Can a Donut Kickstart a Billionaire’s Day?

Hello Health and Productivity Nerds,

This week, we’re taking a look inside the fascinating daily routine of Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and several other groundbreaking companies. Known for his relentless work ethic and innovative thinking, Musk’s routine reflects the high-pressure lifestyle of someone managing multiple billion-dollar ventures. Let’s explore how his habits—from eating a donut first thing in the morning to managing 80-hour workweeks—fuel his success and how you can apply these strategies to improve your own productivity.

Sure, running Tesla and SpaceX is impressive, but earning the respect of the meme community? That’s next-level success. Musk’s routine is all about balancing billion-dollar moves with light-hearted humor.

In this week’s newsletter, we cover:

🌅 Elon Musk’s fast-paced morning routine with a donut

🚿 Why a morning shower is crucial for Musk’s productivity

🍳 Musk’s breakfast habits (or lack thereof)

🏋️ His daily workout routine and fitness tips

📈 How Musk stays productive with Pomodoro technique

🍽️ How Musk uses business dinners for work and unwinding

🌙 Elon Musk’s evening routine to relax and recharge

📚 Musk’s favorite book recommendations

💤 Musk’s minimalist sleep routine

But first,

Who is Elon Musk?

Elon Musk is one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time, leading major companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. His vision extends beyond Earth, aiming to revolutionize industries such as electric vehicles, space travel, and energy. Musk's relentless drive, unique management style, and commitment to innovation have made him a household name. His daily routine is a reflection of his intense focus on efficiency, productivity, and staying ahead in the competitive world of technology.

Elon Musk’s Fast-Paced Morning Routine

• Wake-Up Time: Elon Musk typically wakes up at 7:00 am, starting his day with a quick check of his phone to handle any emergencies at Tesla or SpaceX. Though he considers this a bad habit, it’s a necessity given his many roles across various companies.

• Phone Check: Musk prioritizes checking emails and messages from key teams to stay updated on any urgent matters. He has stated that he’s working on changing this habit, but for now, it helps him stay on top of critical tasks from the moment he wakes up.

• Donut for Breakfast: Although Musk isn't known for having a strict breakfast routine, he has been known to grab a donut or skip breakfast altogether. If you’re looking for a more balanced start to the day, consider trying AG1, a daily greens powder¹ that provides essential nutrients and is a convenient way to fuel your morning.

The Power of a Morning Shower

• Shower Routine: After checking his phone, Musk heads straight to the shower, which he describes as crucial for getting into the right mindset for the day. Without it, he feels unprepared to face the daily challenges of managing multiple companies.

• Cold Plunge Alternative: While Musk doesn't do a cold plunge, adding it into your routine instead of a shower can help boost alertness and improve circulation. A cold pod can be a great addition to your home if you're looking to start your day with a fresh, invigorating routine.

Elon Musk’s Breakfast Habits

• Skipping Breakfast: Most days, Musk skips breakfast due to his busy schedule, but when he does eat, he opts for a quick and nutritious omelet.

• Coffee Intake: Musk fuels his day with coffee, drinking up to two cups in the morning to stay energized during his demanding work schedule. You can improve your morning routine with a Nespresso coffee machine and coffee capsules, providing convenience and a caffeine boost.

Elon Musk’s Workout Routine

While Musk isn’t a huge fan of traditional workouts, he still incorporates fitness into his daily routine to stay healthy and maintain his energy levels:

• Treadmill and TV: To make his workouts more enjoyable, Musk uses a treadmill while watching TV. By multitasking, he ensures that he stays physically active without feeling bored. This low-impact cardio routine helps him keep up his endurance without taking up too much of his busy schedule.

• Martial Arts: Musk practices martial arts like Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which not only help him stay fit but also enhance his mental discipline. These forms of exercise provide a full-body workout, improving strength, flexibility, and coordination.

• 20-Minute Daily Workout: Even though Musk is extremely busy, he tries to fit in 20 minutes of exercise each day. This quick yet effective workout allows him to stay in shape without dedicating too much time. The key is consistency, which helps him maintain his overall health.

