How to do time management? Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon shares the one rule he follows to make every minute count

When you have a very busy job and personal life, it can be hard to get the most out of your day, and while there are many different time-management techniques to help, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon believes there is a simple habit that can do it. He says the secret is sticking to a schedule.

The one rule David Solomon follows to manage time

NBC News journalist Christine Romans recently sat down for a rapid-fire interview with Solomon. In it, he explained why he believes time is one of the few things in life that people can't get back once it is gone.

“The one thing that we can't … get back is time,” he said, explaining why he tries to be purposeful about how he spends it.


For Solomon, it is not enough just to make a schedule. People also need to stick to the commitments they make, rather than letting the day get away from their plans.

Studies have also indicated the benefits of this habit. A 2021 meta-analysis in the journal PLOS ONE found that effective time management was linked to better job performance.

What does his morning routine look like?

Solomon's emphasis on discipline also shows in his morning routine. In an interview with NBC News, he was asked to list three things he usually does before 7 a.m.

His answer was that he wakes up, goes to the gym and has a cup of coffee with a protein shake.

But his advice is more than simply waking early and following a particular morning routine. His comments suggest that it’s more important to be aware of how time is spent, rather than to fill the day with activities.

Career advice from grandmother

Interestingly, while Solomon believes in being disciplined about daily schedules, he takes a more patient approach towards long-term career goals.

He revealed that one of the most valuable pieces of advice he received came from his grandmother when he was in his twenties.

“Don't be in a hurry,” she told him.

The Goldman Sachs CEO has passed on this lesson with younger professionals. Addressing the company's summer interns in August, he encouraged them to remain patient with their careers and “enjoy the ride”.

He also offered similar advice to small-business owners during the launch of Goldman Sachs' Small Business AI Institute, saying, “The important thing is to get it right, not to get it quicker.”