Good evening, friends, and welcome to Day 7 of Round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge! It’s Sunday, September 14, 2025, and I hope your weekend has been as vibrant and fulfilling as mine. I’ve soaked up precious moments with family, tackled some long-overdue goals—like reclaiming my office, as I shared in yesterday’s post—and now, as I stroll under the evening sky, I’m reflecting on the highs and lows of this journey. Tonight, let’s dive into a topic that’s been resonating deeply with me: personal responsibility and the power of owning every step of our path.
Recently, I finished Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, a book that lays out battle-tested strategies for leadership—not just on the battlefield but in business and life. One principle stood out, echoing a truth I also found in listening to my current book,Chase Jarvis’s Never Play It Safe,: the idea that true progress begins when we take full ownership of our actions, successes, and failures. As the great philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” This resonates as I take stock of my 7-40 Challenge goals, seven days into this round, and assess where I’m soaring and where I need to step up.
Let’s break it down with a pragmatic look at my progress:
1. Daily Bible Study and Prayer
This is the cornerstone of my day, the foundation that steadies everything else. I’m reading my Bible every morning and praying consistently, but I’d give myself a B-grade here. I know I can deepen this practice, lean into it more intentionally. It’s not about keeping score but about making this the heartbeat of my life. I’m committed to striving for more, to let this discipline shape my days even more profoundly.
2. Tracking Calories and Hydration
During the workweek, I’m solid—tracking my calories and hitting my water goals. But as the weekend rolls in, the siren call of tasty treats and a looser routine pulls me off track. I’ve missed meals here and there, and while I’m getting my water in, I’m not as consistent as I could be. This is where ownership comes in. As Theodore Roosevelt once declared, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” I’m doubling down on this goal, recommitting to disciplined tracking to propel my weight loss and fitness forward.
3. Daily Hour-Long Workout
Here’s a win I’m proud of: I’ve hit my one-hour workout goal every single day. Most of my exercise has been walking—racking up 12,000 to 15,000 steps daily, which is no small feat. But I know I need to diversify. My body isn’t getting younger, and I’m losing flexibility. It’s time to weave in more strength training and yoga to keep myself limber and strong. Ownership means not just celebrating the wins but pushing to evolve.
4. Practicing Gratitude Daily
Gratitude is a game-changer, and I’m doing well here, though there’s always room to grow. Each day, I’m intentional about reflecting on what I’m thankful for, and it shifts my perspective. But I want to lean in further, to make gratitude not just a habit but a lens for life.
5. Daily Writing
You’re reading the proof of this one! My blog is a daily testament to this commitment, a space where I share successes, ponder setbacks, and connect with you all. Writing has become a habit I cherish, a way to process and grow.
6. Building Creative and Entrepreneurial Ideas
Last week, I focused on setting up my infrastructure—tuning my office space and hardware to create an environment where creativity can thrive. As I move into Day 8 and beyond, it’s time to shift from setup to action. Arranging my office was a start, but real progress comes from diving into the work itself. Ownership means not just preparing the ground but planting the seeds.
7. Reading or Listening to Audiobooks for 30 Minutes Daily
I’m thrilled to report I’ve consistently hit my goal of reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes each day. This habit is paying off faster than I expected—my creativity is reigniting, and my productivity feels like it’s getting a turbo boost. Whether it’s diving into a new book or absorbing insights through audio, this practice is fueling my mind and sparking fresh ideas.
Taking personal responsibility isn’t always easy. It’s tempting to blame circumstances, distractions, or even the weekend’s allure for our slip-ups. But as Willink and Babin emphasize, owning our decisions—especially our failures—unlocks true growth. If I don’t own my missteps, how can I fully embrace my successes? This mindset isn’t just about me; it’s about inspiring others to take charge of their own journeys. As Emerson also said, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” I hope my reflections spark something in you to chase your goals with fierce accountability.
So, what about you? How do you embrace personal responsibility in your life? Are you owning your wins and learning from your stumbles? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story and join in the conversation. Together, we’ll keep pushing forward. See you tomorrow for Day 8!
The 740 Challenge 