Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 40 of the 7-40 Challenge, Round Two. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve completed two full rounds of this transformative journey, and I’m genuinely excited about the progress I’ve made. Could I have pushed harder? Sure. But I’ve stayed committed to practicing seven daily habits over the past 80 days, and I’m proud of where I stand today.
One habit I’ve leaned into deeply is dedicating 30 minutes each day to reading. In just these two rounds, I’ve devoured eight books and am currently immersed in four more. By the end of Round Three, I’ll have powered through at least 12 books in a short span—an accomplishment that feels monumental. Before this challenge, I’m not sure I read that many books in a year, or maybe even two! This habit has opened new worlds of wisdom, and I’m eager to keep it going.
One book that’s left a lasting impression is The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller. It’s a short read, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s brimming with practical insights. Miller emphasizes personal accountability, a theme that’s resonated deeply with me. He argues that if we want to make a meaningful impact—whether in our personal goals, relationships, or the world at large—blaming external circumstances or others is the fastest way to stall our progress. Instead, we must take ownership of our responses and actions.
Miller shares a memorable story that brings this idea to life. He describes being on a frustrating flight where everything seemed to go wrong: the plane was delayed, the cabin was crowded, and passengers were understandably grumpy. Yet, amidst the chaos, a flight attendant stood out as a beacon of positivity. She moved through the aisle, handing out headphones, greeting every passenger with warmth, and engaging with genuine care. She couldn’t control the plane’s delays, but she chose to be a difference-maker in the moment. Her actions transformed the atmosphere for those around her.
This story hit home for me. How often do we face situations that feel overwhelming or unfair? I’ve had my share of days in the 7-40 Challenge where things didn’t go as planned—missed goals, unexpected obstacles, or moments of self-doubt. But as Miller reminds us, while we may not control what happens to us, we absolutely control how we respond. We can choose to act with intention, to do good, and to move forward despite setbacks.
This mindset has been a game-changer. On days when my goals felt out of reach, I reminded myself to focus on what I could do. Maybe I didn’t check every box, but I gave my all to the tasks within my control. And when the next day dawned, I got back up, recommitted to my habits, and kept pushing forward. As Annie Dillard so beautifully said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Each choice, each moment of accountability, is a brick in the foundation of the life I’m building.
Reflecting on these 80 days, I’m struck by how these small, intentional choices—reading daily, staying accountable, choosing to respond with purpose—have compounded into meaningful growth. I’m not just stringing together days; I’m crafting a life aligned with my goals and values.
As Round Two comes to a close, I’m taking a brief pause to reevaluate my goals for Round Three. I’m excited to refine my focus and dive back in with renewed energy. Thank you for following along on this journey—your support means the world. Here’s to Round Three, where we’ll keep choosing good, staying accountable, and building lives that reflect our biggest aspirations.
Until next time, let’s keep moving forward, one intentional day at a time.
A Final Note of Wisdom: As John F. Kennedy once said, “We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future.” Let’s keep lighting those candles, friends, no matter the circumstances.
See you at Round Three!
David Willis 