Elite Weekends: How to Make the Most of Your Time Off

Why Do the World’s Elite Value Their Weekends?

How you spend your weekends can significantly impact your productivity and overall quality of life.

The book What the World’s Elite Do on Their Weekends reveals that highly successful individuals use their weekends as more than just downtime—they strategically structure them to recharge and prepare for the week ahead.

In this article, we’ll explore key points from the book, interwoven with my own experiences, to help you design a weekend that boosts your energy and fosters growth.

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1. A Strategic Weekend: More Than Just Rest

Weekends as a Time for Recharge

A common trait among the elite is that they use their weekends as “recharge time” to fuel their productivity for the upcoming week. By deliberately differentiating between Saturday and Sunday, they create balance in their weekends.

• Saturday: Challenge Day
  Focus on active plans, new challenges, or achieving goals.
• Sunday: Refresh Day
  Dedicate the day to rest and recovery for mind and body.

My Experience: Resetting in the Sauna

I often spend my Sundays in the sauna to refresh my mind and body. Sweating it out while reflecting on the week ahead feels meditative and sets a positive tone for the upcoming week.

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2. Small Habits Lead to Big Changes

The 7-Minute Refresh Ritual

The world’s elite integrate short refresh routines into their daily lives, not just weekends. These small practices can work wonders for your mental and emotional well-being:

• Meditation: Focus on your breathing in a quiet space to calm your mind.
• Journaling: Write down thoughts, reflections, or gratitude to organize your mind.
• Reading: Spend time with a good book to gain new insights and ideas.

My Experience: The Power of Journaling and Reading

I use my Traveler’s Notebook to journal during the weekends. Reflecting on what I’ve written often brings clarity about what matters most to me and inspires action. Reading has also become a treasured habit that combines relaxation and personal growth.

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3. Use Weekends to Boost Your Self-Efficacy

Set Small Goals for a Sense of Accomplishment

The elite often set small, achievable goals for their weekends to boost self-efficacy and motivation. Focusing on minor tasks ensures consistent progress without overwhelming yourself.

Examples:

• Take a short walk or do light exercise.
• Try a new recipe.
• Watch a movie or read a book you’ve been meaning to enjoy.

My Experience: Simple Walks

I make it a point to go for walks, especially in nature. Walking in green spaces is incredibly relaxing and helps me clear my thoughts.

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4. Weekend Growth Opportunities

Try New Experiences and Hobbies

The concept of “adjacent possibilities” suggests that stepping slightly outside your comfort zone can unlock new growth. Use your weekends to explore hobbies or skills that challenge and inspire you.

Examples:

• Learn to play a musical instrument.
• Explore sketching or other art forms.
• Enroll in an online course to explore a new field.

My Experience: Exploring New Hobbies

I recently started sketching. While I’m still a beginner, the focus and creativity involved in drawing provide a refreshing break from routine.

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5. Recommended Actions: Designing Your Weekend

5 Steps to a More Fulfilling Weekend

1. Plan Your Weekend: Draft a loose schedule and distinguish between active (Saturday) and restful (Sunday) days.
2. Start a 7-Minute Habit: Choose meditation, journaling, or reading and commit to just seven minutes a day.
3. Incorporate New Experiences: Visit new places or try a new hobby.
4. Experiment with Digital Detox: Set aside your phone and enjoy offline activities.
5. Set Small Goals: Include simple, manageable tasks in your weekend plans to build momentum.

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Conclusion: Enrich Your Life Through Purposeful Weekends

Weekends are more than just downtime—they are a chance to recharge, grow, and set the tone for the week ahead. By adopting habits practiced by the world’s elite, you can transform your weekends into valuable time for renewal and development.

The key is finding weekend routines that align with your unique needs and values. Start small, enjoy the process, and watch how these changes enrich both your weekends and your life.

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