Indian-Origin CEO’s 3 AM Routine and Flexible Work Culture Challenge Hustle Culture

At a time when many professionals struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, the daily routine of Hardik Jagda, an Indian-origin entrepreneur based in San Francisco, has attracted attention. Jagda, the founder and CEO of Proximity Works, reportedly wakes up between 3 AM and 5 AM every day. He avoids checking his phone and emails immediately after waking up, choosing instead to exercise and focus on important decisions related to his company. According to him, once the day gets going after 7 AM, his time becomes harder to control. Inspired by the biographies of entrepreneurs and athletes, he adopted an early-morning routine that allows him to work without interruptions. He uses the quiet hours between 3 AM and 6 AM to concentrate on priorities before other professional commitments begin.

Jagda says this routine has helped him approach business challenges more effectively. He recalled a project two years ago that required the company to recruit a large number of engineers within a short period. Working with his team, he helped redesign the recruitment process to enable hiring within 72 hours. He believes having uninterrupted time in the morning helps him think clearly and make important decisions. He also spends some Saturdays learning skills such as public speaking. However, Jagda does not expect employees to follow his demanding schedule. He opposes the 996 work culture, which typically involves working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, amounting to 72 hours. At his company, employees can choose working hours that suit their productivity patterns, including working at night, while maintaining five to six hours of daily coordination with their teammates.