Turns out, your mom’s always been right - mobile phones aren't of any use!
Especially if you want to become a billionaire!
Even Jeff Bezos agrees!
Because the Amazon founder claims, there indeed is a particular recipe to become a billionaire and remain so. It’s a one-hour ritual that not only makes him healthy, it also makes him smart and more focused.
Now, a woman has tried and tested the ‘one-hour morning routine’ Bezos endorsed and she reveals the true results of it.
Read on to know more.
You might have an idea of what you think an entrepreneur's morning routine looks like, but one woman has actually put Jeff Bezos' to the test and documented the results.
What happened?
Medium writer Alexa V.S. thought she'd try out the Amazon founder's ‘one-hour morning routine’ routine which is sort of scientifically proven to work.
During an episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast in December 2023, the YouTuber asked Jeff Bezos what he gets up to in the mornings, and his response was to 'putter', and abstain from screen time during the first hour after waking.
He stated, "I’m not as productive as you might think I am. First of all, I get up in the morning and I putter. I have a coffee... and just slowly move around. I move pretty slowly in the first couple of hours. I get up early, just naturally. And then, you know, I exercise most days."
During a 2018 speech at the Economic Club of Washington, Bezos added, "My puttering time is important to me.”
So, inspired by Bezos, Alexa put ‘puttering’ to the test.
Earlier, Alexa had admitted that her morning routine had become dominated by immediate phone use, as is the case for most of us. From checking emails and watching YouTube, the habit left her feeling unfocused and unmotivated.
However, as per Alexa, after adopting the one-hour rule, she replaced screen time with reading, exercise, and meditation. To overcome the urge to check Instagram, however, she charged her phone outside of the bedroom and replaced her phone alarm with an actual bedside alarm clock!
Such dedication!
Alexa also jotted down her plans for the morning, the night before, which allowed a bit of a smoother transition.
Did it work?
Alexa revealed that by the end of her 15 days, she genuinely noticed several differences, such as better focus, improved mood, and a lot of productivity.
She admitted, "After almost a month of trying Bezos’ one hour, no-scrolling-in-the-morning rule, I can confidently say it works. However, it only started working for me when I adapted it to my reality and needs."
She added, "Trying to go all in and quit my phone cold turkey made me feel like I would never succeed. In other words, I would 100% recommend this challenge to anyone seeking to improve their mental health and productivity."
Alexa also noted to 'please keep in mind' that you should 'be gentle with yourself' and feel free to start with a lesser time commitment, saying, "Create a multi-step plan that helps you ease into the one-hour rule (even if you have to only commit to 15 minutes because that’s all you can realistically start with).”
What is puttering?
Jeff Bezos's "one-hour rule" for his morning routine involves avoiding phone use and engaging in activities like reading, having breakfast with family, and simply "puttering" around to start his day calmly and deliberately, which he believes enhances his decision-making and energy levels.
Benefits of puttering:
‘Puttering’ or a slow, unstructured morning routine, which involves reading, enjoying coffee, and having breakfast, is claimed to boost energy, enhance decision-making , and improve overall well-being.
Therapist Maris Loeffler told MailOnline, who gave the example of one neuroscience study which suggested that increased screen-time impacted our 'learning ability, memory function and mental health', said, "If you scrolled on your phone in bed for an hour just one morning, the negative impacts would be minimal... But if it becomes a habit... this behaviour can take a toll.”
Here's a more detailed look at the potential benefits:
Improved Energy and Focus: Bezos believes that his slow start to the day, free from immediate tasks or distractions, allows him to approach his work with more energy and focus throughout the day.
Enhanced Decision-Making: By dedicating time to unstructured thinking and reflection, Bezos suggests that his "puttering" time allows for better decision-making by fostering clarity and insight.
Reduced Stress and Improved Mental Clarity: The relaxed, low-pressure nature of his morning routine can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, leading to improved mental clarity and focus.
Increased Creativity and Innovation: Mind wandering and unstructured thinking, which are key elements of "puttering," can spark creativity and lead to innovative solutions.
Better Work-Life Balance: By prioritizing a slow, mindful start to the day, Bezos demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance, which can lead to improved overall well-being.
Neuroscience Support: Some neuroscience research suggests that relaxed, intentional time can foster deeper problem-solving and sharper insights.