Ever notice how what you do before bedtime can totally shape how the next day goes? We often talk about morning routines, but our evenings can be just as important—maybe even more so.
In this article, we’re going to explore eight common evening habits that, according to psychology, might hold you back from wealth and success.
Don’t worry—it’s never too late to break free from these bad habits and start setting yourself up for a better tomorrow.
Let’s dive in.
1) Night owl syndrome
Psychology has long explored the impact of staying up late on our overall wellbeing and success.
Being a night owl, or staying up late and waking up late, could be one of the greatest hindrances to achieving wealth or success.
While there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with being a night owl, it often leads to a misalignment with the societal and business norms that typically operate on a 9-5 schedule.
This misalignment can lead to missed opportunities, decreased productivity, and even health issues. All of these factors can hinder your march towards success.
If you’re staying up late binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, it might be time to reassess your evening habits. Success might just be an early bedtime away.
2) Skipping self-reflection
I can’t stress enough the importance of self-reflection. Taking time in the evening to assess the day’s successes and failures is a crucial habit in my journey to success.
However, for many years, I found myself skipping this vital practice. I’d dive straight from work into entertainment or sleep, with no time set aside for self-assessment. And let me tell you, it was a roadblock on my path to success.
Missing out on self-reflection means missing out on the chance to learn from your experiences, adjust your strategies, and improve your decision-making processes.
Psychology endorses the power of self-reflection in fostering personal growth and development. So if you’re not spending a few minutes each evening contemplating your day, you might be sabotaging your own success.
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way and it’s made a world of difference since I started practicing daily self-reflection. If you’re aiming for wealth and success, this is one habit you should definitely incorporate into your evenings.
3) Neglecting physical health
The evening is a critical time for maintaining physical health. Regular exercise and a healthy diet play a significant role in fueling our bodies and minds for success.
However, many people choose to spend their evenings in sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games, often coupled with unhealthy snacking. We might not realize it, but these habits can have serious long-term effects on our mental acuity and energy levels.
Interestingly, the World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That’s only about 20 minutes a day! If we can’t spare that time in the evening, we might need to reconsider our priorities.
Prioritizing your physical health in the evening not only improves your overall wellbeing but also boosts your mood and energy levels for the next day, setting you up for success.
4) Ignoring mindfulness
Buddhism places a strong emphasis on mindfulness — being present in the moment, free from distraction or judgment. This practice is not just for monks in monasteries; it’s a powerful tool for anyone who wants to lead a successful life.
However, many people disregard mindfulness in their evening routine. Our minds are often consumed by thoughts of the day gone by or worries about the future, leaving little room for present awareness. This can lead to stress and anxiety, which are detrimental to success.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the importance of mindfulness and how to incorporate it into daily life. It’s not just about meditation; it’s about being fully engaged in whatever you’re doing at any given moment.
By incorporating mindfulness into your evening routine, you’re not only setting yourself up for a restful night’s sleep but also fostering a mindset that can significantly contribute to your journey towards wealth and success. Embrace the teachings of Buddhism, and you might just find the secret to leading a more impactful and successful life.
5) Avoiding difficult conversations
Evenings are a time when many of us, myself included, tend to avoid difficult conversations. After a long day, we often seek peace and comfort, and confronting an issue or addressing a conflict seems like the last thing we want to do.
But in all honesty, this habit has cost me relationships and opportunities in the past. Unresolved issues can fester and grow, leading to bigger problems down the line.
Addressing conflicts or issues promptly, especially in the quiet and calm of the evening, can help maintain healthy relationships and peace of mind. It also frees up mental space to focus on growth and success, rather than being consumed by unresolved problems.
Successful people face problems head-on and use them as stepping stones towards growth. So don’t shy away from those tough conversations; they might just be your ticket to success.
6) Overworking
Contrary to popular belief, burning the midnight oil doesn’t equate to success. In fact, working excessively during the evening hours can do more harm than good.
While it might seem that putting in extra hours would lead to greater productivity and success, research shows that overworking can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health problems.
Instead of working non-stop, successful people understand the value of rest and recovery. They know that taking time to recharge in the evening is crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity and creativity during the day.
Before you decide to pull another late-night work session, consider the potential long-term consequences. Success isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And to finish a marathon, you need to pace yourself and take breaks when necessary.
7) Skipping learning opportunities
Evenings are a great time to learn something new, but many of us miss out on these opportunities. We often choose mindless scrolling or binge-watching over reading a book, taking an online course, or exploring a new hobby.
However, continuous learning is a common trait among successful people. They understand that in a rapidly changing world, staying current and adaptable is crucial.
Instead of spending your evenings on activities that don’t contribute to your growth, why not learn something new? Just a few minutes each day can make a significant difference over time.
Knowledge is power. And the more you know, the better equipped you are to navigate the path to success.
8) Neglecting sleep
The most important habit that can make or break your chances of success is your sleep routine. Skimping on sleep is a surefire way to sabotage your success.
Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, negatively affects mood, and can even lead to serious health issues. It’s impossible to be at your best when you’re constantly tired.
Prioritize a good night’s sleep. Aim for at least seven hours each night. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll also be more focused, more productive, and better equipped to handle the challenges that come your way.
Don’t underestimate the power of sleep in your journey towards success. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Concluding thoughts: It all boils down to habits
Our evening routines and habits have a profound impact on our lives, often in ways we might not realize. These small decisions and actions accumulate over time, shaping our journey towards success or failure.
In revisiting these eight evening habits, you might have noticed some that resonate with your own life. The good news is, habits can be changed. It takes effort and consistency, but the rewards are immeasurable.
It’s crucial to remember that success isn’t solely about financial wealth. It’s also about personal growth, mental health, and overall wellbeing. In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into these concepts further, exploring how we can live more impactful and fulfilling lives.
Finally, take a moment to reflect on your own evening habits. Are they setting you up for success, or are they holding you back? Remember, every night is an opportunity to make a change for the better. Your journey towards success starts now. Choose your habits wisely.
