Overview
This video outlines Elon Musk's daily routine, highlighting his work habits, time management strategies, personal care preferences, and unique lifestyle choices that contribute to his productivity and success.
Morning Routine
- Elon Musk wakes up at 7am and aims for 6–6.5 hours of sleep, which he prioritizes for mental acuity.
- He usually skips breakfast but occasionally eats a high-protein meal like an omelet with coffee.
- Showering is an essential part of his morning routine, which he credits for sparking creativity.
- Exercise is infrequent but includes weightlifting, running, and martial arts.
- He spends time seeing his children off before heading to work, usually driving a Tesla Model X.
Workday Structure
- Musk splits his week between Tesla (42 hours) and SpaceX (40 hours), focusing intensely during work hours.
- Lunch is often eaten quickly during meetings; he admits he is not disciplined about nutrition.
- He dislikes meetings and has implemented strict rules to minimize and streamline them:
- Large/frequent meetings only if urgent, anyone can leave if not needed, and acronyms are banned to facilitate clear communication.
- Musk has worked up to 120-hour weeks, though he more recently averages 80–90 hours, at the expense of personal time.
Evening Routine and Personal Life
- Musk returns to a modest $50,000 prefab home near SpaceX in Boca Chica, Texas.
- Dinner is a large meal, often during business engagements, favoring French cuisine, barbecue, and Diet Coke, occasionally with alcohol.
- He spends time with his partner and child and enjoys TV shows, anime, and video games, with "Halo" being a favorite.
- Musk reads, listens to podcasts and audiobooks, and sometimes hosts small parties.
- He usually goes to sleep at 1am.
Productivity Insights and Reflections
- Musk attributes creativity to breaks and simple routines such as showering, supported by academic research.
- He believes his intense schedule is not for everyone and that many would find his lifestyle exhausting.
Comparative Note on Billionaire Lifestyles
- Ingvar Kamprad, former IKEA CEO, lived frugally despite his wealth, illustrating that billionaires can lead very different lives.