Answer extracted from The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
What daily habit has proven essential to maintaining health and energy over a 15-year period?
Every morning, Joe Fairless drinks a liter of water mixed with a scoop of wheatgrass—a habit he has maintained consistently for 15 years. The water flushes out the stagnation that accumulates during sleep, while the wheatgrass alkalizes the blood, counteracting the acidity that builds up from most people's typical diets.
What is wheatgrass?
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, nutrient-dense and commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is believed to have alkalizing properties that help balance blood pH levels, which some health advocates argue is disrupted by acidic foods like processed meats, refined grains, and sugary products.
The practice reflects a deliberate approach to morning routine—starting the day with hydration and nutrient support rather than diving directly into work. Fairless describes the water's flushing action as a way to reset the body after sleep, when circulation slows and cellular waste accumulates overnight.
This habit sits at the intersection of preventive health and sustained energy. As Fairless discusses in the episode, the combination addresses two physiological needs: the immediate need for hydration after eight hours of sleep, and the ongoing need to maintain blood alkalinity in the face of typical acidic dietary patterns.
Joe Fairless — Founder of Ashcroft Capital, host of the Best Ever Show, and author of the Best Ever Apartment Syndication book. Fairless graduated from Texas Tech University and began his career in New York City earning $30,000 annually while managing $18,000 in student debt. He purchased his first single-family home in Duncanville, Texas in 2009 for $76,000, eventually acquiring four single-family homes before transitioning to commercial multifamily real estate. Over his career, he has acquired and managed over $2 billion in multifamily property across the United States.
The consistency of this habit over 15 years underscores a broader principle: as explored in more depth in the full conversation, sustainable success—whether in real estate or personal health—relies on small, non-negotiable daily practices that compound over time.
Beyond this single habit, Fairless's broader philosophy emphasizes that health and energy are not one-off achievements but the result of consistent, intentional behaviors. The wheatgrass-and-water ritual signals a commitment to managing the body's internal environment as deliberately as one might manage a real estate portfolio.
For anyone managing high-stress roles—whether in commercial real estate or other demanding fields—the episode offers insight into how Fairless maintains resilience and energy across multiple responsibilities, including running Ashcroft Capital and hosting the Best Ever Show podcast.
Key takeaways
- A liter of water with wheatgrass, consumed every morning for 15 years, is Fairless's core health practice.
- Water flushes out stagnation and cellular waste accumulated during sleep, restoring circulation.
- Wheatgrass alkalizes the blood, offsetting the acidic effects of typical modern diets.
- This habit represents a non-negotiable daily practice that compounds into sustained health and energy over decades.
See also
What is the importance of long-term relationships and community in scaling a real estate investment business?
Ultimately, business success boils down to relationships and long-term relationships with long-term people. The evolution of leadership is about enjoying the journey together while building sustainable growth.
How should real estate entrepreneurs approach challenges and adversity in their business?
When challenges come up, view them as an opportunity to grow together and get stronger rather than getting nitpicky and hurting team morale. Challenges are moments to reinforce team unity and resilience.
What is the most effective approach to building strong relationships with investors and partners when raising capital?
Listen well and go into a conversation with the goal of listening rather than talking. Ask prospective investors what their ideal outcome is and understand their motivations before making your pitch.