Jeff Bezos, the executive chairman of Amazon and owner of Blue Origin, is known for his slow-moving morning routine that defies the typical image of a highly productive individual. Despite his numerous responsibilities and investments, Bezos starts his day by leisurely dragging his feet and scrolling on his smartphone, as revealed in a recent interview on the ‘Lex Fridman Podcast.’
During the podcast, Bezos admitted that he is not as productive as people might assume. His morning ritual involves savoring a cup of coffee, engaging in a slow-paced morning routine, reading the newspaper, and spending time with his fiancée before hitting the gym for a workout session that includes cardio and weightlifting. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this relaxed approach to his mornings, even on days when the gym routine feels challenging.
Bezos’ preference for a laid-back morning aligns with his belief in the value of wandering or engaging in activities without a specific goal. This philosophy extends to his work environment, where he encourages his team to engage in mind-wandering sessions to foster creativity and innovation without the constraints of time pressure.
One key aspect of Bezos’ morning routine is his early wake-up time, although he did not specify the exact hour. He has previously mentioned his habit of going to bed early and rising early, which allows him to allocate sufficient time for his morning activities.
Bezos is not alone in his approach to mornings; fellow billionaire Mark Cuban also follows a similar unhurried routine. Cuban starts his day by checking emails in bed for an hour before proceeding with his morning routine, which includes breakfast, exercise, and another round of email checks. Despite the perception of slow mornings as unproductive, experts suggest that such routines can contribute to increased energy, creativity, and focus.
Geir Berthelsen, the founder of the World Institute of Slowness, highlighted the benefits of dedicating at least 20 minutes each morning to activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness. This intentional approach to mornings can set a positive tone for the rest of the day, leading to improved overall performance and well-being.