10 Things Successful People Always Do in Their Free Time:

Success is not just about what people do during work hours; it is also about how they spend their free time. The habits formed outside of work contribute significantly to personal and professional growth. Highly successful individuals understand the importance of balance, personal development, and well-being. The following are 10 things successful people always do in their free time, backed by research and real-life examples.

1. Successful People Read: Reading is a common habit among successful individuals. Bill Gates, for example, reads around 50 books a year, believing that reading helps him learn and stay informed (Isaacson, 2017). Reading enhances knowledge, broadens perspectives, and fosters creativity. A study by the National Endowment for the Arts (2007) found that individuals who read frequently exhibit higher levels of civic engagement and analytical thinking skills.

Moreover, reading is linked to improved cognitive function and emotional intelligence. According to research by Wolf (2007), reading stimulates neural pathways and enhances critical thinking skills. Fiction, in particular, has been shown to improve empathy by allowing readers to experience different perspectives and emotions (Oatley, 2016). Business leaders such as Elon Musk and Warren Buffett have credited reading as a fundamental part of their success, using books to expand their knowledge and gain insights that contribute to their decision-making skills.

2. They Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a key component of a successful person’s routine. Studies suggest that regular exercise improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances productivity (Ratey, 2008). Many business leaders, including Barack Obama and Richard Branson, prioritize daily exercise to maintain energy and focus.

Exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and enhance mood, leading to increased motivation and efficiency in work and personal life. Research by Hillman et al. (2008) indicates that aerobic exercise improves brain function, particularly in areas related to memory and problem-solving. Additionally, regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases, ensuring long-term health and vitality.

Successful individuals also incorporate a variety of physical activities into their routines. Some prefer running or weight training, while others engage in yoga and meditation to improve mental clarity and emotional balance. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, starts his day with a rigorous workout, emphasizing the importance of physical health in achieving high performance (Isaacson, 2017).

3. They Value Their Relationships: Successful individuals recognize the importance of maintaining strong personal and professional relationships. Harvard University’s Grant Study, which tracked participants for over 75 years, concluded that quality relationships contribute significantly to long-term happiness and success (Vaillant, 2012). Networking and nurturing friendships play crucial roles in personal fulfillment.

Strong relationships provide emotional support, enhance well-being, and contribute to a sense of belonging. Studies have shown that people with healthy relationships experience lower levels of stress and higher overall life satisfaction (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). Effective networking also plays a crucial role in professional growth, helping individuals gain new opportunities, insights, and collaborations.

In the business world, successful individuals make time to connect with family, friends, and mentors despite their busy schedules. Oprah Winfrey has often spoken about the importance of surrounding herself with positive and inspiring people who support her journey (Koehn, 2017). Similarly, Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, prioritizes compassion and strong workplace relationships, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.

4. They Engage in Hobbies: Successful people understand the importance of pursuing hobbies beyond their professional obligations. Hobbies provide a creative outlet, reduce stress, and contribute to overall happiness. Engaging in a hobby allows individuals to develop new skills and enhance their cognitive abilities. Research by Kujala (2018) suggests that leisure activities such as playing musical instruments, painting, or gardening improve brain function and increase problem-solving skills.

Additionally, many influential leaders and entrepreneurs have well-documented hobbies. For example, Warren Buffett plays the ukulele, which he claims helps him relax and maintain mental sharpness. Similarly, former U.S. President George W. Bush took up painting as a way to channel his creativity and manage stress. By dedicating time to hobbies, successful individuals maintain a well-rounded life that fuels both personal fulfillment and professional performance.

5. They Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation are essential practices for many successful individuals. These practices help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional intelligence. Studies have shown that mindfulness improves mental clarity and resilience, making it easier to handle challenges and make sound decisions (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). Many business leaders, including Oprah Winfrey and Steve Jobs, have credited mindfulness with helping them maintain balance and stay present in their daily lives.

Meditation is one of the most common mindfulness practices. Research by Tang, Hölzel, and Posner (2015) found that meditation improves cognitive function, emotional regulation, and even physical health. The practice of mindfulness extends beyond meditation; successful people also engage in activities like journaling, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature to cultivate a sense of peace and presence.

6. They Give Back to the Community: Philanthropy and community service are common among successful individuals. Giving back fosters a sense of purpose, builds stronger communities, and contributes to long-term well-being. A study by Dunn, Aknin, and Norton (2008) found that spending money on others increases personal happiness and satisfaction more than spending money on oneself.

Successful people often use their resources and influence to create meaningful change. Bill and Melinda Gates, for example, have donated billions to global health initiatives through the Gates Foundation. Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan pledged 99% of their Facebook shares to charity. Even those without immense wealth contribute through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting local causes. By giving back, successful individuals cultivate a sense of fulfillment and leave a lasting impact on society.

7. They Pursue Continuous Learning: Successful individuals never stop learning. Whether through formal education, self-study, or skill development, continuous learning allows them to adapt to new challenges and stay ahead in their fields. Research by Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer (1993) highlights that deliberate practice and lifelong learning significantly impact expertise and career success.

Many influential figures dedicate time to learning. For example, Elon Musk is known for his self-taught expertise in aerospace and artificial intelligence by reading textbooks and consulting experts. Online courses, podcasts, and professional workshops are also popular methods among successful individuals to keep expanding their knowledge and improving their skills.

8. They Embrace Downtime: While hard work is crucial to success, so is rest. Successful people recognize the importance of taking breaks and allowing their minds and bodies to recharge. Studies suggest that strategic downtime enhances creativity, improves problem-solving skills, and reduces burnout (Sonnentag & Fritz, 2007).

Many business leaders incorporate downtime into their routines to avoid exhaustion. Bill Gates, for instance, takes “think weeks” to isolate himself, read extensively, and reflect on big-picture ideas. Others prioritize vacations, afternoon naps, or simple leisure activities like walking in nature to reset their minds. By embracing rest, successful people maintain sustained productivity and mental well-being.

9. They Set Personal Goals: Goal-setting is a key habit of successful individuals. Setting personal goals—whether related to health, career, or personal development—keeps them motivated and focused. Locke and Latham’s (1990) goal-setting theory emphasizes that clear and challenging goals lead to higher performance and achievement.

Many successful individuals, such as Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn, have emphasized the power of written goals and visualization. They use goal-setting techniques such as journaling, vision boards, and progress tracking to stay committed to their aspirations. Whether short-term or long-term, personal goals provide direction and purpose.

10. They Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is a fundamental practice among successful people. Maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for sustained performance. Research by Donald, Atkins, Parker, Christie, & Ryan (2016) suggests that self-care routines help reduce stress, boost emotional resilience, and enhance overall life satisfaction.

Successful individuals engage in various self-care activities, including healthy eating, regular exercise, quality sleep, and relaxation techniques. Arianna Huffington, for example, is a strong advocate for sleep, emphasizing its role in productivity and success. Others, like Jeff Bezos, ensure they get at least eight hours of sleep to maintain peak performance. By prioritizing self-care, successful individuals sustain their energy, focus, and long-term well-being.

It is apparent that the habits of successful people extend beyond their professional lives. They invest their free time in activities that contribute to their personal growth, well-being, and overall success. By incorporating reading, exercise, relationship-building, hobbies, mindfulness, philanthropy, continuous learning, downtime, goal-setting, and self-care into their daily lives, anyone can pave the way toward a more fulfilling and accomplished future.

References:

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