Faith, Jiu Jitsu, and Crude Oil: My Non-Negotiable Morning Stack
People think the morning routine is about productivity hacks. For me, it’s about identity. Every morning I reinforce who I am: a man of faith, an operator, a student of the game — physical and financial.
Faith First
Before I look at my phone, I pray. Before I check the markets, I express gratitude. This isn’t a religious performance — it’s a daily recalibration of what matters most.
Jiu Jitsu as a Practice
I train jiu jitsu not because I need to fight, but because it teaches me to solve problems under pressure with a clear mind and a calm body. At 50, rolling with guys half my age teaches humility, adaptability, and resilience in a way the boardroom simply cannot.
The Crude Oil Markets
By 7:30 AM, I’m reviewing overnight crude oil price action, refinery runs, and supply dynamics. This is my domain. I’ve traded energy for decades. Staying sharp here is part of my operator identity.
Identity Before Productivity
Faith, training, and business aren’t three separate parts of the morning — they’re one identity reinforced three ways before the day gets a vote. See how the faith piece specifically drives everything else in The Faith Element: Why God First Makes Everything Else Work.
FAQ
Why put faith before training or work in the morning?
Because it sets the order of priority for the entire day — everything else operates better when it isn’t first.
