Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and Twitter (Now X), is renowned for his incredible work ethic, often putting in more than 120 hours per week. He’s known to immerse himself fully in his work, spending long hours and sometimes even days at the office to ensure everything is just right. But what’s his secret? Well, according to him, it’s all about his carefully planned routine that makes the most of every minute of his day.
So, what does his routine look like? Mr. Musk himself has generously shared insights into his schedule through tweets, Reddit posts, and recent podcasts with Joe Rogan.
In a Reddit Q&A, Musk once mentioned that he starts his day at 7 am after getting six hours of sleep. Despite the general recommendation of seven hours, he finds six to be the sweet spot, saying, “I find if I don’t get enough sleep, I’m quite grumpy… my mental acuity would be affected.”
While he usually skips breakfast, he never misses a shower, which he believes sparks great ideas. This might not be the healthiest choice, but it shows his dedication to maximizing his work hours.
After getting his “optimal sleep,” Musk divides his day into five-minute slots, using an intense version of the Pomodoro technique. This helps him concentrate on one task at a time, boosting his focus and productivity. His schedule includes time for emails, meals, meetings, and even social media, where he stays active on Twitter.
Despite skipping breakfast, working out isn’t exactly Musk’s favorite activity either. “I wouldn’t exercise at all if I could,” he confessed to Joe Rogan. “The older I get,, the harder it is to stay lean, that’s for sure.”
Nonetheless, even though he’s not a fan of working out, Elon Musk uses a treadmill with TV distractions to make it through. He also practices martial arts like Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showing his commitment to physical fitness despite his lack of enthusiasm.
While Elon Musk has a well-planned routine, he also has a big HQ to manage. To handle this, he strategically divides his workweek between his companies. He spends Mondays and Fridays at SpaceX in Los Angeles, and the rest of the week at Tesla or Twitter in San Francisco. This approach minimizes travel time and maximizes work efficiency.
At the end of the day, to optimize his sleep, Elon Musk avoids food and alcohol for a few hours before bed. During this time, he plans for the next day, continuing the cycle that fuels his success. Reading before bed helps him unwind and find inspiration, with favorites like “Lord of the Rings” and biographies on his nightstand.
According to Elon Musk, his productivity stems from discipline and structure. By planning his day in advance and sticking to a strict schedule, he ensures that every minute counts. His method proves that success isn’t just about working hard but also about working smart.
However, while Elon Musk advocates for his workaholic lifestyle, it’s not without its drawbacks. In 2018, he experienced burnout from working 120-hour weeks. So it’s crucial to strike a balance that incorporates healthy habits alongside effective work strategies.
