Category: Blog

Day 12 of the 7-40 Challenge: Hitting My Stride and Embracing Gratitude

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey friends! Welcome back to my journey through the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re new here, this is my personal quest to build seven key habits over the next 40 days—habits that infuse meaning, purpose, and achievement into every single day. Can you believe it’s already Day 12? Time is flying, but I’m thrilled to report that I’m finally settling into a solid rhythm. Those early days felt a bit chaotic, but now? It’s starting to click.

For those who might have missed the kickoff post, let me quickly recap the seven habits I’m tackling head-on:

  1. Daily Bible study and prayer – Grounding my day in God’s word, prayer and reflection.
  2. Exercising for one hour a day – Getting that heart pumping and building strength.
  3. Tracking all my calories and intake – To stay accountable and shed some weight.
  4. Drinking 100 ounces of water a day – Hydration is key, folks!
  5. Purposely expressing gratitude every day – More on this in a sec—it is a game-changer.
  6. Reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes a day – Feeding my mind with knowledge..
  7. Writing on my blog or working on business projects – Keeping the creative juices flowing and holding myself accountable.

So far, the challenge is going strong. I’ve hit every goal daily, even if some days it comes down to the wire—finishing that last audiobook chapter or blog draft just before midnight. But hey, a win is a win, right? Consistency is building, and that’s what matters.+

That said, a couple of insights have really stood out to me these past 12 days. First up: gratitude. I’ve realized I need to amp it up even more. Words like “thank you” and “I appreciate you” shouldn’t just stay in my head—they need to roll off my tongue as often as I think them. In our fast-paced society, genuine gratitude feels rare, but it’s such a simple way to lift someone up and remind us that we’re all in this together. Whether it’s thanking a barista for that perfect coffee or telling a friend how much their support means, expressing it out loud creates ripples of positivity. I’ve made it a daily habit, and it’s already shifting my perspective.

The second big takeaway? The writing process itself. Committing to blogging every day has been tougher than I expected. I want my words to be meaningful and impactful—I don’t want to waste your time (or mine!) with fluff. But here’s the lesson I’m learning: it’s the process that sharpens my skills. If I skip it because I’m afraid of producing something “crap,” I’ll never improve. So, I’m embracing the mess. