History is filled with tales of successful people who were a little… quirky.  An entrepreneur’s ability to see brand new markets and opportunities takes a certain level of original thinking, and with that thinking comes unique habits and rituals.

While we wouldn’t advise that you start carrying around a tape measure – or bankrupt yourself building a 24-karat gold-tiled ‘calm room’ – you can’t argue with the results.

1. Anna Akbari, founder of sociologyofstyle.com

Eats the same breakfast and lunch every day.

“More choices require time and energy and shift our focus away from other things that matter. More choices also breed a sense of anxiety about making the ‘right’ choice.”

2. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft

Generates high-tech ideas using an analogue whiteboard

“I always have nice colour pens, and it’s great for brainstorming when I’m with other people, and even sometimes by myself.”

3. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon

Thinks ahead…

“Working backwards demands that we acquire new competencies and exercise new muscles, never mind how uncomfortable and awkward-feeling those first steps might be.”

4. John Havens, founder of H(app)athon Project

Analyses data using gadgets and apps to better understand the mechanics of happiness.

“Rather than guess at how you felt a week or month ago, you can record aspects of your mood or health to help optimise your well-being in the future.”

5. Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook

Takes up new challenges every year – from learning Chinese to only eating meat he personally killed.

“I spend almost all of my time building Facebook, so these personal challenges are all things I wouldn’t normally have the chance to do if I didn’t take the time.”

6. Nikola Tesla, inventor of the AC electric system

Practiced carefully-considered moderation in smoking, drinking and eating.

“Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing on within themselves.”

7. Steve Jobs, late CEO of Apple

Listened to music.

“If you’re trying to design a computer you will literally immerse yourself in the thousands of details necessary; all of a sudden, as the scaffolding gets set up high enough, it will all become clearer and clearer and that’s when the breakthrough starts.

“It is a rhythmic experience, or is it an experience where everything’s related to everything else and it’s all intertwined. And it’s such a fragile, delicate experience that it’s very much like music.”

8. Dr Yoshiro Nakamatsu, inventor of the floppy disk

Relaxes each evening in his 24-karat gold-tiled ‘calm room’.

“The gold blocks out radio and television signals that are harmful to the imagination.”

Written by Neale Walling on behalf of WhoIsHostingThis?

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