OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is known for a highly disciplined routine designed to maximise deep work and productivity.
One of his key principles is to protect the first few hours of the day, which he considers his most productive time. He avoids scheduling meetings or distractions during this period and focuses only on important work.
Altman also follows a strict rule of minimising early communication, often avoiding emails and interruptions in the morning to maintain deep focus. His approach is simple, do the most important work when energy and clarity are at their peak.
Interestingly, he rarely eats breakfast, instead opting for intermittent fasting of around 15 hours, usually starting his day with just an espresso.
His daily workflow is structured around energy levels, mornings for deep work and afternoons for meetings, ensuring that high-value tasks get undivided attention.
Altman also relies heavily on handwritten lists to organise tasks across daily, monthly, and yearly goals, helping him stay focused without mental clutter.
At the core of his routine are three simple principles:
- Focus on what truly matters
- Avoid wasting time on low-value tasks
- Consistently execute with clarity and intent
His routine highlights a powerful idea, productivity isn’t about doing more, but about protecting your best hours for the work that matters most.
