A Creator Dad's Journey: Balancing Life and Productivity
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Chapter 1: The Morning Routine
Every day begins with a unique challenge as a creator dad. My mornings are a blend of chaos and joy, shaped significantly since becoming a father in 2019. Initially, my routines were finely tuned, but little Leonardo transformed my world. Now, my focus is on optimizing my life while ensuring he receives the best upbringing.
6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. The Wake-Up Call
I have no alarm clock; instead, I rely on my son to dictate the start of my day. In the past, I was a creature of habit, waking up precisely seven and a half hours after sleep. However, since becoming a parent, my mornings have become unpredictable. In 2022, I faced particularly early starts, with Leonardo often waking at 5:30 a.m. Thankfully, we’ve shifted to a more manageable 6:30 a.m. wake-up call lately.
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. The Dad Shift
Mornings are dedicated to Leonardo—prepping breakfast, reading stories, and preparing him for kindergarten, which starts at 7:45 a.m. He’s not a fan of school, often asking if it’s the weekend to avoid going. To ease the morning struggle, I decided to let him stay home a bit longer, which has significantly reduced his resistance.
8:15 a.m. - Rejuvenating with Movement
After saying goodbye to my son, I take a brief 15-minute walk to recharge, listening to an audiobook or podcast along the way. This is my attempt to reclaim a moment of peace that used to be a longer routine.
8:30 a.m. - Restoring My Body
I’ve committed to 15 minutes of yoga most mornings—259 out of the last 273 days. This gentle exercise has proven to be the most effective way to kickstart my day, enhancing my circulation, flexibility, and overall strength. I utilize the Down Dog app to vary my practice daily.
8:45 a.m. - The Essentials
After months of intermittent fasting, I now have a high-protein breakfast of oats, whey protein, and Greek yogurt. This meal fuels my energy and keeps my stomach settled, allowing me to start my workday effectively.
9:00 a.m. - Warming Up the Mind
I tend to be more productive in the morning, so I reserve this time for critical tasks. However, I often begin by checking stats and communities for about 15 minutes before diving into writing or editing.
9:30 a.m. - Content Creation Phase
Guided by my content dashboard in Notion, I allocate 2-3 hours to drafting and editing articles. I make sure to engage with other writers, as this habit is crucial for growth.
12:40 p.m. - The Dad Privilege
By lunchtime, Leonardo is usually worn out, so I pick him up from school to spend time together before he heads to my parents. This 10-minute journey is filled with laughter and interesting conversations.
1:15 p.m. - Time to Refuel
Back home, I prepare a salad for lunch, something I enjoy and look forward to every day.
1:45 p.m. - Power Napping
Afternoons have historically been challenging for me, but I’ve optimized my post-lunch routine with a 30-minute nap on the floor, paired with binaural beats that rejuvenate my mind.
2:15 p.m. - Coffee Break
As I sip my coffee, I catch up on reading articles and newsletters, preparing for the next phase of my work.
2:45 p.m. - Managing Multiple Projects
I manage two Italian websites, engaging in various tasks. Despite considering focusing solely on my English writing for growth, I feel obligated to my current projects and collaborators.
5:00 p.m. - The Chaotic Hour
As my workday comes to a close, I often find myself scrambling to fit in extra hours due to interruptions earlier in the day. My wife typically picks up Leonardo, leading to a more unpredictable evening routine.
7:30 p.m. - Evening Chores
After dinner, I handle the cleanup, which takes about half an hour.
8:00 p.m. - Bedtime Ritual
Getting Leonardo ready for bed takes much longer than my own routine, but I cherish these moments of care and connection.
9:00 p.m. - The To-Do List
As the day winds down, I reflect on my unfinished tasks and plan for the next day, hoping to improve continuously.
Do you optimize every moment?
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