8 weekend habits of unsuccessful people who never move forward in life

There’s a clear divide between people who make progress in life, and those who don’t.

Often, this difference boils down to habits. Particularly, what you do with your downtime.

It’s easy to fall into traps that keep you stagnant, especially on the weekends. You might believe you’re just relaxing, but there are certain behaviors that can hold you back.

I’ve narrowed down eight key weekend habits of people who never seem to move forward in life. And I’m going to share them with you.

Let’s dive in, so you can avoid these pitfalls and start making real progress towards your goals.

1) Sleeping in

For many, the allure of a weekend is the chance to sleep in. This sounds great in theory, but it can actually be a massive hindrance.

When you sleep in, you’re essentially robbing yourself of productive morning hours. In fact, some of the most successful people are known for their early morning routines.

Of course, rest is important. But there’s a big difference between getting adequate sleep and oversleeping regularly.

Weekend lie-ins can throw off your sleep schedule and lead to a lack of discipline in other areas of your life.

It’s a habit that might feel good in the moment, but it’s one that holds you back from moving forward.

2) Lack of planning

I’ve had my fair share of unproductive weekends. I used to think that the best way to enjoy my time off was to have no plan at all. Just go with the flow, right?

Wrong. This approach often led me to waste my entire weekend on mindless activities, like binge-watching TV shows or aimlessly scrolling social media.

I soon realized that having a loose plan for my weekends was crucial for productivity and progress.

This doesn’t mean scheduling every minute. It’s more about setting goals for what you want to accomplish, be it learning a new skill, working on a personal project, or even ensuring quality time with loved ones.

Since adopting this habit, I’ve noticed a significant boost in my productivity and overall satisfaction.

3) Neglecting physical activity

It’s easy to neglect physical activity during the weekend, especially if you’re tired from a long work week. However, this inactive habit can significantly hinder your progress in life.

Research shows that engaging in regular physical activity can enhance our mood, improve sleep, and boost overall mental health – all key factors for success.

Moreover, physical exercise is found to stimulate brain regions involved in memory function, which can aid your personal and professional growth.

Whether it’s a quick morning jog, a bike ride in the afternoon, or a yoga class, integrating some form of exercise into your weekend routine can prove to be extremely beneficial. Make the most out of your weekends by staying active and keeping your mind sharp.

4) Overindulging

Weekends often come with the temptation to overindulge, be it in food, drinks, or even screen time. While it’s perfectly okay to treat yourself occasionally, consistently overdoing it can create a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

Overindulging can lead to feelings of guilt, sluggishness, and even impact your health in the long run. It also hinders you from pursuing productive activities that could contribute to your personal and professional growth.

Striking a balance is key. Enjoy your favorite treats, but in moderation. And remember, true relaxation and enjoyment don’t always have to involve excess. Sometimes, less truly is more.

5) Ignoring self-care

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy for self-care to fall by the wayside. But neglecting to nurture your own wellbeing is a surefire way to stagnate.

Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself with a spa day or a shopping spree (although those can certainly be part of it). It’s also about taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Perhaps it’s setting aside time for meditation, spending an hour reading a book you love, or taking a walk in nature. These moments of quiet reflection can recharge your mind and renew your spirit, setting you up for success in the week ahead.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing self-care is not only essential for your own wellbeing but also plays a crucial role in determining your overall progress in life.

6) Avoiding difficult tasks

There was a time when I’d let difficult tasks or decisions pile up, saving them for the “right moment”. I thought that by ignoring them, they would somehow resolve themselves or become less daunting.

But, as you can probably guess, that was never the case. The tasks didn’t disappear. Instead, they became overwhelming monsters, casting a shadow over my weekends.

Avoiding difficult tasks or decisions can seem like the easy way out, but it’s a habit that holds you back. It hinders progress and creates unnecessary stress.

Tackling these tasks head-on, however daunting they may seem, not only clears your to-do list but also enhances your problem-solving skills and boosts your confidence.

Face those challenges. You’ll be surprised at how much you’re capable of and how much you can achieve.

7) Staying in a comfort zone

It’s natural to gravitate towards comfort. After all, it’s easy, familiar, and well, comfortable. But staying within your comfort zone all the time, especially during your free time, can hinder you from moving forward in life.

Growth and progress often come from challenging ourselves and trying new things. It could be picking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or even meeting new people.

Doing something outside of your comfort zone might feel intimidating at first, but it’s these experiences that help us grow and learn about ourselves.

When the weekend rolls around, try doing something that scares you a little. You never know what doors it might open.

8) Neglecting relationships

In the pursuit of personal growth and success, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nurturing relationships. But human connections, be it with family, friends, or colleagues, are an integral part of our lives.

Strong relationships can provide support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. They can also offer different perspectives and opportunities for learning and growth.

If you’re spending your weekends solely focused on work or individual pursuits, you might want to reconsider. Make time to connect with others. 

Final thoughts: The power of habits

Whether it’s oversleeping, avoiding physical activity, overindulging or neglecting relationships, these habits can subtly keep you stuck in a cycle of stagnation.

But remember, habits aren’t set in stone. They’re learned behaviors, and they can be unlearned too. It might take some effort and persistence, but the payoff is worth it.

As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

As you move forward, reflect on your weekend habits. Are they serving you or holding you back? The power to change lies within you. Choose wisely, for these choices shape your life.