Bill Gates was obsessed with work, especially in his younger years. He even neglected his diet and didn’t want to take breaks. However, scientific studies contradict the belief that this makes you more productive.
What did Bill Gates used to think about work? Bill Gates was long considered the richest person in the world. He has built up this success over many years of work.
His credo back then: More work means higher productivity. What initially sounds logical is, however, denied by scientists. Gates himself also realized this, but only years later.
In the Netflix documentary “Inside Bill’s Brain” he tells details from his previous working life, which was characterized by stress and insomnia.
Bill Gates used to love playing Minesweeper. Microsoft also gave birth to one of the biggest brands in video game history: Halo.
Halo 2 Anniversary Cinematic Launch Trailer
More videos
Autoplay
There were astronaut drinks to eat
What was everyday working life like? In the documentary, Bill Gates remembered his beginnings and said that he and his colleagues took almost no breaks. There wasn’t even time for a decent meal.
Because at these times there was usually something to do, which is why practical emergency solutions were resorted to instead of taking a break. Gates cited “tang” as his favorite “meal.” This is a powder concentrate that is diluted with water. It contains sugar, other carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium and around 120-140 kilocalories per serving (via My Sweet USA).
Tang was best known for being used by NASA for its astronauts. At the time, Bill Gates thought it was an adequate method to consume some nutrients. As he explains in the documentary, he often saved himself from dissolving the powder in water and simply emptied the contents of the bag directly into his mouth.
There was hardly any sleep, and all because Gates was obsessed with the idea of productivity.
Science contradicts Bill Gates
What does science say? According to studies from the University of Brasilia, it is a misconception that longer working hours and greater stress lead to more productivity. You can quickly get the impression that the work is overwhelming you. As a result, concentration suffers, one’s own energy decreases, and in the long term even the brain structures can be impaired.
The balance between work and breaks should therefore be maintained. It leads to better health and ultimately increases productivity. Bill Gates himself later realized this and adapted his working style.
His employees also benefited from this, whose attendance he monitored meticulously. Some were already in favor of such a work ethic back then. Gates says, “We were pretty frenetic and demanding.”
Today he realizes that his methods were sometimes a bit questionable. He has adapted it, which probably benefits himself, but also his employees. The change may have been particularly good for his own health. Gates’ biggest competitor was probably Steve Jobs – you can read why they still respected each other on MeinMMO.