When you’re working a “regular” 9-to-5 job, it’s pretty easy to figure out how to use your weekend. For many people, the weekend is a time to rest and relax — recharging for the coming week.
For entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, freelancers, and side-hustlers, the weekend holds a very different meaning. You might use the weekend to catch up, get ahead, or even to work on new projects.
And, of course, there is always the need for downtime.
Use these ideas to determine how to use your weekend:
What Are Your Goals?
First of all, you need to understand your goals and priorities. I like using weekends to work because I can get a nice chunk of time for writing. If I spend a few hours working on my business or getting freelance work done, I still have time left over to hang out with my son and meet the goals I have for maintaining family bonds and making memories with my teenager.
Decide what goals you have for your future, and how actions you take during the weekend might help you further those goals.
As an entrepreneur, you might find that the weekend provides you with some time to catch up on things that have fallen through the cracks, or time to plan the week ahead. For someone working a side hustle, the weekend can offer valuable work time to earn extra cash.
Think about what you want to do with your weekend so you can figure out the best way forward.
Can You Do More Than One Thing?
Don’t feel like you can only choose to do one thing with your weekend. There are times I decide to sleep in on Saturday — or at least stay in bed with a good book until 11:00. This is a great way for me to recharge and boost my mood, and still have plenty of time to get other things done during the day.
Sometimes, I get up early on Sunday, work very productively for three to five hours, and then spend the rest of the day hiking, biking, or doing yard work with my son. We might see a movie later, or visit my parents. It’s a great way to get things done for my business, job, or take advantage of freelancing opportunities while still having time to relax or be with my loved ones.
Once you are clear about how your weekends are best used, you can let that inform how you use the rest of your week as well.
Plan Ahead for Best Results on How to Use Your Weekend
Figuring out how to use your weekend requires some advanced planning. During the summer, for example, my family often camps. I know I’m not doing any work on the weekends I’m in the woods. As a result, I know I need to adjust how I use my time during the week.
On weeks I know that my weekends won’t be available for work, I make it a point to avoid scheduling lunch dates or going to have my nails done. Part of my weekend work schedule depends on the fact that I consider all seven days in my productivity planning. This allows me the flexibility to have different experiences during the week and to work when I’m most productive.
