We think a lot about useful practices that help us stay focused and productive. In many ways, this lies at the core of our business proposition, to help leaders increase effectiveness for the long haul. One of the most insidious parasites on our focus is screens of all types–cell phones, laptops, and tablets, oh my! Here are three simple words of wisdom to set your day off well: sunrise before screenrise.

Here’s the thing, it’s not like the screen appeal is all bad. It’s not, in fact. When I rise in the morning and head to our front room, where my phone is docked, I am often tempted to grab my phone before I grab my coffee. After I let Daisy out and feed her, I am tempted to reach for the screen before I reach for my Bible and journal. And for good reason. It’s not like I’m jonesing to scroll through TikTok (I don’t even have that, actually), or play Candy Crush or whatever new gambling-based app gaming there is. For starters, I am tempted to reach for the phone because our kids don’t live with us.

Jaden is two hours ahead of us, and I wonder how his day has started. It gives me great joy to hear how my son, a young Infantryman, is experiencing the Army. I love hearing how he’s bonding with his platoon mates, learning his craft, and (of course) sucking out in the field. That last part is my favorite. Elli works early at a coffee shop and I wonder how her shift has started. She sends us notes about sweet toddlers who blow her kisses and cute, happy dogs in the back seat.

I also wonder if their nights went ok since we are often in bed by 9:30. Did they get home safely? Did Jaden do a night fire? Is Elli getting good enough sleep? And all the other things parents wonder about their little birdies after they’ve left the nest. But I am reminded that my phone settings allow for them to call through even if on “Do Not Disturb” if they need me. And I am reminded that they don’t–I’ll know if they do.

I am tempted to reach for the screen because I’m excited to get to work. I love what I do and who I get to do it with. Some mornings, I wake up at 3:00 am thinking and excited to get to work, but I know that I need the sleep and I need the grounding before I get to the grinding. I am also tempted to reach for the screen to see what’s going on in the world. War in the Middle East, unrest in America, financial instability, and political fratricide are enough to encourage me to keep my finger on the pulse.

But I also know something about myself: I need my feet to touch the ground before I release them to sprint. I know I need to be present in order to be a valuable presence. I know that when I go, I won’t stop until dinner time. And I know that my best efforts come from my deepest connection to God, myself, and others. And whatever is inside that screen can wait until the conditions are set for the day.

Here’s the thing: most things we perceive to be emergencies, actually lack the need for urgency. More often, those matters require discernment and a thoughtful approach. This is really hard to embrace as a parent of any child, particularly when they are off in the world. And it’s really hard to do if we aren’t grounded in the first place. Honestly, what if my adult children did something stupid last night or this morning? What am I going to do about it? Wring my hands and worry? Probably, which will in no way positively impact the situation.

Instead, I’d rather settle in for the day and be prepared for whatever comes my way–the good, the bad, and the ugly. For me, that starts with my settling practices and letting the glow of the morning sun hit my face before the blue light of a single screen.

If this resonates with you, pass it on. If you’ve never tried this approach, give it a go for 21 days and add a practice of gratitude kicker to really set you on a good path.

I doubt you’ll regret it.