Jeff Bezos, executive chairman of Amazon and owner of Blue Origin, offers a refreshing perspective. Despite his demanding roles and responsibilities, Bezos emphasizes the importance of sleep and a structured morning routine in maintaining his productivity and well-being.
A recent video clip of Bezos discussing his daily habits has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread admiration and conversation. The video, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Historic Vids, has garnered over 3.8 million views and more than 15,000 likes within a day of being posted.
In the clip, Bezos elaborates on his approach to starting the day. “I go to bed early, I wake up early, I like to putter in the morning,” he says. For Bezos, ‘puttering’ includes leisurely activities such as reading the newspaper, enjoying coffee, and having breakfast with his children before they head to school.
This unhurried start is crucial for Bezos. “My puttering time is very important to me. That’s why I set my first meeting for 10 am,” he explains. This strategy allows him to ease into the day, aligning his schedule with his natural rhythms.
Bezos also shares his approach to managing mentally demanding tasks. “I like to finish my high IQ meetings before lunch. Anything that’s really mentally challenging, that’s a 10 am meeting,” he notes. By the late afternoon, he prefers to defer such tasks, saying, “By 5 pm, I can’t think about that today. Let’s try this again at 10 tomorrow.”
This insight underscores his belief in aligning peak cognitive tasks with his most alert and focused times of the day, ensuring that he can give his best to the most critical issues.
Central to Bezos’ routine is getting a full night’s sleep. “I think better. I have more energy. My mood is better,” he says, advocating for eight hours of sleep each night. This commitment to rest is a cornerstone of his approach to sustaining high performance and maintaining a balanced life.
The video has resonated widely on social media, with many users praising Bezos’ focus on rest and personal time. “That ‘puttering’ time is so important. Waking up early allows you to ease into the day instead of rushing out the door,” commented one user. Another echoed this sentiment, stating, “Morning appears to be where the best thinking happens.”
While some see his routine as inspirational, others highlight the importance of finding a personal rhythm. “High-quality productivity doesn’t come from copying a billionaire’s routine but finding what works best for you,” noted one commenter.
Bezos’ approach to balancing a packed schedule with personal well-being offers a different narrative in the discourse on productivity and leadership. His emphasis on sleep, structured mornings, and aligning tasks with energy levels presents a relatable blueprint for managing one’s day, regardless of one’s role or responsibilities.
