Tech Elite Habits: How Quirky Habits Helped Them to Be Creative

When it comes to being innovative, we often think that it is all about finding the right ideas and solutions to problems. However, for many tech luminaries, it is about finding habits that help them focus and think outside the box. In this article, we will delve into some of the odd habits of tech geniuses that have helped them to be creative and productive.

Music as a Tool for Clear Thinking

Steve Jobs, the late co-founder and CEO of Apple, is known for his love for music. He often listened to music whenever he had to think about something deeply. He believed that music helped him to clear his mind and focus. Jobs once said, “Music was an inspiration to me, and it still is. You can listen to a piece of music, and it can take you to another place.”

Interestingly, Jobs preferred a specific playlist of songs that he would listen to repeatedly. According to Walter Isaacson’s biography, Jobs’ favorite playlist included songs from the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. He found comfort in familiar melodies that helped him to relax and focus.

The Gold-Tiled Room for Uninterrupted Creativity

Yoshiro Nakamatsu, the inventor of the floppy disk, has an unusual habit that he believes blocks out television signals that can impede creative imagination. Nakamatsu has a gold-tiled room that he calls the “Calm Room.” This room is lined with thick walls and has no windows. Its primary purpose is to block electromagnetic signals, including TV waves, radio waves, and even cell phone signals.

Nakamatsu believes all of these signals can interfere with the creative process. In the Calm Room, he uses a special bathtub that combines traditional Japanese and Western methods for complete relaxation. According to Nakamatsu, being in the room allows him to focus entirely on his thoughts without any external distractions.

Walking Meetings for Clearer Thinking

Many successful entrepreneurs have discovered that walking can do wonders for their creativity and productivity. According to research from Stanford University, walking increases creativity by as much as 60%. Some entrepreneurs have gone so far as to incorporate walking meetings into their daily routines.

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg is a big advocate of walking meetings. In 2014, he posted a photo of himself and colleagues walking around Lake Tahoe while discussing work-related issues. Walking meetings gave them an opportunity to combine exercise and brainstorming while taking a break from the office environment.

Treadmill Desks for Increased Movement

If walking can increase creativity, imagine what a treadmill desk can do? Treadmill desks are desks with a treadmill attached, allowing you to walk or jog while working on a computer. This invention has become popular among tech elites who often sit for long hours in front of screens.

Twitter co-founder, Jack Dorsey, is a big fan of treadmill desks. He even designed his own treadmill desk, which he has been using since 2007. According to Dorsey, combining exercise and work is an ideal way to stay focused and increase productivity.

Chewing Gum for Better Focus

Chewing gum is a common habit that many people use to help them focus. Studies have shown that chewing gum can improve cognitive function, including memory and attention. It is believed that the act of chewing gum increases the heart rate, which in turn increases blood flow to the brain.

Many tech elites, including Bill Gates and Richard Branson, admit to using this little habit. Gates has been known to chew gum during important meetings, while Branson has said that chewing gum helps him concentrate during long flights.

Conclusion

As the saying goes, there are many ways to skin a cat. This analogy applies to creativity and productivity as well. What works for one person may not work for another. However, one thing is clear: tech elites have discovered that quirky habits can help them to be creative and productive.

From listening to music to walking meetings, from the Calm Room to treadmill desks, these habits provide a way to focus and think outside the box. So, if you’re struggling with your creativity or productivity, don’t be afraid to try something unusual. You may find that it leads you to the solution you’ve been searching for all along.