15 Daily Habits of Warren Buffett That Surprise Most CEOs

Most CEOs chase elaborate routines and attention-grabbing habits, but Warren Buffett’s daily choices feel more like those of a friendly neighbor than a stereotypical billionaire. His habits are simple, consistent, and surprisingly practical. Below is a clear look at his everyday routine and the choices that reflect his priorities.

He Lets the Market Influence His Breakfast

Each morning Buffett stops at McDonald’s, and his order depends on how the stock market performed the day before. If markets are up, he’ll opt for a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit; if they’re down, he’ll choose sausage patties. It’s a lighthearted ritual that underscores his modest tastes and straightforward approach to daily life.

A Daily Dose of Coca-Cola

Buffett is known to drink several cans of Coca-Cola daily, often preferring Cherry Coke. He has said this habit accounts for a meaningful portion of his calorie intake. Given Berkshire Hathaway’s sizable stake in Coca-Cola, his preference is both a personal habit and a symbolic connection to one of his long-term investments.

Comfort Foods Over Health Fads

Rather than embracing the latest health food trends, Buffett favors familiar comfort foods: hot dogs, cookies, chips, and candy. He has joked that children have the lowest death rate, which he uses to justify a childlike preference for simple treats. His diet reflects a practical, pleasure-focused attitude toward food.

He Skips the Gym

Buffett has never prioritized formal exercise. Along with his longtime partner Charlie Munger, he has suggested that avoiding excessive wear and tear on the body may contribute to longevity. He points to athletes as examples of how intense physical strain can have long-term consequences, and prefers low-key activity over structured workouts.

Consistent Sleep Routine

Buffett prioritizes sleep, typically getting around eight hours a night and heading to bed before midnight. He believes adequate rest is essential for clear thinking and sound decision-making, especially when overseeing large financial responsibilities.

Lunch at His Desk

He frequently eats lunch at his desk and tends to keep meals simple: a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, ice cream, and Coca-Cola are common choices. Occasionally he swaps in a steak or a milkshake, but most days he prefers convenience and continuity over culinary variety.

Dinner: Familiar and Comfortable

Veal parmigiana is among his favorite dinners, often enjoyed at home or at a regular Omaha restaurant. For Buffett, meals are about comfort and routine—simple pleasures that help close the day on a positive note.

Bridge as Mental Exercise and Social Time

Buffett plays bridge several times a week, typically in two-hour sessions with friends, including Bill Gates on occasion. He treats the game as both intellectual exercise and social engagement, a way to keep his mind sharp while enjoying time with close companions.

Avid Reader—More Than Most CEOs

Reading fills much of Buffett’s day. He spends hours on newspapers, reports, and investment books—estimating that he reads hundreds of pages daily. Works like The Intelligent Investor and Security Analysis helped shape his investment philosophy and remain touchstones in his ongoing learning.

The 5/25 Rule for Focus

Buffett follows a practical time-management approach often called the 5/25 rule: list 25 goals, choose the top five, and focus exclusively on them while avoiding distractions from the remaining 20 until the critical five are accomplished. The method helps maintain clarity of purpose and avoid diluting effort across too many priorities.

A Modest, Functional Office

Buffett’s office is practical and unpretentious—quiet, filled with books and reports, and lacking flashy technology. It’s a workspace oriented toward reading, thinking, and long-form analysis rather than digital showmanship.

He Still Lives in the Same House He Bought in 1959

Buffett continues to live in the five-bedroom Omaha home he purchased in 1959. The house is modest compared with typical billionaire residences, but he values familiarity and comfort over showing wealth through real estate upgrades.

Ukulele for Fun

Outside of finance, Buffett learned to play the ukulele and has performed at shareholder events. He has described music as a joyful, creative outlet—an example of how personal hobbies can complement professional life.

Low-Tech Preferences

Despite Berkshire Hathaway’s investment in major tech firms, Buffett prefers a flip phone and printed newspapers. He values uninterrupted thinking and deep reading over constant digital distractions and the latest gadgets.

Reading Is Central to His Day

Much of Buffett’s daily routine is intentionally quiet and focused on learning. He reportedly spends a large portion of his workday reading reports, newspapers, and books—often as much as 60–80 percent of his time. This disciplined study habit is a foundation of his long-term investing success and helps him remain deeply informed and thoughtful about decisions.