The most important 4 F's in your life

Every other week, I am blessed with the opportunity to meet with 2 guys from my church.  We call our group a Triad.  We meet to discuss life as Husbands/Fathers/Businessmen/Men of God etc..  The time I spend with these Gents, is cleansing and full of value.  No, this isn't bromance.  They challenge me, keep me accountable, provide more wisdom than I can absorb (at times) and add an immense amount of value to my life.

What does this have to do with navigating turbulent, violent, volatile markets that don't care about you, your money or your family?  My Triad focus's on the F 4's........let's unpack this.

1) Faith
What is faith?  It is a firm belief in something, although there may be no tangible proof.  The more you have, the more you need.  Faith keeps you centered.  Faith keeps you grounded.  Faith reminds that you are not the center of the universe.  During tough times, faith provides peace.  During great times, faith provides the joy to appreciate the success.  Faith provides wisdom.  Here is 4 ways to build and maintain your faith.
a) Take quiet time everyday - Remove yourself from the madness of life.  Relax, focus, meditate.
b) I am a Christian and I read the Holy Bible everyday.  If your not Christian, read a faith based book of your choice.  Tony Dungy has written some great books.
c) Pray.  Pray for others.  Pray for your family.  Pray for yourself.  Pray that you are blessed and your territory is expanded.
d) Meet with other like minded people.  I cannot understate the importance of surrounding yourself with people that you WANT to be like.  Go to church, small groups etc..  Hang around in the gutter, you smell like the trash.
A strong Faith will help you control your emotions.  Controlling your emotions, frees us to look at the market through a lens we can understand and appreciate.

2) Family
Some of you are married, some are not.  Some have children, some do not.  We all have different family structures.  I am married, have 2 boys and am the oldest of 5 boys (Yes, a starting 5).  I once heard, "you are either trading time for money or money for time", in most cases.  The trading world offers the opportunity to take advantage of both.  The market is a sweet siren though, calling your name in the evening, dominating your thoughts and dreams at night and stealing all of your focus during the day.  But, the market is always there.  The first tenet of successful trading is Capital Preservation, make sure you are there tomorrow.  Make time for your family.  Spend quality time, investing in your wife, kids and/or siblings.  Spend time with Mom and Dad.  Time waits for no man and you cannot get it back.

3) Finances
Let's get it out in the open, we trade because we want to acquire money.  At the end of each day, we are measured by our PnL.  Unlike most other people, when we have a "rough" day at work, we take money OFF our table.  We don't necessarily get paid for everyday we work.  Here are a few things I do to reduce money stress/pressure and enjoy life.
a) Give, Give, Give.  I actively give to the church I serve in.  I also try to make it a point to give locally, in situations that make a real difference.  Check out James Altuchers' most recent blog post http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2011/03/how-to-become-a-superhero/
I know two guys that literally cannot give enough.  They give incredible amounts of money away to quality people and organizations.  As soon as they give it, it returns to them , in many cases many-times-over.  It is a true blessing to know these guys and watch my God work in their lives.
b) When trading is especially tough, spend some money on yourself, a friend or a family member.  Buy that little toy you have been eyeing.  Buy your kids that XBox 360 game they have been begging for.  Take a friend out for a unexpected dinner or lunch.  Buy your wife/fiancée/girlfriend a gift for putting up with your market related moods swings/tantrums/desk pounding.  Take your family on a 2 day staycation.
Following these two financial principles, helps me keep life and money in perspective.  I usually return to the market refreshed and recharged.  Again, the world doesn't revolve around me.

4) Fitness
This may be the glue that keeps everything together.  Not the most important of the 4 F's, but the binding agent.  Fitness for me means running.  I love running.  I love the physical challenge.  I love the mental challenge.  Running helps you build perseverance.  Running is not the most pleasurable activity to partake in. It often hurts before it feels good.  However, I have never went on a run and came back feeling worse, never.  I am going to put this out there.  I am a clydesdale.  6'2", 250 lbs (30lbs overweight).  In 2007, I ran the Chicago Marathon (The Hot One) and finished.  2008, I ran the Denver Half Marathon with my bro.  I felt so good after each of these events.  I was really spent after the marathon, but the accomplishment overshadowed any physical pain.  It has been 2 years since I competed.  I focused on building a trading business and I let one of my F's fall to the wayside, Fitness. Here are two things I am doing to get back in the groove.
a) Setting small, short-term goals - I was in 2 mile shape in Jan 2011.  I want to be in 4 mile shape by the end of March, I am right on pace.  I finally feel like a runner again, lungs and heart feel "Strong Like Bull".
b) Set a longer-term goal - In September 2011, I am running in the Rock Cut 3Day Ultra Trail Run.  A total of 52 miles on the trails of Rock Cut State Park over 3 days.  This will be a true test of my physical abilities.  I WILL be ready.
I have 2 great Book recommendations
1) Born To Run - Christopher McDougall
2) Ultramarathon Man, Confessions of an All-Night Runner - Dean Karzanes

I guarantee that beginning to apply these 4 F's to your life will help you re-prioritize and find more balance in your life.

Thank you to my Triad, you know who you are.

Be Blessed,

Hemi