Forge an Unbreakable Morning Routine: Dominate Every Day with Faith, Fitness & Firearms
- Rick Hogg
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
I've spent years figuring out what really sets the tone for a productive, focused day. It's not about waiting for the perfect moment or some big resolution, it's about starting right now with habits that build you up from the inside out. In this article, I'm going to walk you through how I forge my own unbreakable morning routine, blending faith, fitness, and firearms. This isn't theory; it's what I do every day to stay sharp, grounded, and ready for whatever comes. If you're looking to level up your mornings and dominate every single day, stick with me. We'll cover the why, the how, and some practical steps you can implement today.
Why Your Morning Routine Sets You Up for Success
Let's start with the basics: why bother with a structured morning at all? In my experience, the way you kick off your day dictates everything that follows. If you roll out of bed scrolling on your phone or rushing through coffee, you're already playing catch-up. But when you intentionally build in elements that strengthen your mind, body, and skills, you create momentum that carries you through challenges. Think about it, faith keeps you centered, fitness builds your energy, and firearms training hones your focus and preparedness. Together, they create a routine that's not just routine; it's unbreakable.
I've seen this play out in my own life. After retiring, and starting War HOGG Tactical, I realized time, my number one most precious commodity, is too valuable to waste commuting to a gym. So, I turned my garage into a hub for getting it all done early, the War HOGG Tactical Combat Training Facility. No excuses, just action. And here's the thing: you don't need fancy equipment, I bought everything second hand, or hours of free time. Start small, be consistent, and watch how it transforms your days. This approach isn't about perfection; it's about progress. Even if you don't feel like working out, don't skill it, do something. Whether you're a law enforcement officer, a civilian staying safe, or just someone wanting more out of life, a solid morning routine gives you the edge.
Embracing American Grit: The Heart of Perseverance
One thing that's always driven me is that classic American grit, the relentless drive to push forward no matter the obstacles. It's that quiet determination our forefathers had, the pioneers crossing plains, the veterans holding the line, and everyday folks grinding through tough times. In my years of service and now running War HOGG, I've seen grit in action: guys pushing through exhaustion on deployments, handlers bonding with their K9 partners under fire, families holding it together back home.
American grit isn't flashy; it's showing up day after day, doing the hard things when no one's watching. That's what fuels this morning routine for me. It's not about feeling motivated, it's about committing to the grind because quitting isn't an option. I've drawn from that same spirit post-retirement, building habits that honor the sacrifices made for our freedoms. Grit ties directly into faith (trusting in a higher plan), fitness (pushing your body beyond comfort), and firearms (staying prepared to protect what's yours). Without grit, routines fall apart. With it, you build something unbreakable.
But let's dig deeper into what American grit really means in today's world. We've gotten extremely soft as a society, sheltered, disconnected, and entitled. Too many folks are unfit, eating junk, glued to their phones, and buying into big tech propaganda. It's time to snap out of it and reclaim that pioneer spirit. At War HOGG Tactical, our mantra is "Be 1% Better Everyday!" That's the key: small, consistent improvements that add up over time. No more waiting for tomorrow or New Year's resolutions, those are just excuses to delay changing your life. Start today, get out of your comfort zone, and build resilience.
The Night Before: Setting Yourself Up to Win
A truly unstoppable morning starts the evening prior. I don't leave things to chance, I prep so I'm ready to hit the ground running. First off, I plan my next day's fitness and firearms workout in my Fitness & Firearms Training Notebook. This keeps me accountable and eliminates any morning decision fatigue.
Second, in a separate company notebook, I outline tasks for War HOGG Tactical and On The Range Podcast. That includes phone calls, emails, carryover items, appointments, or Zoom calls. I break the day into time chunks with specific goals for each, so I can check them off and feel that sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, I journal daily, reflecting on the day, expressing gratitude, noting areas for self-improvement, and setting intentions for tomorrow. This clears my mind and primes me for rest. Prep like this the night before, and you'll wake up with a clear plan, no excuses.
Waking Up with Purpose: The First Moments of the Day
I set my alarm for 5:30 AM, and this choice serves a couple of key purposes. It lets me catch the beauty of the sunrise, which is a daily reminder of fresh starts and new opportunities. Plus, it gives me some peaceful quiet time before the rest of the house wakes up and the world gets noisy.
When that alarm sounds, I take a deep breath and start with gratitude. I thank God for granting me another day and ask for wisdom, power, and strength to handle whatever comes my way, and for His will to be done. This simple act sets a positive, purposeful tone right from the start.
Grounding Your Day in Faith: The Foundation of Strength
After brushing my teeth, faith takes center stage. I dedicate time to prayer and reading the Bible. This helps me build a stronger relationship with God and allows me to seek blessings not just for my family, but for others too. I follow a 365-day Bible reading guide that only takes about 10 to 15 minutes, short enough to fit in, but impactful enough to make a difference.
Faith is one of the five F's I check myself on daily: Faith, Fitness, Firearms, Family, and Finances. Asking, "Have I spent time strengthening my faith today?" keeps me accountable. It's non-negotiable for clarity and resilience, especially when infused with that American grit of enduring trials with purpose. When life's stresses hit, and they will, you've already armored up mentally and spiritually.
To make it work for you, set aside that time first thing. Pick a quiet spot, read a chapter or two, and think about how it applies to your day. No distractions, just you and the Word. Over time, this builds an inner strength that fitness and firearms can amplify. Tie it to being 1% better: grow a little stronger in your beliefs each day.
