swept away in the constant stream of notifications, emails, and updates.

However, highly-disciplined people understand the value of digitally detoxing during the weekend.

Disconnecting from technology gives us a chance to reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. It helps us:

• Avoid distractions
• Reduce stress
• Focus on what truly matters

This could mean turning off your phone for a few hours, avoiding work emails, or even going for a technology-free walk in nature.

The idea is to create space for quiet contemplation and genuine connection – with ourselves and others.

Disconnecting to reconnect enables us to live more fully in the present moment. It brings us back to our human roots and reminds us of what’s truly important in life. 

Discipline: A pathway to personal freedom

Building discipline is about creating a rhythm that supports your goals, even when you’re off the clock.

Highly disciplined people don’t rely on sheer willpower; they set up their weekends intentionally to fuel their growth, balance their lives, and reinforce the habits they’re working toward.

If you’re ready to see real progress, try incorporating even one or two of these habits next weekend.

Over time, these small changes can shift your mindset and strengthen your commitment to your goals.

Here’s to weekends that don’t set you back but push you forward on the path you’re determined to follow.