Important Things Successful People Do Each Weekend

Each two day weekend has 2,880 minutes that successful people maximize. So, how do they spend their off duty moments? Follow along as we take a closer look at tips and strategies that will prepare you to take Monday by storm.

1. Write down a simple agenda
Although it’s the weekend, a plan is essential. It doesn’t have to be a detailed schedule – even a loose agenda will work. The goal is for you to prioritize (vs. overschedule) and make the most of your moments so you can spend time on things that bring meaning into your life. The best way to do this: limit chores and commitments so you begin Monday recharged.

2. Set aside time for those important to you
Spending time with loved ones is critical. It may be your extended family, immediate family, pets, or friends that bring you joy. The key is to connect with them during the 2,880 minutes. In her books, time management expert, Laura Vanderkam reveals subtle secrets to restorative and productive weekends. Here’s a closer look: happy families often have special activities they do most weekends that don’t require special planning-Friday night pizza, a walk to religious services, Sunday morning pancakes. “These habits are what become memories,” she writes. “And comforting rituals boost happiness.”

3. Be daring and pursue your passion
Go ahead and sign up for that class, start training for that hike, learn a second language, or find a mentor this weekend. Successful people are intriguing people with great pursuits and experiences (that might lead to an important business opportunity). As an example, Kevin Plank had a passion for sports and the spirit of an entrepreneur that would eventually launch Under Armour.

4. Get moving
Several Harvard Medical School studies indicate that exercise goes beyond strengthening your body – it actually builds your mind as well. Interesting in easing into an exercise routine over the weekend? A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days out of 7, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. Another example of a low impact strategy to help everyone successfully take care of their health.

5. Escape the grid
Carve out a period of time and turn off all your technology screens: phone, laptop, TV, and tablet. Even a short break will create space for important things in your life. From another perspective, a research study by Harris revealed that 6 out of 10 Americans wish their family members would unplug from technology more often. Many Americans (45 percent) do make an effort to unplug from technology at least once a week or more with only 16 percent attempting to escape connectivity every day.

6. Always be learning
By learning something new this weekend, you can expand your knowledge base and improve your confidence. Spend a few minutes and identify a subject you’re interested in or an area you want to explore more deeply. From there, you can sign up for a weekend class or online study or make your own learning plan. Taking a closer look at online learning, you can get advice from some of the best minds in entrepreneurship and business by taking a few simple steps. Here’s one – in July, you’ll find many of the top massive open online course (MOOC) offered by leading universities here.

7. Plan for a successful week ahead
As Sunday afternoon approaches, invest a few moments in planning and prepare for the upcoming week so you will be ready to take Monday by storm.

Wrap up
Many successful people define a good weekend as time meant to refuel your spirit and prepare you for whatever the week ahead has in store. Do you agree with this definition or have one of your own to share? If so, we look forward to seeing your comments added to the section that follows. Enjoy the weekend ahead.