Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 34 of my 7–40 Challenge journey. Today was one of those days that felt like a home run. If I could bottle up the productivity, and sheer satisfaction I felt today and make it a daily ritual, I’d be unstoppable. My to-do list would quake in fear, and the joy of checking things off would become my everyday norm. But more than that, today reminded me why I’m doing this challenge in the first place—it’s not just about tasks; it’s about building a life that feels meaningful, connected, and full of purpose.
Today was a whirlwind of good stuff: tackling home projects, diving into some woodworking (nothing beats the smell of fresh sawdust), and most importantly, making sure my family felt loved and cared for. That, my friends, is what I call a stellar Saturday. As I sit here reflecting, I realize that this 7–40 Challenge—my commitment to completing seven daily tasks to improve different areas of my life—has been about so much more than just checking boxes. It’s about laying a foundation for growth, health, and resilience.
Let me break it down. Through two rounds of this challenge, I’ve been laser-focused on building habits that move the needle. I’m getting healthier—shedding some pounds, sure, but more importantly, feeling better. And that’s the real win. When you feel better, you can handle whatever life throws your way. The endless to-do lists, the unexpected curveballs, the daily grind—they all become more manageable when you’ve got energy and clarity. I’m not just surviving my days anymore; I’m moving forward with intention.
Now, let’s be real for a second. We all dream of those magical, overnight transformations. Waking up 40 pounds lighter with abs that could grate cheese? Sign me up. Or how about a surprise deposit in the bank account that lets you splurge without a second thought? Those moments are rare, and we can’t bank on them. What we can control is the daily choice to put one foot in front of the other. To show up for ourselves, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
You might be wondering how this ties back to woodworking or taking care of my family. Here’s the thing: none of that happens if I’m not taking care of me. If I’m running on empty, where’s the energy to build shelves, run a table saw, or be present for the people I love? There’s a reason flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. You can’t pour from an empty cup. By sticking to my daily habits—exercising, eating right, feeding my mind with positive ideas—I’m building the stamina and mental clarity to show up for everything else.
Don’t get me wrong—some days, exercise feels like a punishment. My body’s screaming, “Nope, not today!” and my brain’s begging for a Netflix binge. Those are the days I need to push through the most. Same goes for learning or personal growth. There are moments when my mind feels like a locked door, refusing to let anything new in. But that’s exactly when I need to crack it open, let some wisdom or inspiration sneak through, and renew my perspective.
As the philosopher Plato once said, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith.” Faith in God, faith in ourselves, in our ability to keep going, to take one more step—that’s what fuels progress. And as Benjamin Franklin put it, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Every small habit, every choice to prioritize my health and growth, is preparation for a life that’s not just lived, but lived well.
Wherever you are today, I hope you’re taking steps to care for yourself. Not because it’s selfish, but because it’s the foundation for everything else. When you’re strong, you can lift others up. When you’re clear-headed, you can tackle the chaos. When you’re healthy, you can build, create, and love with all you’ve got.
Here’s to Day 35 of Round Two tomorrow—another chance to keep building, keep growing, and keep showing up.
David Willis 