Michael bloomberg's advice for success: don't take bathroom breaks

Michael bloomberg's advice for success: don't take bathroom breaks

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is a successful man. He founded an eponymous financial services firm in 1982 that has since become indispensable to traders and market analysts. He


later launched his own (also eponymous) news business, as well as other (yes, also eponymous) business ventures. He's served three terms as the mayor of America's largest city,


after convincing the city council to scrap the old two-term limit. With an estimated net worth of $27 billion, he's now the 13th richest person in the entire world. SUBSCRIBE TO THE


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The Week delivered directly to your inbox. So how has Hizzoner become so successful? By trying really hard not to crap on the job, it turns out. During Bloomberg's radio program Friday,


a caller asked him to impart some personal tips for success. In addition to some expected platitudes — "take risks", "don't stop learning" — Bloomberg also said


it's wise to work as hard as possible, all the time, even if that means skimping on lunch and bathroom breaks. His full quote, as transcribed by the _New York Observer_: Bloomberg has


given the same advice in the past, as _New York's_ Dan Amira points out. Back in 2011, he took an even stronger anti-bathroom stance, saying, "Don't ever take a lunch break or


go to the bathroom, you keep working." A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com Other prominent, successful New Yorkers


aren't so sure that's a great long-term strategy. And Bloomberg himself, despite what he says, is known to enjoy a good vacation here and there. The outgoing mayor owns 10 homes,


according to _Forbes_, including ones in London, Bermuda, and the Colorado resort town of Vail. He was also notably absent when a mammoth blizzard slammed New York in Christmas 2010. His


private jet, it was later revealed, had been seen in Bermuda on the day the storm hit.