You may assume that high-level CEOs are like everyone else, but many of them are incredibly different. Some of them have surprisingly normal lives outside of business, while others pretty much live like modern-day superheroes. But what most of them share in common is that they are usually constantly trying to better themselves whether they’re working or not. Most CEOs and highly successful entrepreneurs also prioritize healthy living and physical activity. Let’s look at how some of the world’s most well-known CEOs spend their downtime.
Engage in combat sports
You’d be surprised to see how many CEOs and entrepreneurs are into combat sports. Dan Schulman, PayPal’s CEO, is an avid Krav Maga practitioner and private equity fund manager, and CEO Rami Cassis is also a kickboxer.
We don’t know if it’s a chicken or egg scenario here. Maybe CEOs get into combat sports after dealing with the fierce competitiveness of the business world, or perhaps fighters are predisposed to be great CEOs. Either way, there seems to be a clear correlation between combat sports and business.
Hiking and other nature activities
Many CEOs also seem to love nature, and many of them are into things like hiking, fishing, and hunting. Kara Goldin, CEO of Hint, says that she goes on a daily hike. You also have Brian Metry, who started as bass fishing champion but built a fortune from fishing products. GoDaddy’s CEO Bob Parsons is also known as a big hunter. He even got famous for it, but for all the wrong reasons, back in 2011 after a video of him shooting a wild game on a safari.
Training
If you ask any major CEO or billionaire, most of them put a lot of importance on staying fit, and a large portion will have a strict morning training routine. Tom Corley, who documented the lives of successful entrepreneurs in his book Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, found that 76% of them took time for physical exercise every day.
This is impressive when considering how busy these people get and should serve as inspiration for people who say they don’t have time for the gym.
Not all CEOs who train are crazy about it, however. Elon Musk says that he trains regularly, but that he hates it and that he’d rather “eat tasty foods” and watch TV. As a matter of fact, he says that he can’t go on the treadmill without watching TV shows.
Physical activity has been shown to have significant health benefits, however, and can be especially beneficial to entrepreneurs. It helps boost mental clarity, elevates the mood, and is a perfect way to start the day. There are even studies that show that early morning walks or runs can alleviate many symptoms of anxiety, which is something CEOs have to deal with daily.
CEOs like to use their time off judiciously and better themselves but love having fun. It keeps them centered and sane and allows them to face the challenges of the business world, so take their example and find productive but fun ways to spend your downtime.
