Tech entrepreneur Brian Johnson, known for founding the revolutionary online payment system Braintree, has transformed his entrepreneurial success into a relentless pursuit of health optimization. While he famously spends $2 million annually on his quest to reverse aging, Johnson emphasizes that the foundation of health improvement begins with one crucial element: sleep.
Johnson approaches his body with the same methodical mindset that made him successful in tech. He treats his health like a startup, focusing on optimizing every aspect for peak performance. His philosophy centers on mastering fundamental elements before advancing to more complex techniques, mirroring the systematic approach he used to build Braintree.
“Sleep is your number one life priority,” Johnson asserts, encouraging people to reframe their identity as “professional sleepers.” This means establishing and maintaining a strict bedtime regardless of external factors. “You’re not going to sleep when it’s convenient or when your show is done or when you’re finished playing with your friends,” he explains.
To optimize sleep, Johnson advocates for eating earlier and lighter during the day, establishing a consistent wind-down routine, and creating an environment conducive to rest through careful lighting control, particularly incorporating red lighting in the evening hours.
“Sleep is a professional activity,” he said. “Take sleep as seriously as you do your job.
“You show up on time, you respect it, you’re very rigorous about it, you’re disciplined, you take pride in it.”
He added: “If I eat late or too much food, [it] will decimate my sleep.”
One of Johnson’s most compelling insights comes from his personal struggle with evening overeating. “I fired evening Brian,” he reveals, referring to the version of himself between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. who would consistently overeat. His solution wasn’t to rely on willpower but to implement systematic changes. “Never put yourself in a situation where you’re relying upon your willpower. Build systems and make commitments ahead of time,” he advises.
Once sleep is optimized, Johnson emphasizes the natural progression to exercise and proper nutrition. He maintains that when you feel well-rested, you’re more likely to exercise, creating a positive feedback loop. Throughout the day, he advocates for regular movement, getting up every 20-30 minutes for stretching or brief walks.
Johnson frames health improvement as a communal effort rather than just an individual pursuit. “If it helps you in your moment of torment when you’re sitting there deciding, do you do it or do you not do it? For the team, do it for all of us. Because if you do it, others will do it,” he encourages. This perspective transforms personal health choices into actions that can inspire and motivate others, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.
Through his journey from tech entrepreneur to health optimizer, Johnson demonstrates that while his $2 million annual investment in longevity might be beyond most people’s reach, the fundamental principles of health improvement – starting with quality sleep – are accessible to everyone willing to commit to systematic change.
