Elon Musk's ex-wife reveals how the ability to say 'no' helped the billionaire protect his resources, prioritize what matters and revolutionize multiple sectors of technology
Elon Musk is a name that needs no introduction. Whether he’s founding revolutionary companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink or Neuralink, he seems to be everywhere at once. But how does he do it? According to Justine Musk, his ex-wife and mother of his six children, the answer may lie in something surprisingly simple: knowing how to say “no”.
This seemingly trivial skill, played a crucial role in the success Musk. And as Justine has revealed on a Quora forum and in lectures, this “no” is not just a word, but a philosophy of life.
The power of a simple “No”
Saying “no” is more than a denial; it’s a shield. For Elon Musk, every “no” was a “yes” to something bigger—his own goals. According to Justine, he rejected distractions to focus on what really mattered. This allowed him to channel energy, time, and attention in a surgical way, something essential for anyone running billion-dollar companies.
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Imagine your life as a cell phone battery. Every call, message or open application consumes your charge. Elon Musk understands this and chooses to save battery for the most important tasks. He avoids the “power drainers” while ensuring that his efforts are aligned with his goals.
This is where the magic happens: for every “no,” there is a deeper, more meaningful “yes.” Musk, like other visionaries like Steve Jobs, knows that accepting one task means sacrificing another. This mindset isn’t exclusive to billionaires — it can be adopted by anyone.
Lessons from Justine Musk
For Justine, Elon’s “no” wasn’t just about power, it was about intention. He knew exactly where he wanted to go and was willing to make the hard choices to get there. This clarity of purpose is what sets great leaders apart.
Musk's ex-wife also points out the importance of developing this skill early. According to experts, we begin to explore the concept of “no” as early as infancy, around 15 months, when we seek independence. This same skill, when refined, can become a powerful tool for adults.