Mastering the Weekend: Secrets of the Highly Successful People

When thinking about how the highly successful spend their weekends, images of relentless work and the hustle to stay ahead often dominate our perceptions. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Contrary to the popular belief that success is a product of non-stop grind, the reality of how many professionals manage their weekends leans more towards a deliberate attempt to recharge and reset.

Need proof? Just look at the studies

The significance of stepping away from work-related tasks to relax with activities that rejuvenate both mind and body shouldn’t be underestimated.

A study conducted by Stanford University in 2014 found a marked decline in productivity when the workweek extended beyond 50 hours. More strikingly, it revealed that pushing past 55 hours of work in a week results in such a drastic plummet in output that any effort beyond this threshold is barely worth the time.

Adding a global perspective to the issue, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in its first global study of its kind, found that working 55 hours or more per week was associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% increased risk of dying from heart disease compared to a more balanced working week of 35 to 40 hours.

The insights from Stanford and the WHO paint a clear picture: successful people do not simply work harder; they work smarter by integrating meaningful rest and rejuvenation into their schedules.

How to make the most of your weekends

  1. Prioritise Recharging Activities

Successful individuals are acutely aware of the importance of dedicating their weekends to pursuits that allow them to break away from the routine demands of their professional lives. This often involves engaging in hobbies that allow for creativity such as painting, cooking, or exploring new hobbies that stimulate a different part of the brain than their work does. They also understand the restorative power of simply doing nothing—allowing themselves time to daydream, ponder, or indulge in leisure reading. This strategic downtime is not about laziness but about resetting their mental and emotional state to start the new week with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

  1. Limit Weekend Work

Successful individuals also strive to draw a clear line between their work and personal life by deliberately limiting work during the weekend. This distinction is crucial for mental health and long-term productivity, as it prevents burnout and maintains a sustainable work-life balance. To achieve a work-free weekend, they employ strategies such as setting specific work boundaries, using technology wisely to avoid constant connectivity to work emails and prioritising tasks. By tackling the most critical tasks during the workweek, they free up the weekends as opportunities to rejuvenate and focus on personal growth.

  1. Engage in Physical Activity

We all know how important physical activity is for overall health and well-being, especially for professionals whose work often confines them to a desk for most of the day. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a challenging hike, a yoga session, or a competitive game of tennis, engaging in physical activity helps reduce stress, enhance mood, and boost energy levels. It serves not just as a counterbalance to the sedentary nature of desk jobs but also as a vital component of a successful lifestyle, improving focus and productivity when it’s time to return to work.

  1. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

For successful people, weekends are also an invaluable time to reconnect with family and friends. During the busy workweek, it’s easy to let personal relationships slide to the back burner. However, spending quality time with loved ones is central to maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Activities such as family meals, outings, or simply relaxing together support the emotional well-being necessary for your resilience as an entrepreneur.

  1. Pursue Personal Passions

The weekend offers a perfect opportunity to pursue personal interests and passions that there might not be time for during the workweek, and that are distinct from work-related achievements. Pursuing personal passions can stimulate creativity and innovation, attributes that filter back into your professional life, bringing new perspectives and solutions to challenges in the workplace.

  1. Plan for the Week Ahead

Preparation for the week ahead is another habit common among successful people. By setting aside time on the weekend to plan and prioritise upcoming tasks, they ensure a more organised and less stressful start to the week. This planning might involve setting goals, preparing schedules, or even meal prepping to save time on weekdays. Such foresight not only alleviates the Sunday night anxiety but also positions them to hit the ground running on Monday with a clear sense of direction and purpose.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to the coming weekend, let’s challenge ourselves to adopt at least one of these successful habits. Remember that in the pursuit of success, how we rest is just as important as how we work. So, how do you plan to switch off this weekend?

References: Laura Vanderkam, Author of What the Most Successful People Do on the Weekend.

Martin Baillie is a Business Coach and Growth Specialist at ActionCOACH Bury St Edmunds, committed to working with business owners to create sustainable, viable, profitable entities within the local community, and creating 1000 new jobs in the East Anglian region through that growth.

If you are looking to increase the profit in your business while freeing up time, and having a better work / life balance, there is no better time to start than now. Our business growth methodology is tried and tested, and we guarantee your results.

Contact Martin Baillie, ActionCOACH Bury St Edmunds now on Tel: 01284 334098. You can also follow him on LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook