We tend to look to great leaders and think of boardroom decisions, strategic vision, or the power of inspiration. But what if they derive some of their authority from what they do outside the workplace?
Yes, relaxation isn’t downtime—it’s a secret window into values, mindset, and habits of growth. From Jeff Bezos’ enthusiasm for space travel to Oprah’s daily meditation, how leaders relax says more about their success than you may realize.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the typical patterns.
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1. They Emphasize Learning, Even Outside Work Hours
When leaders with great vision have downtime, they don’t simply disconnect—instead, they connect to learning.
Consider Bill Gates, for example. He famously goes on “Think Weeks” where he cuts himself off from work and reads voraciously. Warren Buffett reads for five to six hours daily. Whether biographies, history, or science fiction, reading broadens mental models.
What it shows: Lifelong learning isn’t an interest—it’s a leadership requirement. Leaders who read become keener, better-informed, and improved decision-makers.
2. They Create Room for Silence
In an era of hustle-mania, many great leaders make space to slow down.
Barack Obama plays basketball. Arianna Huffington takes daily naps and goes on a digital detox. Satya Nadella meditates to remain grounded. These habits aren’t laziness—strategic resets.
What it shows: Mental acuity fuels more effective leadership. Time in calmness enhances focus, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
3. They Engage in Hobbies That Refine Discipline
Surprisingly, most leaders have hobbies that demand commitment and mastery—golf, martial arts, cooking, or even sports like endurance sports.
Richard Branson kitesurfs. Mark Cuban plays pick-up basketball. Angela Merkel hikes. These aren’t pastimes to unwind—they develop resiliency, patience, and flexibility.
What it shows: Success isn’t solely about drive. It’s about discipline—and hobbies pushing your limits reinforce that characteristic.
4. They Remain Curious About the World
From travel to art appreciation, most leaders are still fascinated beyond their fields.
Steve Jobs famously attributed a calligraphy class to shaping Apple’s product design. Elon Musk gets ideas from science fiction. Even financial leaders dabble in history and anthropology to link dots others overlook.
What it shows: Inspired insights result from cross-pollination. Leaders who venture out make more integrated decisions.
To Conclude
You don’t have to have a yacht or a sabbatical to take these steps. The lesson isn’t what you do—it’s how you do it. Do you disconnect on purpose? Do you select activities that develop your viewpoint, self-control, or discernment?
Ultimately, what leaders do on their own time isn’t merely relaxation—it’s a reflection of their mentality. So, the next time you’re off work, keep in mind: you’re not slacking. You may be creating the next iteration of your leadership self.
