⇾ Mick Batyske, DJ/Entrepreneur
Adapting to WFH life with the globe-trotting DJ, influencer and tech investor
Eddie Lee
"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.
Those moments between turning off the alarm and getting into our work routine can be the most defining 60 minutes of our day. Benjamin Franklin set a day's worth of plans by 5 am and Steve Jobs asked a simple question: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" Our rituals are a reflection of us. So we've ventured out to discover how some of our most influential and fruitful peers get started.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
So I'll usually drink some lemon water or maybe a Bulletproof coffee.
I will sometimes have cold brew (maybe a Bulletproof) or a double shot of espresso. But fun fact, I actually hate regular coffee.
Maybe that's why the fasting has been working. On the rare days I eat breakfast, I love avocado toast. But I've been vegan during this quarantine and I've been loving how I feel. I may not go back to the bacon ... we shall see.
I try to remember to do like 50 push-ups and sit-ups. But to be honest, that's iffy. Especially lately. On a nice day after taking my son to school (remember when kids had school? LOL), I will go for a long run.
I've got to-do lists, but I am much more beholden to my Google Calendar. And I use an app called Fantastical to manage it all.
I use a lot of products as part of my daily regimen. It's taken a while to find what I like, but I now stick with what I know works.
Otherwise, you're always playing catch-up. I spend a lot of time on the West Coast. If I'm in Los Angeles, the morning run always happens. And usually involves a fun exotic juice and/or a more gourmet espresso. When in LA, be in LA, right? If I'm in San Francisco, I have a favorite coffee shop I love, and a favorite eggs/bacon spot as well. But if I stay vegan, I may have to find a few new options.
I've allowed myself a little time to slow down. I rarely watch TV, but I've been enjoying a lot of cartoons with Myles. We love "Hello Ninja" and retro "Transformers" episodes. And, of course, we have been watching "The Last Dance" on Sundays.
Otherwise, you're always playing catch-up. I spend a lot of time on the West Coast. If I'm in Los Angeles, the morning run always happens. And usually involves a fun exotic juice and/or a more gourmet espresso. When in LA, be in LA, right? If I'm in San Francisco, I have a favorite coffee shop I love, and a favorite eggs/bacon spot as well. But if I stay vegan, I may have to find a few new options.
I've allowed myself a little time to slow down. I rarely watch TV, but I've been enjoying a lot of cartoons with Myles. We love "Hello Ninja" and retro "Transformers" episodes. And, of course, we have been watching "The Last Dance" on Sundays.
I tend to wear lots of black, navy and grey. So everything just kinda goes together. And that way, I can just grab whatever and throw it on. I can't lie ... pre-COVID, the maid ironed my clothes. Post-COVID, I throw that shit in the dryer for 10 minutes. I accessorize with color, usually sneakers. And beanies. Lots of beanies. Too many beanies?
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