Have you ever thought about what makes some people more successful than others?

It’s not just about what they do, but also what they avoid doing.

Success isn’t just built during work hours.

It also happens in between – in our free time. How we use this time can really make a difference in our success journey.

This isn’t about working every waking hour, but rather making the most of your free time.

So, let’s dive into the 9 things successful people avoid doing when they’re not working.

You might find habits you need to break or new ones to start!

1. They Don’t Become Couch Potatoes

Successful people understand that free time isn’t an excuse to be inactive.

They don’t spend their entire day lounging around, watching TV or movies.

Sure, everyone enjoys a good show or film, but successful people know the importance of moderation.

Instead of spending hours on the couch, they use their free time productively – to learn something new, improve a skill, or pursue a hobby.

There’s always room for relaxation and entertainment, but it’s essential to strike a balance and not let leisure activities consume all your free time.

2. They Don’t Ignore Family and Friends

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but successful people understand the value of relationships.

They don’t ignore their loved ones or take them for granted.

While they might be busy, they make sure to spend quality time with their family and friends during their free time.

This not only strengthens their relationships but also provides them with a much-needed break from their work.

After all, success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about personal happiness too.

3. They Don’t Forget to Exercise

It might seem hard to fit it in, but successful people never let a day pass without some form of physical activity.

I’ve found this to be true in my own life as well. There was a time when I’d use my free time to catch up on work or just relax.

Exercise was the last thing on my mind. But as I made it a point to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into my daily routine, I felt a significant change not just in my health, but also in my overall productivity and mood.

Now, no matter how busy my day might be, I make sure to get up and get moving – be it a quick jog around the block or a full-blown workout session at the gym.

Successful people understand that taking care of their health is a non-negotiable aspect of achieving success.

4. They Don’t Neglect Personal Development

Successful people realize that learning doesn’t stop when school ends.

They consistently invest time in personal development, be it reading a book, learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, or enrolling in an online course.

Success comes to those who strive for growth and are open to new experiences and knowledge.

In their free time, successful people are committed to expanding their horizons and improving themselves.

5. They Don’t Overlook the Power of Giving Back

Successful people understand that true success extends beyond personal and professional achievements.

It also lies in the impact they make on others’ lives.

They recognize that they are part of a larger community and that giving back to this community is not just a responsibility, but a privilege.

Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring someone, donating to a cause close to their heart, or simply helping out a neighbor, they find ways to give back.

Filling their free time with acts of kindness adds a sense of fulfillment and purpose that success alone cannot provide.

In the end, it’s not just about what we achieve for ourselves, but how we use our achievements to make a difference in the lives of others.

6. They Don’t Ignore Their Passions

Successful people understand the importance of nurturing their passions.

Even if it’s something that doesn’t directly contribute to their professional success, they take out time for activities they truly love.

Personally, I’ve always been passionate about painting.

While it doesn’t have anything to do with my day job, I make sure to spend some time each week with my brushes and canvas.

It’s not just about creating art, but also about the joy and relaxation it brings me.

This ‘me-time’ helps me unwind, recharge, and keeps my creative juices flowing. In their free time, successful people indulge in their passions, reminding themselves that there’s more to life than just work.

7. They Don’t Indulge in Negative Self-Talk

We all have moments of self-doubt and insecurity. But successful people? They don’t let these moments define them.

They understand that their inner voice can be their biggest critic or their fiercest advocate.

They don’t waste their free time beating themselves up over mistakes or dwelling on their shortcomings.

Instead, they consciously combat negative self-talk with positive affirmations and constructive self-reflection.

They treat failures as lessons, not as a verdict on their abilities. Remember, the way you talk to yourself matters.

Be kind, be patient, and always remind yourself of your worth and potential.

8. They Don’t Procrastinate

Successful people understand the value of time and don’t put off tasks until the last minute.

They use their free time wisely, whether it’s to plan for the upcoming week, finish a book, or work on a personal project.

Look, 95% of us procrastinate to some degree. But successful people manage to overcome this urge.

They know that procrastination can lead to stress and rushed work, so they tackle tasks head-on and are proactive in managing their responsibilities.

9. They Don’t Forget to Unplug

In this digital age, it’s easy to be constantly connected.

But successful people understand the importance of unplugging and taking a break from screens. I can personally vouch for this.

There was a time when I’d find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media or checking work emails even during my off hours. It was as if I was always ‘on’.

But I soon realized this constant connectivity was only adding to my stress and affecting my productivity.

Now, I make it a point to set aside some screen-free time each day. Be it taking a walk, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, this ‘unplugged’ time helps me recharge and brings in clarity.

Successful people value their free time and ensure they are not constantly tethered to digital devices.