Elon Musk, one of the most polarizing and visionary figures of our time, has built a reputation on boldness, innovation, and an unparalleled work ethic. From revolutionizing electric vehicles with Tesla (TSLA) to making space exploration a commercial reality with SpaceX, Musk’s advice has always revolved around one principle: take risks and outwork everyone else.

"It's Simple Math"

In a 2014 commencement address at USC, Musk laid out his philosophy with blunt clarity: "You need to work super hard." Recalling his early days co-founding Zip2 with his brother, Musk described sleeping on a small office couch because they couldn’t afford an apartment. “We showered at the YMCA and were so hard-up that we only had one computer,” Musk explained. He would code through the night, allowing the website to remain live during the day.

For Musk, the formula for success is as straightforward as his anecdotes: “If somebody else is working 50 hours [per week] and you’re working 100, you’ll get twice as much done in the course of a year as the other company.” He dismissed the notion of shortcuts, framing his relentless pace as a fundamental truth of achieving greatness.

Hard Work Over Glamour

This ethos isn’t confined to Musk’s early days. During the infamous production crunch for Tesla’s Model 3, Musk slept on the factory floor to personally oversee operations. “The couch was too narrow,” he quipped to CBS’s Gayle King, showcasing his dedication to ensuring Tesla’s success, even at personal discomfort.

Musk's message extends beyond hard work; it’s about practicality and grit. Speaking during a Google Hangout in 2013, he urged entrepreneurs to “do all sorts of jobs and tasks that you might not wish to do” and “be prepared to do whatever it takes.” For him, no task is too menial if it serves the mission.

Feedback, Vision, and Culture

Musk often emphasizes the importance of seeking critical feedback. “Take as much feedback from as many people as you can,” he said in 2013, adding that entrepreneurs must actively draw out critiques to refine their ideas. However, this practicality is balanced by Musk's visionary thinking. As Richard Branson once wrote, “It’s a paradox that Elon is working to improve our planet at the same time he’s building spacecraft to help us leave it.”

Musk also believes that building a successful team hinges on hiring for cultural fit. “I think it’s important that everyone understands exactly what the mission is,” Musk said, insisting that employees must align with a company’s vision from day one.

Risks Worth Taking

Throughout his career, Musk has encouraged others to embrace risk, particularly when they are young. “Now is the time to take risks,” he told USC graduates. “As you get older, your obligations increase.” Yet, research suggests that even older entrepreneurs can thrive, with seasoned founders often launching some of the most successful startups.

Whether through his calculated gambles or tireless work ethic, Musk’s approach has yielded transformative results—and sparked debate. Critics question the sustainability of his methods and his ability to juggle numerous ventures while maintaining personal relationships, including with his twelve children. Musk himself has acknowledged the cost, calling entrepreneurship “like eating glass and staring into the abyss.”

A Legacy of Audacity

Musk’s drive to boil problems down to their fi"rst principles" has redefined industries. From building rockets at a fraction of traditional costs to reimagining batteries for Tesla, he doesn’t just challenge norms—he obliterates them. “Boiling things down to their fundamental truths, and reasoning up from there,” Musk said in a TED Talk, is a practice anyone can apply to solve complex problems.

Though his methods and public persona are not without controversy—most recently with his polarizing acquisition of Twitter and political endorsements—Musk’s ability to achieve audacious goals is undeniable. Whether you’re inspired by his work ethic or skeptical of his leadership, Musk’s advice boils down to a universal truth: take bold steps, and don’t regret the chances you didn’t take.

“It’s simple math,” Musk said. And for better or worse, Elon Musk continues to rewrite the equation for success.