Meditation as Ray Dalio’s Path to Success: ‘It Brings a Unique Calmness’

Ray Dalio, the billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, has openly credited meditation as one of the most important factors in his success. While many recognize him for his financial acumen and “Principles” on decision-making, fewer realize that his daily practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been the foundation of his clear thinking, resilience, and innovative approach to investing.

The Power of Meditation in Ray Dalio’s Life

Dalio first learned about Transcendental Meditation in the 1960s, and he has practiced it consistently ever since. According to him, meditating twice a day for 20 minutes helps him stay calm, focused, and creative, even during high-stress situations.

In his book Principles: Life & Work, Dalio describes meditation as a tool that allows him to see reality more clearly and make better decisions without being clouded by emotions. He believes that it enhances his ability to think deeply, observe patterns, and remain composed in the face of uncertainty—critical skills for an investor managing billions of dollars.

Pro tip: Try Shortform for free! Shortform makes the world’s best guides to non-fiction books. It’s is the best way to learn ideas from all those books you’ve always wanted to read.

• They add smart insights, like connecting what one author thinks about another author. You end up understanding the ideas at a super deep level and building these awesome connections between ideas.
• They’re super detailed so you get the book’s key points at a deep level. 
• They have interactive exercises to help you apply the ideas you just learned, so you don’t forget them.

Why Meditation Works for High Achievers

Many successful leaders, from Steve Jobs to Oprah Winfrey, have spoken about the benefits of meditation. But for Dalio, it’s not just about stress relief—it’s about gaining access to a higher level of thinking. Meditation enables:

• Clarity & Objectivity: By detaching from emotions, he can analyze situations with a clear and logical mind.
• Better Decision-Making: Meditation helps him develop a deep inner awareness, allowing him to recognize biases and avoid impulsive mistakes.
• Creativity & Innovation: By quieting his mind, he opens space for fresh ideas and new ways of solving problems.
• Emotional Resilience: In the volatile world of finance, maintaining composure is a superpower. Meditation helps Dalio navigate challenges without being consumed by stress or fear.

Meditation as a Success Habit

Dalio believes that meditation is one of the most valuable habits anyone can develop—not just for business, but for life in general. He often encourages young professionals and entrepreneurs to incorporate meditation into their daily routines, seeing it as a way to unlock their full potential.

By prioritizing mental clarity and self-awareness, Dalio has built not only one of the most successful hedge funds in the world but also a legacy of wisdom that extends beyond investing. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about intelligence or strategy—it’s also about mastering your mind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to improve decision-making, increase resilience, and boost creativity, meditation might be the game-changer you need. As Ray Dalio himself puts it:

“Meditation, more than anything in my life, was the biggest ingredient of whatever success I’ve had.”

So, why not give it a try?