10 things highly successful people usually do on Friday evenings, according to psychology

There’s a common misconception that highly successful people are always “on” – constantly hustling and grinding from dawn till dusk. But, that’s not always the case.

It’s all about balance. Even the most successful folks understand the importance of downtime – especially on Friday evenings.

According to psychology, there are certain activities these high-achievers usually engage in as the workweek draws to a close. And guess what? They’re not as “workaholic” as you might think.

Get ready to uncover the 10 things highly successful people usually do on Friday evenings. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They unwind and recharge

Contrary to popular belief, highly successful people don’t spend their Friday evenings glued to their work desks. In fact, they understand the importance of rest and rejuvenation.

Psychology backs this up – chronic stress and constant work can lead to burnout, which isn’t conducive to success. So, instead of pushing through fatigue and working into the night, successful individuals use Friday evenings as a time to unwind.

This could mean different things for different people. Some might indulge in a favorite hobby, some perhaps engage in physical activity, while others may prefer a quiet evening at home.

The key takeaway here is that they prioritize recharging their energy reserves, understanding that this downtime will fuel their productivity in the days to come. It’s a strategic move, not a lazy one.

It’s all about balance. Work hard during the week, then take time to recharge on Friday evenings. It’s a simple but effective habit of the highly successful.

But it’s about finding what works for you – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success.

2) They plan for the week ahead

Something I’ve noticed about successful people is their knack for planning and setting goals. For them, Friday evenings aren’t just about kicking back and forgetting about work. They’re also about looking ahead and preparing for the week to come.

I’ll share my own experience. As a writer, I’ve found that using my Friday evening to plan out my work for the next week has made a huge difference in my productivity and stress levels.

I take a few moments after dinner on Fridays to jot down my tasks for the upcoming week, prioritize them, and set realistic goals for each. I don’t go into fine details, just a general outline so I have a clear vision of what’s ahead.

This practice has not only helped me stay organized, but also allowed me to fully relax over the weekend, knowing that I’ve got everything under control for Monday.

If you’re looking to emulate highly successful people, consider spending a bit of your Friday evening planning for the week ahead. It’s a small investment of time that can pay big dividends in terms of productivity and peace of mind.

3) They prioritize family and social connections

Psychology has long established the importance of social connections for our overall well-being. Humans are social creatures, and having strong, positive relationships is linked to better mental and physical health.

Successful people understand this, and often use their Friday evenings to nurture these relationships. Whether it’s a family game night, a dinner with friends, or a simple phone call to a loved one – they ensure to set aside time for those who matter most.

People’s happiness tends to increase with the amount of time they spend with family and friends.

While working hard is important, so is bonding with our loved ones. And what better time to do this than on a Friday evening? It’s about investing in your personal life as much as your professional one – something that successful people are well aware of.

4) They indulge in self-care

Highly successful people know that taking care of their mind and body is essential for maintaining their performance. That’s why Friday evenings often involve a routine of self-care.

This could be anything from a relaxing bath, a meditation session, reading a good book, or any activity that helps them relax and rejuvenate.

Regular self-care is not just about relaxation, but also about maintaining good health. It’s about listening to your body and mind, and giving them what they need to function optimally.

So, while it might seem indulgent to spend an evening pampering yourself, remember that it’s an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being and productivity. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

5) They pursue personal passions

While their workweek might be filled with meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities, successful individuals make it a point to pursue personal passions on Friday evenings.

Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or even learning a new language – they ensure to dedicate time to activities they truly enjoy and that allow them to express themselves creatively.

This isn’t just about having fun – it’s also about personal growth. Pursuing personal passions can lead to acquiring new skills, broadening perspectives, and even discovering new opportunities. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about professional achievements, but also about personal fulfillment and happiness.

6) They reflect on their accomplishments

Success isn’t just about always moving forward; it’s also about pausing to recognize how far you’ve come. On Friday evenings, many successful people take the time to reflect on their accomplishments of the week.

These moments of reflection aren’t about feeding their ego. Rather, they serve as a reminder of their capabilities and reinforce a sense of self-confidence.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose sight of our achievements. But taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate even our small victories can significantly boost our motivation and morale.

As the workweek winds down, try making it a habit to reflect on what you’ve accomplished. You’ll be surprised at how this simple act can fill you with a renewed sense of purpose and drive.

7) They disconnect from technology

In a world where we’re constantly connected, it can feel almost impossible to unplug. But taking a break from technology is something that successful people often incorporate into their Friday evening routine.

I’ve found this to be a game-changer in my own life. Spending the evening away from screens – no emails, no social media, no work calls – allows me to truly relax and engage with the people and activities I love.

This tech detox, even if just for a few hours, can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being. Plus, it provides an opportunity to live in the moment and appreciate the world beyond our digital devices.

While it may be challenging at first to step away from our screens, the benefits are undeniable. So why not give it a try this Friday? You might be surprised at how refreshing it feels.

8) They dare to be bored

In our fast-paced, always-connected society, boredom is often viewed negatively. But successful people understand that there’s value in letting the mind wander.

Rather than filling every moment with activities or distractions, they allow themselves to simply be. This could mean sitting quietly on the porch, watching the sunset, or just sitting in silence with a cup of tea.

Interestingly, studies have shown that periods of boredom can actually spark creativity and problem-solving. When our minds are free from the constant influx of information and stimuli, they have the space to come up with new ideas and solutions.

So, this Friday evening, why not try embracing boredom? You might just find it’s the perfect breeding ground for your next big idea.

9) They get a head start on sleep

We often underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. For successful people, Friday evening is not about staying up late into the night but about getting a head start on quality sleep.

Research shows that getting adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive functions like memory, attention, and creativity. It also plays a significant role in maintaining our physical health.

Successful people understand this and prioritize getting a good night’s sleep, especially after a long week of work. This means creating an inviting sleep environment and sticking to a regular bedtime.

So, think twice before you trade sleep for extra work or late-night TV this Friday. Remember, your mind and body need rest to function at their best.

10) They embrace the joy of missing out

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel pressured to always be doing something, attending every event, or staying constantly in the loop. But successful people know the value of embracing the joy of missing out, or JOMO.

Rather than feeling anxious about not attending every social gathering or checking every notification, they cherish their Friday evenings as a time to disconnect, recharge, and focus on what truly matters to them.

This isn’t about isolation, but rather about intentional living – choosing activities that enrich their lives and contribute to their well-being.

So this Friday, give yourself permission to embrace JOMO. It’s a liberating feeling, and it might just be the key to your success.