Elon Musk, the visionary behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his intense work ethic and unique daily routine. This South African-born tech mogul has made a significant impact in the realms of electric vehicles, space travel, and renewable energy.
Mornings: A Quick Start
Musk’s day starts early, typically waking up at around 7 am after getting about 6 to 6.5 hours of sleep. He acknowledges the importance of sleep for his performance, stating, “Sleep is really great. I find if I don’t get enough sleep I’m quite grumpy… my mental acuity would be affected”.
His mornings are straightforward and efficient. After waking, he showers – a crucial step he believes sets the tone for his day – and often skips breakfast, opting for a simple coffee and occasionally an omelet. Despite his busy schedule, he ensures to send his kids off to school before heading to work.
Work: A Juggling Act
Musk’s workday is a balancing act between his multiple ventures. He spends the bulk of his time on design and engineering, dedicating about 90% of his efforts at SpaceX to design work and 60% at Tesla. He’s known for his efficient multitasking and rigorous scheduling, often breaking his day into 5-minute segments. Mondays and Fridays are reserved for SpaceX, while the rest of the week he focuses on Tesla and other ventures.
Musk’s approach to meetings is notoriously efficient. He avoids unnecessary meetings and encourages employees to do the same, even advising them to walk out of meetings if they’re not adding value. This ruthless efficiency extends to his communication style, where he prefers directness and clarity over corporate jargon.
Afternoons: Sustained Focus
Afternoons for Musk are typically filled with meetings and continued work on various design projects. His focus on efficiency doesn’t wane as the day progresses. He’s known to work through lunch, often eating during meetings if he eats at all. This constant drive for productivity is a hallmark of his working style.
Evenings: Winding Down? Not Quite
Musk’s evenings are often an extension of his workday. In 2018, he mentioned working up to 120 hours a week, though he has since reduced this to a more “sustainable” 80-90 hours. Despite the reduction in hours, this still represents a significant commitment well beyond the typical workweek. His work often extends into the late hours, with a bedtime around 1 am.
Leisure: Finding Time for Self
In the rare moments of leisure, Musk enjoys unwinding with whiskey or wine, reading anime, and engaging on Twitter. As for physical fitness, he admits to not being a fan of exercise but does involve himself in activities like lifting weights and running on a treadmill while watching TV. He also practices martial arts, including Taekwondo, karate, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Reflections
Elon Musk’s daily routine is a testament to his dedication and ambition. His approach to work and time management, while yielding groundbreaking technological advancements, also highlights the intense demands of leading some of the world’s most innovative companies. His routine, marked by minimal sleep, back-to-back meetings, and a relentless focus on productivity, offers a glimpse into the life of one of the most talked-about figures in the tech industry.