Early in his career, Bill Gates was the epitome of the relentless grind. Sixteen-hour workdays were standard. Vacations? Basically nonexistent. He built Microsoft on sheer intensity and discipline, treating downtime as a luxury the company couldn't afford.

But here's where it gets interesting. Fast forward to now, and Gates is publicly advocating for working less. The guy who practically lived at his desk is suddenly singing a different tune about rest and recovery.

It's a striking shift that's worth paying attention to—especially for builders and founders grinding through crypto markets. The question isn't just whether Gates changed his mind. It's what that change signals about sustainable success versus the myth of the infinite hustle.