Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 22 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m out here on the road tonight, not behind the wheel, but pounding the pavement on my evening walk. My feet are aching, sweat’s dripping, but I’m still moving forward, one step at a time, chasing those daily steps. And let me tell you, there’s something deeply authentic and profoundly motivating about this moment that I want to share with you.
As I walk, I’m reflecting on how life can feel like this very journey. Some days, work piles up, stress creeps in, and the to-do list seems endless. The last thing I want to do is lace up my walking shoes (yep, I’m upgrading them from “tennis shoes” to “walking shoes” tonight) and hit the road. But here’s the magic: when I do, when I take that first step, something shifts. The rhythm kicks in. My body syncs up with my purpose, and suddenly, I’m not just walking—I’m moving toward a better, healthier, slimmer me.
Isn’t that how it works with so many things in life? As the great philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” It’s not about grand gestures or overnight transformations. It’s about showing up, day after day, and putting one foot in front of the other—literally and figuratively. Whether it’s walking to hit your fitness goals, writing that novel you’ve been dreaming of, or showing up to work with focus and excellence, the secret lies in the rhythm of consistency.
Let’s be real: social media can mess with our heads. We’re bombarded with success stories—polished, perfect, and often exaggerated. It’s easy to feel jaded, to think that real progress requires some secret sauce we don’t have. But what if it’s simpler than that? What if it’s as straightforward as lacing up your shoes and stepping out the door? As author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar put it, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” That’s the truth I’m clinging to tonight as my feet keep moving.
Every worthwhile goal I’ve ever chased—whether it’s fitness, a career milestone, or a personal dream—hasn’t come easy. It’s taken repetitive practice, dedication on the days I’m exhausted, and the sheer will to push past the temptation to settle for “good enough.” It’s choosing to do the work even when the couch is calling my name. And you know what? Every time I do, I’m happier for it. I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real.
So, here’s my challenge to you (and to myself) tonight: even when you don’t feel like it, do it anyway. Lace up your shoes—whether they’re for walking, writing, creating, or chasing your dreams—and take that first step. As the legendary civil rights activist and poet Maya Angelou said, “You can’t use up courage. The more you use it, the more you have.” Every step you take builds that courage, that momentum, that pride in knowing you’re further down the road than you were yesterday.
I’m out here, sweaty and sore, but I’m smiling because I showed up. I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, and it feels good. So, let’s keep going together. Tomorrow’s Day 23, and I’ll be back, ready to take another step. Will you?
David Willis 