• Treadmills from Sole Fitness: Like Musk, you can incorporate an F80 Sole Fitness treadmill into your routine. It allows you to get your cardio in while watching your favorite shows, just like Musk. The adjustable settings let you tailor your workout for endurance or fat-burning goals, making it ideal for at-home fitness.

• Resistance Bands: For strength training without heavy weights, resistance bands are a great option. They provide a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints but still effective for building muscle. Musk’s focus on martial arts could be complemented by resistance bands to improve strength and flexibility.

• Exercise Mats: Practicing martial arts or doing floor exercises? A good exercise or gym mat is essential for comfort and joint support. Whether you're stretching, doing core work, or practicing martial arts, an exercise mat ensures a safe and comfortable workout surface.

• HydroFlask: Staying hydrated is crucial during workouts. A HydroFlask helps keep your water cold, ensuring you stay refreshed throughout your workout. Whether you're on the treadmill or practicing martial arts, having a HydroFlask nearby can keep you energized.

Musk’s Intense Work Routine

• 80 to 100-Hour Workweeks: Musk is known for his 80 to 100-hour workweeks, splitting his time between Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures. His workday is filled with meetings, emails, and time dedicated to pushing forward his many projects.

• Time-Blocking with 5-Minute Slots: To manage his packed schedule, Musk breaks his workday into five-minute slots, ensuring every task gets his full attention. This method is a hyper-efficient version of the Pomodoro technique² , helping Musk focus on one task at a time and stay productive throughout the day.

• Skipping Lunch: Musk often skips lunch due to his busy schedule, focusing instead on getting through the workday as efficiently as possible. If you’re in the same boat and tend to miss meals, consider supplementing your nutrition with Momentous to maintain energy and health when you’re on the go.

The Business Dinner Routine

• Business Dinners: Musk often combines work with dinner, using business meals to discuss projects while satisfying his hunger. His preferred choices include sushi, French cuisine, and barbeque, while he enjoys drinks like whiskey or Diet Coke.

• Dinner Conversations: These dinners are an opportunity for Musk to network, discuss ideas, and collaborate with other industry leaders, making sure every moment of his day is productive.

Elon Musk’s Evening Routine

• Watching Anime and Gaming: Musk enjoys watching anime series like Evangelion and Death Note. He also likes to unwind by playing video games such as Overwatch, providing an engaging way to relax and step away from work.

• Balancing Family and Fun: While Musk works late and returns home after his children are asleep, he tries to balance work with relaxation by making time for hobbies and intellectual pursuits.

• Relaxation with Books: After an intense day of work, Musk unwinds by reading. He dedicates time to diving into books on a variety of topics, helping him relax while still feeding his intellectual curiosity.

Elon Musk’s Book Recommendations

Musk is an avid reader, drawing inspiration from books to fuel his innovative thinking. Here are a few key reads that have shaped his mindset:

• Human Compatible 
  This book by Stuart Russell explores the ethical implications of AI and its alignment with human values—critical for Musk’s ventures like Neuralink and Tesla.

• Zero to One 
  Co-authored by Musk’s former PayPal partner Peter Thiel, this book is a guide for creating innovative startups. Musk has applied these principles to revolutionize industries like space travel and electric cars.

• The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress 
  A sci-fi classic about rebellion by Robert Heinlein, this novel aligns with Musk’s vision for humanity’s future on Mars and pushing technological boundaries.

• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 
  Musk’s favorite humorous take on space travel by Douglas Adams, reminding him to stay lighthearted while tackling serious challenges at SpaceX.

• Superintelligence 
  A deep dive into the existential risks of AI, this book by Nick Bostrom informs Musk’s cautious approach to developing superintelligent machines.

Musk’s Minimalist Sleep Routine

• Sleep Schedule: Musk typically goes to bed between 1 am and 3 am, getting about 6 hours of sleep per night. While this may seem like a short amount, Musk believes it’s enough to keep him productive and focused throughout the day.

• Mental Health: He admits that not getting enough sleep can affect his mental clarity, making his consistent sleep routine essential for maintaining his performance.

• Sleep Supplement Recommendation: For those who struggle with sleep, the Momentous Sleep Supplement Pack is a great option to help enhance sleep quality and ensure you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

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The Routines Team

1  Green Powder

2  Pomodoro Technique