Bill Gates was particularly obsessed with work in his younger years. He even neglected his nutrition and refused to take breaks. However, scientific studies contradict the belief that this increases productivity.
What did Bill Gates think about work in the past? Bill Gates was considered the richest man in the world for a long time. He built this success through years of hard work.
His motto at the time: More work means higher productivity. What sounds logical initially, however, is denied by scientists. Gates also realized this himself, but only years later.
In the Netflix documentary “Inside Bill’s Brain,” he shares details about his former work life, which was marked by stress and sleeplessness.
Bill Gates used to passionately play Minesweeper. Moreover, one of the biggest brands in video game history was born under Microsoft: Halo.
There were astronaut drinks to eat
What was the workday like? In the documentary, Bill Gates recalled his beginnings and stated that he and his colleagues hardly took any breaks. There wasn’t even time for a decent meal.
Because during those moments, there was usually something to be done, which is why, instead of taking breaks, practical makeshift solutions were adopted. Gates mentioned “Tang” as his preferred “meal.” This is a powdered concentrate that is diluted with water. It contains sugar, other carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, and about 120-140 kilocalories per serving (via My Sweet USA).
Tang became especially known because it was used by NASA for its astronauts. At the time, Bill Gates considered it an adequate way to intake some nutrients. As he narrates in the documentary, he often skipped dissolving the powder in water and would simply pour the contents of the packet directly into his mouth.
There was hardly any sleep, and all of this was because Gates was practically obsessed with the idea of productivity.
Science contradicts Bill Gates
What does science say? The belief that longer working hours and great stress lead to higher productivity is a fallacy according to studies from the University of Brasilia. It can quickly create the impression that work is overwhelming. Concentration suffers, personal energy declines, and in the long term, even brain structures can be affected.
Therefore, the balance between work and breaks should be maintained. It leads to better health and ultimately increases productivity. Bill Gates himself later recognized this and adjusted his working style.
His employees also benefited from this, whose attendance he monitored meticulously. Some even agreed with such a work ethic back then. Gates said about it: “We were pretty frenzied and demanding.”
Today he realizes that his methods were sometimes a bit questionable. He has adapted them, which has probably benefited not only himself but also his employees. The change must have been good for his own health as well. Gates’s biggest competitor was probably Steve Jobs – why they still respected each other can be read on MeinMMO.
