A few years ago, a rumor started circulating that Elon Musk, the billionaire mastermind behind Tesla, SpaceX, and more, was a “five-minute man.” But before you jump to conclusions, let’s clarify: this wasn’t about his personal life, but rather how he structured his workday.

The Five-Minute Method: A Productivity Secret?

According to reports, Musk allegedly divided all of his tasks into five-minute slots using a technique known as time blocking. This method is designed to help people stay focused, productive, and avoid burnout by breaking their day into small, manageable chunks.

Given notoriously busy schedule – overseeing multiple companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter) – this time management approach seemed entirely plausible. In fact, it was claimed that Musk used this method while working up to 100 hours a week, even sleeping on the floor of his factory during crunch times.

The idea was that by dedicating specific five-minute slots to tasks, could focus intensely on one thing at a time, moving from one task to the next without wasting time. It sounded like a dream strategy for anyone looking to be as productive as Musk.

The Musk Response: Busting the Myth

As with many rumors, the truth turned out to be a bit different. In a response to a social media post about the time-blocking technique, Musk set the record straight: “I definitely don’t do this 5-minute thing. Need to have long uninterrupted times to think. Can’t be creative otherwise.”

Musk made it clear that the five-minute time blocking method was not his secret to success, and in fact, he believes it would hinder his productivity. Instead, he emphasized the importance of having extended periods of uninterrupted time to think creatively. For, the key to productivity wasn’t about scheduling every minute of the day but rather giving himself the mental space to explore ideas and solve complex problems.

The Reality of Musk’s Time Management

Despite the widespread belief that follows strict time-blocking methods, he actually doesn’t focus much on traditional time management techniques at all. In a 2017 interview with Inc magazine, admitted, “I’ve actually not read any books on time management.” This might sound surprising for someone who runs multiple successful companies, but Musk’s approach to productivity is a bit different from the norm.

Instead of relying on strict schedules or time-blocking methods, Musk believes in constantly questioning how things could be done better. “The single best piece of advice is constantly think about how you could be doing things better and questioning yourself,” shared in the same interview. For him, self-reflection and continuous improvement are at the core of his success, not rigid time management systems.

Dinis Guarda and the Time Blocking Myth

Interestingly, the myth of Musk’s five-minute method was even promoted by others. In 2018, author and entrepreneur Dinis Guarda shared a social media post praising the time-blocking technique, crediting it as Musk’s formula for success. However, Musk himself quickly debunked this idea, which must have been a blow to Guarda’s endorsement of the method.

Despite this, many people still hold onto the notion that time-blocking approach is what makes him so productive. However, the billionaire’s real secret seems to be less about managing time and more about his ability to think critically and innovate.

What Can We Learn from Musk’s Approach?

So, what can we take away from perspective on productivity? The key takeaway is that thinking deeply and giving yourself uninterrupted time is essential for creativity and innovation. While structured time management methods like time-blocking may work for some, Musk’s success doesn’t come from sticking to a rigid schedule. Instead, it’s about flexibility, self-reflection, and focusing on continuous improvement.

Conclusion: The End of the Five-Minute Myth

In the end, the idea that Musk’s success was due to a five-minute time-blocking method is just that – a myth. The billionaire entrepreneur doesn’t rely on strict schedules or time slots to manage his day. Instead, he prioritizes long periods of uninterrupted thinking and constantly challenges himself to improve.

So, while time-blocking might work for some, Musk’s real secret to success is far simpler: think critically, improve continuously, and allow yourself the time to get creative.