If time is money, then Elon Musk is running the tightest economy on Earth. The billionaire entrepreneur—who juggles leadership roles at Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company—has long been regarded as a superhuman force of productivity. But what does his daily routine actually look like? And how does he manage to run multiple companies while engaging in Twitter spats and launching cars into space?
The 5:00 A.M. Wake-Up and the Power of Micro-Scheduling
Musk is an early riser, typically waking up at 5:00 A.M. to begin his day. There’s no leisurely scrolling through emails or social media first thing in the morning—his schedule is optimized for efficiency. According to those close to him, Musk swears by micro-scheduling, breaking his day into five-minute blocks to maximize productivity.
“Every minute counts,” he once told The Wall Street Journal. “If you waste a few minutes here and there, it adds up to hours over a week.”
His morning routine is notoriously lean. He reportedly skips breakfast or downs a quick coffee before diving into work. Exercise is sporadic at best—though he occasionally lifts weights or runs on the treadmill while catching up on business calls. For Musk, efficiency trumps indulgence.
Emails, Engineering, and an Obsession with Problem-Solving
Unlike other billionaires who spend their mornings in high-powered meetings, Musk prioritizes deep work—a term popularized by author Cal Newport. His focus? Engineering and problem-solving.
Musk spends 80% of his workday on engineering and design, particularly at SpaceX and Tesla. He is known to be hands-on, often diving into the nitty-gritty of rocket propulsion systems and battery efficiency. Those who have worked with him describe his approach as “relentlessly intense.”
“His ability to absorb and process technical information is beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” a former Tesla engineer told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. “He asks the kind of questions that make you realize he’s already thought ten steps ahead.”
His inbox, however, is a battlefield. Musk reportedly receives hundreds of emails daily, many of which he skims rapidly, replying in his signature one-liner style—often blunt, always direct. Phone calls? Not his thing. If you work with Musk, expect to communicate via email or text, preferably with concise answers and zero fluff.
Meetings? Necessary Evil. Lunch? Overrated.
Despite overseeing multiple companies, Musk is not a fan of meetings. In fact, he has a zero-tolerance policy for unnecessary meetings. In an internal Tesla email leaked in 2018, he advised employees to “walk out of a meeting or drop off a call as soon as it is obvious you aren’t adding value.”
As for lunch? Musk doesn’t waste time on elaborate meals. His approach is as efficient as his work schedule—a few bites at his desk, usually in five minutes or less. His reported go-to meal? Anything quick and available, often involving grilled meats and Diet Coke.
Evenings: Family, Twitter, and More Work
Musk’s day doesn’t wind down in the traditional sense. After an estimated 16-hour workday, he reserves time for his six children, sometimes bringing them along for factory visits. He also dedicates time to Twitter—his digital soapbox—where he shares company updates, memes, and occasional barbs at critics.
Despite his high-stakes schedule, Musk does indulge in some relaxation. He has admitted to unwinding with video games, citing Deus Ex, Overwatch, and Polytopia as favorites. And if he’s not gaming, he’s reading—a habit he credits for shaping much of his knowledge, particularly in rocket science.
Sleep: The Non-Negotiable Factor
Unlike other high-performing CEOs who boast about functioning on minimal sleep, Musk values his six to six-and-a-half hours per night. “Sleep is really great. I find if I don’t get enough sleep, I’m quite grumpy,” he said in a Joe Rogan Experience podcast interview.
His bedtime? Typically around 1:00 A.M., after which he recharges for another high-intensity day. Musk has tried to cut sleep hours in the past but found diminishing returns—proof that even billionaires need rest.
Final Takeaway: A Life Engineered for Maximum Output
Musk’s lifestyle isn’t for the faint-hearted. His daily schedule is a masterclass in efficiency, ruthless prioritization, and an almost machine-like focus on problem-solving. But is it sustainable? Critics argue that his breakneck pace and extreme work habits might not be replicable—or advisable—for most people.
Yet, for Musk, work and passion are indistinguishable. His schedule isn’t just about productivity; it’s about driving humanity toward an interplanetary future, one five-minute block at a time.
