[2021-07-12] Free time

I came across an interesting article today: 7 Ways Successful People Spend Their Free Time. In the piece, Audiencebloom founder and CEO Jayson Demers argues that "How people spend their free time can actually have a big impact on their success in the professional world." He suggests that successful people tend to spend their non-work time doing seven activities (and more):
  1. Exercising
  2. Reading
  3. Taking classes
  4. Volunteering
  5. Networking
  6. Pursuing hobbies
  7. Spending time with friends and family

Demers ties each activity back to its potential to enhance your career. Regular exercise helps you reduce stress and maintain discipline—abilities that can be valuable in a demanding work environment. Reading helps you develop a better understanding of the world around you and, in the case of nonfiction books, could lead to the development of new competencies. Taking classes helps you acquire new skills, which can be added to your CV. Volunteering helps you feel good about yourself and your contribution to the community while providing opportunities to meet new people. Networking helps you expand your contacts, which can lead to job prospects in the future. Pursuing hobbies helps you avoid burnout by giving you something to alleviate stress while enabling you to expand your expertise. Spending time with friends and family helps you remember that your job isn't everything.

As I read the article, I found myself thinking that while pursuing the list of activities could have a positive impact on one's professional success, doing all of them was unrealistic. If successful people spent their non-work hours engaged in all seven activities (and more), who among us could find the time?

When I worked full-time, my days were so regimented that I was loath to schedule activities during what down time I did have. In recent years, when I could occasionally take time for something other than work, I would visit my mom, or do a day trip with my daughter, or write a post for my blog Café Jen. Once the pandemic hit, I had little time for anything but work, food and truncated sleep. Many people have had similar experiences during the pandemic, with new responsibilities tacked on to existing ones and a work day that can feel never-ending.

Thus, while the article had merit, I also found it daunting. It's important to keep in mind the context for the article: Demers is writing for an American business audience in 2015, pre-pandemic.

So I was relieved when I read Demers' conclusion: "If you don't spend your free time like this, it doesn't mean you have no chance of being successful." OK, so he's not suggesting everyone undertake all seven activities simultaneously. Good.

In fact, Demers suggests that "picking up some of these strategies can improve your abilities, improve your mindset, and expand your network to levels that will increase your chances for success in the workplace." He recommends that readers incorporate a few of the activities into their routine.

When I finished the article, I reflected on whether I would add other potential choices to Demers' list. Here are my suggestions for pastimes that are good for your body and soul—activities that nourish your physical and mental health and thereby contribute to a full life and ultimately a more satisfying career:
  1. Eating healthy foods. Like exercise, eating well is a key part of well-being. Also, making and sharing food is a terrific way to socialize with others.
  2. Gardening. While this is an example of a hobby, it bears special mention, as it is—for me—the ultimate stress reducer. It's also an exercise in patience and flexibility. When one thing doesn't work, there's always something else that can be tried, which is a lesson equally applicable in work and life.
  3. Writing. Given the value of written communication in the knowledge economy, any activity requiring you to convert thoughts into words—blogging, letter writing, journaling—will help you become a better writer. Also, when we write for others, we're more likely to learn about a topic in greater depth.
  4. Helping others. This is similar to Demers' suggestion of volunteering, but I think of it as more spontaneous and often one on one. Being a helpful person contributes to a positive reputation, and that's an asset in the workplace.
  5. Walking. I always say that walking is magical, especially walking in nature. It's one of the best ways to come up with new ideas and solve problems, often related to work.

As you begin to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, you may be starting to think about professional growth and your next career move. Demers' suggestions and my additions may offer ideas of activities that you can pursue to support your career goals. But, if you're not quite there, anything that supports your well-being, even if it's playing a game or doing a puzzle that enables you to take a break from the stress of a strenuous day or week, is alright. Be well.