Being a dad is exhausting, especially with young kids. You need sleep so badly, it seems crazy to even consider passing on an opportunity to get some. But indeed, the suggestion for today’s email is precisely that: Get up before your kids. 

The mornings are the most productive time on the planet. Before the emails start rolling in. Before the meetings are scheduled to begin. Before the noise of the city has begun to rumble. That’s when you can think, when you can write or read, go for a run or throw a load of clothes in the laundry with some semblance of peace. 

None of us have any idea what the day has in store for us. Which is why it is such a good idea to get up early and get a win early. Before the interruptions. Before they wake up sick or arguing with each other, or before you found out your boss needs that report a couple hours sooner than expected. 

Don’t start your day behind the eight ball. Don’t wake up to chaos. Don’t kick things off being reactive. Get up before your kids—even if only a few minutes earlier—and get some points on the board. Then you’ll be better prepared for everything they, and life, throw at you for the next 24 hours.