Elon Musk, one of the richest and most influential people on the planet, is known for his exceptional work ethic and productivity. As the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X, Musk often works over 100 hours per week, a feat most people could only dream of. But what sets him apart from the rest? Here’s a look at some of Musk’s key habits that contribute to his incredible success.
1. A Restful Six Hours of Sleep
Despite the common recommendation to sleep seven hours a night, Musk finds that six hours of sleep is his optimal amount. He wakes up at 7 a.m. daily, and in a Reddit Q&A, he shared that this sleep schedule helps him maintain his mental sharpness. “If I don’t get enough sleep, I become grumpy, and my mental acuity suffers,” Musk explained. Even with his packed schedule, Musk ensures he gets enough sleep to stay refreshed and productive. Although he sometimes skips breakfast, he never skips his morning shower, which he believes helps him come up with great ideas.
2. A Relentless Focus and Work Ethic
Managing several companies requires more than just hard work; it demands smart work and laser-like focus. Musk is known for working close to 100 hours each week, far beyond the typical 40-hour work week. His secret? The Pomodoro technique, but taken to the extreme. He breaks his day into intense 5-minute intervals to keep his productivity levels high. This method ensures that distractions are minimized, and tasks are prioritized. It also allows Musk to carve out time for important but often overlooked activities, like emails, meetings, meals, and social media.
3. Making Time for Exercise
Although Musk admits he’s not fond of exercising, he recognizes its importance for maintaining both physical and mental health. “The older I get, the harder it is to stay lean,” Musk told Joe Rogan during a podcast. Despite not being an exercise enthusiast, Musk incorporates physical activity into his routine. He is known to work out on a treadmill while watching TV and practices martial arts, including Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which help him stay active and fit.
4. Planning Ahead for Success
Musk’s productivity isn’t just about what he does during the day; it’s also about how he prepares for the next day. He is said to plan his schedule the night before to ensure that his priorities are clear. This foresight keeps him ahead of the game and minimizes decision fatigue. Additionally, he avoids eating food or drinking alcohol before bed to improve his sleep quality, ensuring he wakes up ready to tackle the day.
5. The Habit of Reading
No matter how busy he gets, Musk prioritizes reading. Whether it’s to unwind or find inspiration, reading has been a constant in Musk’s life. As a child in South Africa, he was an avid reader, often consuming books for up to 10 hours a day. This habit helped him develop creative ideas and innovations that have contributed to his success. Today, he still reads regularly before bed, finding that it relaxes him and sparks new ideas.
Conclusion: Borrowing from Musk’s Success
Elon Musk’s habits show that success doesn’t come from just working harder—it’s about working smarter, staying focused, and maintaining balance. From optimizing his sleep to staying physically active and always learning, Musk’s routines provide a valuable roadmap for those seeking to boost their own productivity. While not everyone can emulate Musk’s extreme work schedule, there are key takeaways that can help anyone improve their focus, time management, and overall productivity.
