Hey friends—Welcome back to the 740 Challenge, Round 3.
Today I’m not coming to you with fireworks and fist-pumps. I’m coming with tired eyes, a couple of sore feet, and the quiet thrill of someone who just stared down a brick wall… and decided to install a hinge.
Last Saturday I hit empty. Not “oops, I forgot lunch” empty—soul-level, drag-myself-to-the-couch empty. Between the original seven goals and real life, something had to give. So I gave it permission.
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”
— Charles Spurgeon, 1858
That wave slammed me hard, but the Rock didn’t move. I did and I am thankful for it. I think God was getting my attention that I needed to slow down for a couple of days and revisit my goals.
Here’s the new flight plan for the rest of Round 3—trimmed, honest, and still pointed at transformation.
1. Bible study + prayer
Still the non-negotiable North Star. Mornings begin in the Word and prayer.
2. 60 minutes of exercise
Walking long distances paired with yoga or resistance training.
3. Track every calorie & chug every ounce
MyFitnessPal and I are in a committed relationship. Calories in, 100+ oz down. No drama, just data.
4. Reading: 30-minute floor, 60-minute ceiling
I was forcing an hour and resenting every page. Thirty minutes feels like the sweet spot. Any additional is a bonus.
5. Gratitude notes that actually mean something
Gratitude has to be authentic. When the moments present themselves we take them.
6. Write every single day
Keeping up with the journey and sharing the details.
7. Social media: learn before I launch
Daily posting felt like shouting into a hurricane. So I’m pivoting: it’s time to craft a message worth hearing and then send it out.
“We are always beginning again; every day is a fresh start.”
— St. Benedict of Nursia, c. 530 AD
Old me would have labeled Saturday a failure and ghosted the whole challenge. New me labeled it feedback. I tightened the laces, lightened the pack, and kept walking.
So here’s to Day 7: the day the goals got human.
If you’re dragging too, borrow my hinge. Cut what’s crushing you, keep what’s calling you, and step through the door you just built.
Drop a comment if you’ve ever scaled back to speed up.
See you tomorrow—same trail, lighter load.
—Your friend who’s still in the fight
#740Challenge
The 740 Challenge 