Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 38 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m committing to seven daily habits to spark growth, find my rhythm, and finally start crushing the goals I’ve set for myself. These past 38 days have been nothing short of transformative—productive, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Today, I’m thrilled to share a major milestone: I’ve finished my third book of the challenge, and I’m already diving into two others. Let’s unpack this journey and talk about a fantastic book that’s reshaped how I view conversations and negotiations.
The Power of Small Habits
My 7-40 challenge is all about building a foundation for bigger dreams. By focusing on daily habits—like prioritizing my physical health, nurturing my spiritual growth, and fueling my creative passions—I’m laying the groundwork for the life I want to create. It’s not always easy. Balancing these priorities while keeping my eyes on long-term goals has been a test of discipline. But let me tell you, the progress feels incredible. Small, consistent actions—like reading for 30 minutes a day—have compounded into something truly meaningful.
A Reading Renaissance
Before this challenge, I hadn’t read a full book in ages. Life gets busy, distractions pile up, and somehow, reading falls by the wayside. But committing to 30 minutes of reading each day has been a transformative. Not only have I finished three books in 38 days, but I’m also juggling two others simultaneously. That’s five books total—a feat I’m incredibly proud of. This habit has reignited my curiosity, sharpened my mind, and reminded me how much I love getting lost in a good book.
The latest book I finished? Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. If you haven’t read it, buckle up—this one’s a must.
Why Never Split the Difference is a Game-Changer
Written by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, Never Split the Difference is a masterclass in negotiation that’s as gripping as it is practical. Voss draws from his high-stakes experiences negotiating with kidnappers and criminals, but what makes this book so powerful is how universal its lessons are. Whether you’re in a boardroom, parenting a toddler, or just trying to get a better deal on a car, negotiation is part of daily life.
Voss redefines negotiation as a conversation—a way to uncover what the other person needs while advocating for your own needs. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about solving a problem together. His real-world examples are intense (think life-or-death hostage situations), but the strategies—like active listening, mirroring, and asking calibrated questions—are surprisingly easy to apply in everyday scenarios. I’m already noticing how these techniques can help me navigate conversations more thoughtfully, whether I’m collaborating with colleagues or working through a disagreement at home.
One story that really hit home was Voss’s explanation of how negotiation isn’t just for high-stakes deals—it’s everywhere. From convincing your kids to eat their veggies to closing a business deal, we’re negotiating all the time. Framing it as a collaborative conversation, not a battle, has completely shifted how I approach these moments. It’s empowering to know that by listening better and asking the right questions, I can build stronger connections and find win-win solutions.
What’s Next?
Reading Never Split the Difference has me hungry to learn more about communication and human behavior. But more than that, it’s reinforced the value of the 7-40 Challenge. By sticking to my daily habits, I’m not just checking boxes—I’m growing, evolving, and getting closer to the person I want to be.
Now, I want to hear from you! What book are you reading right now? Got a recommendation that could join my ever-growing list? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for the next great read.
Day 38 and Counting
This challenge has been a wild ride, and with only two days left, I’m more motivated than ever. These habits are becoming second nature, and I can already see how they’re setting me up for bigger wins in the future. Thanks for joining me on this journey—let’s keep pushing forward together. See you on Day 39!
David Willis 