“I became a DJ for two reasons,” says Mick Batyske. “I love music and I needed to pay for grad school. Somehow, that love of music and business turned into a really fun career.” He's since put that MBA to good use in a work life that encompasses being a brand consultant, tech investor and music curator—all the while spinning for some of the biggest celebrities and brands all over the globe. He often speaks at conferences and schools about inspiring creativity, the importance of innovation and developing a career out of your passions. Of course, his favorite job is not when he's MICK, the in-demand DJ, but when he's just dad to four-year-old Myles. Like many of us, Batyske's had to adapt to working from home. “That's been wild,” he says. “I deejay from my studio in Brooklyn—which is really my kitchen—but it's been fun connecting with new audiences via technology.” After all, who better than a DJ to read the room and pivot to get things back on track? So how does the guy make it look so easy? Well, a positive, healthy lifestyle is a start and some good music seems to help set the mood. Herewith, his current morning routine.

I'm usually up by 7:30 most days.

That's because my son, Myles, has preschool at 9:00. But since COVID, we have been a little more relaxed with that. And that's been nice.

How much sleep I get definitely affects me.

I aim for eight hours but really, it's usually about six and half or seven. I need at least six to be functional; eight to be optimal; and maybe 10 to be in “vacation mode.”

I start each day with gratitude.

I really do thank God every morning before I get out of bed that I actually woke up to see another day. Especially now—this quarantine has made me super grateful. If it's nice out, I may sneak into the yard or to the stoop for five minutes of sunny silence without my phone.

That said, I do pull out the phone way too early.

I check my email. And then head over to my first dose of Instagram. It's a bad habit, I'll admit. But I also get a lot of my clients via IG, so it literally pays to be mentally unhealthy, I guess.

Kids make mornings interesting, for sure.

I often wonder how my kid ends up in my bed when I legitimately tuck him in at night with no less than 20 stuffed animals to keep him company.

I like to put on some jazz.

I pump it through the Sonos as a way to wake up the house while I get ready. Brush my teeth. Quick shower and remember to feed my cat.

I'm empowering my son to make his own breakfast.

He's only four, but I'm really big on responsibility. He makes his own sausage (in the microwave) and waffle (in the toaster). This, at least, seems safe for a four-year-old. Then we take our vitamins, and we have this weird thing where I usually play '90s hip-hop (usually Tribe or De La Soul) and he dances and eats his gummies.

I want to make sure my kid is good, always.

If he has a great morning, our house is joyous. If our home has joy, I'm happy. And that transcends into my work flow. It's as simple as that.