Fueling Up: Hydration and Coffee for Clarity
Right after faith time, I focus on the body. I down 16 ounces of water to rehydrate, crucial for brain function and energy after sleeping. Hydration is key to feeling sharp and avoiding that foggy start.
Then, I brew a cup of black coffee with MCT oil, sometimes known as bulletproof coffee. This combo fuels me up, sharpens my mind, and provides steady energy without any crash later. It's a simple but effective way to get the body and brain primed for action.
Building Physical Fitness: Fuel Your Body for the Long Haul
With faith grounding me and body fueled, I hit the workout. I mix up a pre-workout like 1st Phorm Megawatt for that extra boost, then head out for a run to warmup the body. There's nothing better than watching that sunrise while putting miles on your shoes, it gets the blood flowing, clears the mind, and connects you with the day ahead.
Back home, it's into the garage gym for functional fitness and integrated firearms training, all pre-planned the night before. Exercises like sandbag carries, burpees, pull-ups, TRX push-ups, squats, hitting the heavy bag or Century BOB for core work. I pre-plan everything in my The Fitness & Firearms Training Notebook, tracking reps and progress. Cardio might be running, jumping rope, or rowing on a Concept II. The goal? Get fatigued but controlled, simulating how your body performs under stress.
This is where American grit shines, pushing through the burn, one more rep when you want to quit. Exercise releases endorphins, which lift your mood and energy. For those of us dealing with TBIs, it's great rehab too, helping with recovery and mental clarity. Why mornings? It energizes you for the day ahead. Morning workouts boost metabolism and mood, but I know it from experience, after a session, I'm sharper and more alert. Plus I know it done, because we all know the day can get super busy.
Aim for 30-45 minute fitness & Firearms workout: start with some cardio, not part of the 30-45 minute workout, then hit 3-4 strength exercises. No fancy gear needed; a sandbag or bodyweight is plenty. This isn't about bulking up, it's building endurance and strength that supports everything else, including your firearms skills. My garage setup saves time and money, no more driving to a commercial gym; it's open 24/7/365. "Have I worked out today?" If not, get after it. Combining movement with purpose keeps you healthy and ready.
Once I'm done, I get my protein on board quick, like 1st Phorm Level-1, to start rebuilding those muscles.
Mastering Firearms: Sharpen Your Skills with Dry Fire Program Training Integration
Firearms are woven right into the fitness block. After elevating my heart rate, I grab the pistol or carbine (unloaded, safety always) and run dry fire drills, draw from the holster, transitions, strong-hand only, all while breathing heavy. Pre-planned in The Firearms Training Notebook, using tools like the War HOGG Self Eval.
This builds true proficiency because real life isn't on a cold range. "Have you conducted dry fire today?" Make it daily for that 1% edge. Fundamentals under stress, performance on demand, that's what saves lives. American grit comes into play here too, disciplined practice when it's inconvenient, staying proficient because freedom demands it.
At War HOGG Tactical, we teach this in courses like red dot pistol or carbine marksmanship, but you can do it at home. Safety first, triple-check your firearm is unloaded. Track it all to see improvements. This integration multiplies your overall capability.
Putting It All Together: Executing the Plan and Crushing the Day
Workout done, I review my night-before notes, prioritize tasks, knock out business for War HOGG and the podcast. Less time on social these days after being deactivated; trying to rebuild our Instagram page @warhoggtactical, but without chasing followers over substance. Knowing good and well Meta / Instagram censorship is real, I have the receipts, and it was a poor return on investment ROI after being deactivated and investing all that time for something I do not control. Focus on what moves the needle and what I control, like the website and my email subscribers.
The core stays: fitness, firearms, faith, family and finances checks. Journal progress, stay accountable. Discipline makes it habit, even on weekends or when tired. Find accountability, maybe as an On The Range “CREW” member or with like-minded folks.
Don't forget the other F's, family and finances. Maybe call a loved one after your routine or review your budget. Journal it all: I regret not doing more pen-to-paper reflection during active duty and taking more pictures with people who are no longer here. Track your 1% improvements in a notebook to stay accountable.
Tools and Tips for Long-Term Success
To make this stick, grab the right tools. A GORUCK sandbag for fitness, a quality holster for dry fire, a Bible or app for faith, and supplements like 1st Phorm for fuel. From War HOGG, check out our The Firearms Training Notebook and online resources for drills.
Tips: Hydrate first thing, eat a protein-packed breakfast after, and review your notebook nightly.
Common pitfalls? Skipping days, fight it with accountability, maybe a partner, and lean on that American grit to push through. Reduce social media time; use it smartly, not letting it brainwash you. Build real connections, not just online followers. Stay consistent, and you'll see results: better focus, strength, and readiness. Look at joining the On The Range Podcast "CREW" and be with likeminded individuals on the journey for self-improvement.
Wrapping Up: Start Dominating Today
There you have it, my full blueprint for an unbreakable morning routine with faith, fitness, firearms, and the timeless American grit that makes it all possible. Strive to be 1% better everyday, no excuses, just action. Remember, the key is consistency and finding what works best for you. Start small, and gradually incorporate these practices. Before you know it, you’ll be crushing your days and achieving your goals with unstoppable momentum. Embrace the power of your mornings and watch as your life transforms!
Implement this, and you'll dominate every day, feeling empowered and prepared. Head to warhogg.com for more tips, courses, gear, and to join the On The Range Podcast community.
Train hard, stay safe, and see you “On The Range”! - Rick
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