Telegram CEO’s Minimalist Habits: Less Phone, More Sleep for Billion-User Success
News October 06, 2025

Telegram CEO’s Minimalist Habits: Less Phone, More Sleep for Billion-User Success

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov defies tech norms by limiting phone use, disabling notifications, and sleeping 11-12 hours nightly to boost mental clarity and productivity. This approach fuels Telegram's success, with over 1 billion users and $1 billion in revenue, proving detachment enhances innovation amid industry burnout.

Pavel Durov, the CEO of messaging giant Telegram, is proving that less can indeed be more, especially when it comes to achieving success in the demanding tech world. In stark contrast to the always-on culture that pervades Silicon Valley, Durov champions a minimalist lifestyle, prioritizing mental clarity and deep work over constant connectivity. His secret weapon? Limiting phone use, disabling notifications, and ensuring he gets a whopping 11 to 12 hours of sleep each night.

This unconventional approach is not just a personal preference; it's a strategic business decision. Durov believes that by detaching from the digital noise, he can foster innovation and maintain the mental sharpness required to lead a company with over 1 billion users. In a landscape where burnout is rampant and constant connectivity is often mistaken for productivity, Durov's philosophy stands out as a refreshing and potentially revolutionary alternative.

Instead of being glued to his smartphone, Durov reportedly focuses on deep work periods, undisturbed by the constant pinging and buzzing of notifications. By eliminating these distractions, he can dedicate his full attention to critical tasks, problem-solving, and strategic planning. This allows for more focused and efficient work, leading to better outcomes for Telegram and its massive user base.

The results speak for themselves. Telegram has not only surpassed the billion-user mark but also achieved a revenue of over $1 billion. This success demonstrates that Durov's unusual habits aren't hindering his company's growth; rather, they are fueling it. By prioritizing mental well-being and minimizing distractions, Durov is creating an environment where innovation can thrive, and his team can operate at their peak performance.

Durov's example offers a valuable lesson for anyone seeking to improve their productivity and well-being in the digital age. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing sleep, and consciously disconnecting from the constant stream of information that can easily overwhelm and distract. By embracing a more minimalist approach to technology, individuals and companies alike can unlock their full potential and achieve greater success, proving that sometimes, the key to doing more is actually doing less.
Category: Politics