You may have heard the phrase that success leaves clues. These clues can serve as a roadmap for us to follow. Those of us who are actively trying to improve like to pick out role models or people who are where we want to be and follow their path.
During the workweek, it is often obvious the steps that we should take to get ahead. The Life You Can Afford to Live and Drive Planning spends a copious amount of time on winning at the workplace and in life. I have noticed that truly successful people create an intentional approach to their life all week long. Even throughout the weekends they are creating relationships and participating in activities which enhance their personal growth and development.
Time with Family and Friends
Surrounding yourself with those closest to you reminds you of your purpose and grounds you. This time serves as a reminder for why you work so hard and what is truly important.
Vacation
Getting away from the same scenery and town is educational and energizing. Traveling always reminds me of the diverse world that we live in thus making me more appreciative and thankful for all of the different cultures. This time away almost always proves to be the times when Jackie and I meet the most interesting people.
Worship
As a Christian I respect Sundays. Therefore, I will most often be in my home church giving praise. Regardless of your style of worship it is healthy to recognize and serve something bigger than yourself. Successful people most often recognize their place in the world and universe.
Avoid Work
As I just mentioned above I certainly do not want to work on a Sunday but that goes for any portion weekend. It is a misconception that successful people work 7 days per week. Truly successful people lead rich lives outside of the workplace. There has become an American trend to tout your lengthy work hours as a badge of honor, no thanks. If you work effectively and smart; you can enjoy your weekends outside of the office. Lastly, I certainly want to avoid mundane chores. Most tasks that are in this category should be outsourced to someone who is better suited for the task than yourself. Use your time more wisely.
Exercise
The extra hours which are available on a Saturday and Sunday are perfect for exercise. There are numerous studies that prove healthy, active people do better financially and relationally. Working your body releases stress and helps you to stay mentally sharp throughout the week. As a side note, as a rule successful people workout throughout the week as well.
Read
Leaders are readers. Every successful person that I know reads books. However, every reader that I isn’t successful. So, you figure that one out:) For me there is no better time of the week than a Sunday afternoon to spend with a book. As I have mentioned on The Life You Can Afford to Live blog, my reading habit is to focus on three books at a time; Business, Faith and a Suspense Novel.
Network
Making connections with others throughout the week can be difficult for someone who leads a busy life. Successful people recognize the importance of maintaining a successful network. At Drive Planning we teach our Members that “Your Network is Your Net Worth”. There is certainly a correlation between the friends you keep and your income. Many believe that your income will gravitate to your five closest friends income. Think about your relationships and see if that holds true for you.
Plan for Next Week and Long Term
My wife is great at this! She will plan her meals and wardrobe out for the week. Even going as far as prepping the meals ahead of time. This allows her to avoid bad eating decisions simply because she may be in a hurry. As for the clothes, there are numerous accounts of Presidents and other high achievers who either practice this planning method or plan to wear the same suit or clothes day in day out. This is one less decision that frees their mind for more important matters.
Long Term Planning during the weekends is perfect due to weekends general slower pace. The slower pace allows you to take a big picture approach and evaluate if you are on course. Trust me on this one, successful people plan everything.
Get Creative
Weekends are perfect times to allow your creativity to flow. Taking up a hobby or pursuing a passion is a frequent weekend activity for successful people. This creativity even helps to be a more creative problem solver in the workplace and a more well rounded person. So, while it may not look like you are working this time spent on a hobby or creative endeavor affords value all week long!
Sleep
You may be thinking how could you fit in sleep with all of the other activities we just mentioned? Pace yourself on all of these but do not avoid catching up on rest throughout the weekends. Allowing your body to recharge is one of the healthiest moves you can choose. Sleep is so good for both your mental and heart health that it can’t be overlooked. In order to be successful you must be around to experience it, so please take care of yourself!
Hopefully, these simple items will serve as reminders for you to take an intentional approach to your success even throughout the weekend. The successful people that I study model the habits that I have listed above with a life that is lived on purpose. For me, I do not feel that I work since I love my work so much. I am fortunate to have never been one of those people who was dying to get to Friday. I’d urge you to create a career and a life which provided you money freedom and time freedom. This unique combination affords you flexibility to include some of the items listed above all week long.
In the meantime, when you get to Friday afternoon; make an intentional decision to include items from the list above. That is a step towards your success!