
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), is known for his relentless work ethic and ability to juggle multiple ventures at once. Recently, he caught the internet’s attention by sharing a straightforward hack to overcome laziness, proving that productivity doesn’t always require complex systems or expensive tools.
The Hack That Everyone Can Try
In the video clip making rounds online, Musk highlighted the power of breaking tasks into smaller, manageable actions. Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, he suggested starting with just one tiny step. Whether it’s writing a single sentence, sending one email, or cleaning a small corner of your desk, that initial push creates momentum and reduces the mental barrier that laziness often builds.
Why This Works
Psychologists call this the “activation energy principle.” The hardest part of any task is simply beginning it. By lowering the effort required to get started, your brain quickly adapts and is more likely to keep going. Musk’s approach mirrors the same philosophy—start small, and let consistency build productivity.
Musk’s Personal Discipline
Despite managing high-pressure companies and working notoriously long hours, Musk admits he isn’t immune to procrastination. What sets him apart is his ability to rely on structure. He divides his day into five-minute blocks and makes sure each segment has a clear purpose. This intense scheduling leaves little room for laziness and ensures focus remains sharp.
A Lesson For Everyone

The hack Musk shared is not just for CEOs or innovators. Students struggling with studies, professionals battling work fatigue, or even homemakers managing daily chores can benefit from this strategy. Instead of overthinking the entire task, focusing on the first small step can make any goal seem more approachable.
Elon Musk’s simple hack is a reminder that productivity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting small and building momentum, anyone can push past laziness and move closer to their goals. Sometimes, the key to success lies not in massive leaps but in consistent, manageable steps that add up over time.