If you aspire to become a billionaire, you should take a closer look at the lifestyles of some 21st-century billionaires. And if you look closely, there is always an inspirational lesson to learn in their actions. Today’s article will discuss the one thing Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates do before going to bed.
Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are two of the most successful entrepreneurs. Everything about them is methodical – from their pre-bed tasks to their early morning routine, the life of these two billionaires is enough to write an academic thesis.
Generally, many people believe that how you start your day will determine how productive you will be that day.
But the truth is, the pre-bed activities of your previous night will go a long way to determine how productive your day will be.
For instance, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates do the most unconventional pre-bed activities every night before going to sleep.
They do the dishes every night before sleeping. I know you may be wondering why the wealthiest people on earth would do their own dishes.
They do the dishes every night because it’s therapeutic for them.
During an interview in 2014, Jeff Bezos said, “I do the dishes every night. And I’m pretty convinced it’s the sexiest thing I do.”
Similarly, during a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), someone asked Gates, “what is something you enjoy doing that you think no one would expect from you?”
Bill Gates replied, “I do the dishes every night. Even though other people volunteered, I enjoy doing it.”
According to Bill Gates, doing the dishes at night helps him clear his mind, ease their anxiety and help them sleep peacefully.
What is Special About Bezos and Gates’s Pre-bed Routine?
Now that you know the one thing Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates do before going to bed, you may be thinking, what’s special about it?
A lot, actually. It’s unconventional, unique, and seemingly unbelievable.
Hold on a second. Are you actually picturing Jeff Bezos doing the dishes right now?
You are not alone; I have thought about it a million times.
I sometimes think most billionaires are exceptional, both in lifestyle and actions. For instance, every other person engages in reading or meditation as a pre-bed routine.
But Bezos and Gates find scrubbing the plates soothing. Gates once told the Seattle Times that, outside scrubbing the plates, he also reads for about one hour every night before falling asleep.
To the average person, it isn’t worth the effort for people of Bezos and Gates’ status to do the dishes.
True. For them, they could easily outsource this chore to household staff.
But science suggests that activities like these have great mental benefits. According to experts, engaging in light domestic chores have the same benefits as meditation.
This is why I think Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates Still do the Dishes
It turns out that the one thing Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates do before going to bed is to wash the dishes. Here are some of the reasons why I think they still engage in these activities;
#1. It Serves as a Type of Meditation
I know you may not believe this, but research revealed that everyday chores like dishwashing could serve as a serious happiness booster when done the right way.
In fact, a recent study advised volunteers to embrace doing the dishes as an opportunity to practice mindfulness.
Doing the dishes helps you focus on the present – the sensation of the suds and the warm water.
Additionally, the study revealed that scrubbing the dishes for about six minutes makes participants 27 percent less nervous and 25 percent more inspired.
For someone that’s really busy, they may find this study phony. Perhaps, it’s because they feel too busy to spend a few minutes on household chores.
But the study is not a lone outlier. For a long time, Meditation Teachers have opined that focusing on mundane chores illuminates inner beauty and calms the mind.
Well, if you still don’t want to believe meditation teachers, perhaps, you should listen to Wharton School Professor and best-selling author – Adam Grant.
According to him, “he never bothered to adopt a formal meditative practice.” He said he neither slept on special pillows nor listened to apps.
And that is because he takes mindfulness as part of his everyday life.
#2. It Boosts Creativity
Doing mundane chores like dishwashing actually boosts creativity. Take a minute and imagine yourself being the CEO of one of the biggest brands in the world.
Think about the constant decisions you have to make, the tight schedules you will have, and the endless worries about your company’s future.
These cognitive activities are taxing, and taking a few minutes every night to do the dishes can help you clear your mind and recharge your creative energy.
When scrubbing dishes, you focus on the present and feel relaxed. And at a time like this, you can just come up with the most innovative ideas that will change the market.
Lessons For Non-Billionaires
Remember that billionaires are not superhumans; they are people like us. Just that they acted on their ideas, took risks, were consistent, and their efforts yielded results.
Even though you dislike doing mundane chores, the fact that Gates and Bezos are doing them is a reminder that they could be the best creativity boosters.
Now that you know the one thing that Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates do before going to bed, think about some pre-bed activities that can help you with your creative process and mindfulness.
