"10 Surprising Habits of Ultra-Productive CEOs."

 

Here are ten surprising habits that ultra-productive CEOs often practice to stay ahead of the game:

1. Embrace the Early Hours

• Many top CEOs, like Tim Cook and Jeff Bezos, start their day before dawn. The early hours are often used for focused work, exercise, or planning the day ahead, which helps them gain a psychological edge before the world wakes up.

2. Single-Tasking over Multi-Tasking

• Contrary to popular belief, many highly productive CEOs focus on one task at a time. By dedicating deep focus to a single task, they maintain higher-quality results and mental clarity, rather than the fragmented productivity of multi-tasking.

3. Schedule "Thinking Time"

• Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are known for scheduling time to simply think. This time is reserved for brainstorming, reflecting, and strategizing, enabling CEOs to gain insights and solve complex problems that require creativity.

4. Limit Decision Fatigue with Routines

• Mark Zuckerberg famously wears the same style of clothing daily to reduce decision fatigue. CEOs often eliminate small, daily choices (such as what to eat or wear) so they can channel their mental energy into significant decisions.

5. Relentlessly Delegate

• Productive CEOs trust their team and delegate most tasks, focusing only on those that absolutely require their unique input. They empower others to take ownership, which allows them to avoid micromanaging and free up time for strategic work.

6. Practice Micro-Meditations

• Some CEOs take mini-breaks for breathing exercises or micro-meditations throughout the day. This keeps their mind refreshed, reduces stress, and helps them return to work with a fresh perspective.

7. Write Down and Revisit Goals Daily

• Writing down goals each morning (and sometimes revisiting them in the evening) is a common practice. This habit ensures they stay focused on priorities and remain motivated as they see their progress.

8. Hold "No Meeting" Days

• To prevent distraction from meetings, many CEOs set aside "no meeting" days for uninterrupted work. Jack Dorsey, for example, dedicates certain days solely to productive, deep work and avoids meetings altogether.

9. Exercise as a Non-Negotiable Routine

• For many CEOs, exercise is a daily must-do, not just for physical health but also for mental resilience. Richard Branson says working out provides him with at least four additional hours of productivity each day.

10. End the Day with Reflection and Gratitude

• Productive CEOs often end their day with a few minutes of reflection and gratitude. Reflecting on accomplishments and learning opportunities helps them close out the day positively and prepares them mentally for tomorrow.

These surprising habits, when applied regularly, allow CEOs to manage large organizations while staying mentally sharp, focused, and driven.