Jeff Bezos’ morning routine might sound familiar, though unlike many of us, he doesn’t start his day worrying about the cost of living. Let’s be honest—amassing wealth on the scale of Bezos is a monumental feat, and not everyone aspires to billionaire status. But if you’re seeking success and want to incorporate some of Bezos’ habits, there’s one daily ritual he swears by for setting the right tone for the day.
For those curious about a path that could—hypothetically—lead to a net worth over $200 billion, Bezos has a suggestion. In an appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast in December 2023, he revealed how he maintains productivity by dedicating part of each morning to what he calls “puttering time”—and no, it’s not related to golf.
“Puttering time” for Bezos is all about taking it slow and easing into the day. It might seem surprisingly ordinary, and he even admits, “I’m not as productive as you might think.” His morning begins with a leisurely “putter” where he slowly moves around, grabs coffee, and takes his time.
“I do believe in wandering,” Bezos explains. “I read my phone for a while, I read newspapers, chat with Lauren [Sánchez], and drink my first coffee. I move pretty slowly in the first couple of hours.” In addition to this relaxed start, he stresses the importance of sleep, ensuring he gets a full eight hours by going to bed and waking up early to feel refreshed and proactive.
Bezos’ wife, Lauren Sánchez, also highlighted in an interview with PEOPLE that her favorite part of the day is the quiet mornings they spend together, enjoying “magic moments” without distractions from phones or kids. Although Bezos occasionally scrolls through his phone, Sánchez points out that they have a no-phone rule during this time, a rule Bezos himself set.
This routine not only helps Bezos clear his head each morning but also ensures he gets meaningful time with Sánchez before diving into the day’s responsibilities.