Ever wonder what ultra-successful people are up to on the weekend? Sleeping in until noon and binge-watching crime dramas? Not quite. The real secret? They treat weekends a lot like weekdays — just with better coffee and maybe a little more sunshine.
Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” So if you’re looking to level up, don’t wait for Monday. Here’s how 12 high-achievers spend their weekends — and how you can steal their playbook:
1. Robert Iger: Rise and shine (early!)
The former (and present) Disney CEO is famously up at 4:30 a.m. — and he’s not alone. Successful people don’t spend Sunday under the covers. Science backs this up: your brain is sharpest a few hours after waking. So set the alarm, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and enjoy some quiet time before the world wakes up.
2. Benjamin Franklin: Start with intention
Old Ben asked himself each morning, “What good shall I do today?” Even on weekends, having a mini game plan can make all the difference. Want to relax? Great — just do it on purpose. Schedule your rest, your brunch, your hike… and yes, even your nap.
3. Tim Ferriss: Stop multitasking
Spoiler alert: Juggling 10 things simultaneously doesn’t make you a productivity ninja. Ferriss swears by doing fewer things, better. His advice? Pick just two goals or tasks per day. That way, you enjoy your weekend — and still feel accomplished.
4. Anna Wintour: Move your body
Tennis every day? That’s how Vogue’s editor-in-chief stays sharp. Whether it’s yoga, morning walks, or kitchen dancing, moving your body clears your mind. Bonus: it balances out last night’s charcuterie board.
5. Steve Jobs: Focus on what matters
Jobs once said, “Things don’t have to change the world to be important.” Weekends are your chance to reconnect with loved ones, yourself, or that book you’ve been meaning to read. Happiness isn’t measured in spreadsheets.
6. Warren Buffett: Make time for hobbies
Yep, the world’s most famous investor plays the ukulele. Successful people are often wildly interesting — and their hobbies help. Whether it’s gardening, baking, painting, or paddleboarding, doing something just for you sparks creativity and joy.
7. Oprah: Embrace stillness
Queen O carves out 20 minutes, twice a day, to sit in silence. With weekend calendars overflowing, stillness might feel like a luxury—but it’s actually a power move. Meditation, mindful breathing, or simply watching the clouds can reset your vibe in no time.
8. Randi Zuckerberg: Choose JOMO over FOMO
Forget the fear of missing out. Randi (yes, Mark’s sister) promotes the joy of missing out — being fully content exactly where you are. Instead of scrolling other people’s highlight reels, soak in your own life. Spoiler: it’s pretty awesome.
9. Bill Gates: Reflect and learn
Bill says, “Celebrate success, but learn from failure.” The weekend is the perfect time to hit pause and ask: What worked this week? What didn’t? You don’t need a journal (though that helps). Just a quiet moment and a willingness to grow.
10. Richard Branson: Give back
Volunteering isn’t just good for the world — it’s good for you. Whether it’s a beach cleanup or mentoring a local teen, giving your time boosts happiness and perspective. Branson swears it recharges his brain for business, too.
11. Jack Dorsey: Prep like a pro
The Twitter co-founder says Saturdays are for fun (hello, hiking), but Sundays are for strategy. Use Sunday night to check in, review your goals, and set yourself up to rock the week ahead. Think of it as a little life tune-up.
12. Jay Z: Keep the hustle alive
Jay Z didn’t build an empire by hitting snooze. In his words, “You can want success all you want, but to get it, you can’t falter.” So even if you’re chillin’ this weekend, keep that spark alive. Your dream life is built on small steps — taken every day.
Final Word?
Weekends aren’t just a break — they’re an opportunity. To reset, reconnect, recharge, and maybe even rewrite what success looks like for you. Whether you’re brunching, biking, or building a vision board, just make it intentional. Who knows? You might just be one good habit away from your own Beyoncé moment.
