Not getting good jobs? Follow Elon Musk's daily reading habit

What separates those who grow steadily in their jobs from those who feel stuck? Often, it comes down to daily habits rather than big career moves. One such habit strongly backed by leaders like Elon Musk, is reading consistently.

In Short

• Career growth relies on small, consistent habits like reading
• Top leaders read daily to stay sharp and improve thinking
• Reading broadens perspectives and aids decision-making

Career growth is often linked to big milestones switching jobs, landing promotions, or starting something new. But in reality, long-term success is usually built on small, consistent habits. One of the most underrated among them is reading.

Jon McNeill, who has held leadership roles at Tesla and Lyft, noticed a clear pattern while working alongside top executives. Many of them prioritised reading, not occasionally, but as a structured part of their daily routine.

Speaking to Fortune, he described it as one of the most impactful habits for anyone looking to grow professionally.

WHY TOP LEADERS TREAT READING AS A DAILY DISCIPLINE

What sets high performers apart in their jobs is not just talent, but how they keep learning. Leaders like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett have often credited books as a major source of their knowledge.

Taking a cue from this, McNeill committed to reading for nearly 90 minutes every day. For him, this wasn’t about consuming more information, but about staying mentally sharp and continuously improving his thinking.

Reading regularly exposes individuals to new perspectives, industries, and ideas. Over time, this helps in building a deeper understanding of how different concepts connect, an ability that becomes valuable in decision-making and problem-solving at work.

A COMMON HABIT AMONG THE WORLD'S HIGHEST ACHIEVERS

This trend is backed by data as well. A 2025 survey by JPMorgan found that reading is one of the most consistent habits among billionaires.

At the same time, reading for pleasure is becoming less common. Reports from YouGov suggest that a large section of people did not read a single book in the past year. Research from the University of Florida and University College London also highlights a steady decline in reading, especially among younger individuals.

This shift could have consequences beyond academics. Reading is closely tied to skills like critical thinking, analysis, and adaptability, qualities that are essential for most jobs today.

HOW READING CAN SHAPE YOUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Beyond knowledge, reading can influence how professionals communicate and build relationships. According to McNeill, people who read more tend to ask sharper, more thoughtful questions, something that can set them apart in conversations.

He shared that during his early interaction with Elon Musk, he focused on understanding Tesla’s challenges instead of talking about his own experience. That approach helped him stand out and eventually led to an opportunity with the company.

A similar mindset also helped him build a strong professional equation with General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

A SIMPLE HABIT THAT STILL WORKS IN A CHANGING JOB MARKET

For those entering or navigating today’s fast-evolving job landscape, McNeill’s advice is straightforward: don’t panic about change, focus on building strong habits.

While industries continue to shift and new skills emerge, reading remains a reliable way to stay informed, adaptable, and competitive. It doesn’t require major resources or drastic changes, yet its impact compounds over time.

In the end, while job roles and technologies may evolve, the ability to learn consistently remains a key differentiator—and reading continues to be one of the simplest ways to build that edge.

- Ends