On Bill Gates’ recent birthday, it is noted that 49 years ago he, alongside Paul Allen, established Microsoft—a company that has significantly influenced both the software industry and Big Tech at large.
Gates, to achieve such notable success, infrequently took breaks in Microsoft’s early years. As he disclosed to Northern Arizona University’s graduating class in 2023, even vacations and weekends were not part of his routine during those initial stages.
Gates, who was around 20 when Microsoft was founded, pushed those around him to work long hours, even monitoring the parking lot to see who left early or stayed late. It took him decades to understand the unsustainable nature of such intense scrutiny.
Over time, particularly after becoming a father, Gates realized the importance of balancing hard work with personal well-being, urging others to learn from his experiences without delay.
Gates has progressively emphasized the necessity of being forgiving towards oneself, highlighting that one should not be labeled a slacker for allowing themselves some leeway.
Around a decade ago, Gates started Gates Notes, a blog where he shares his experiences, readings, and insights. Through it, Gates has also offered valuable advice on life and success, sharing some of his own key realizations.
One piece of advice involves the problem-solving process, where asking key questions is crucial. Gates has consistently approached challenges by asking who has effectively managed the problem before and learning from their approaches, a strategy he initiated as a teenager and continues to employ.
Additionally, Gates learned about time management from his friend Warren Buffett. Where Gates once filled every minute of his schedule, Buffett showed him the value of reserving time for thoughtful reflection.
According to Gates, filling every moment in one’s schedule is not indicative of seriousness, emphasizing the importance of controlling one’s time to prioritize contemplation.
Further, Gates has come to understand patience as a vital component of successful leadership, acknowledging that, over time, his intense early approach held significant implications.
This narrative was adapted from an article originally published on Fortune.com on April 4, 2024.
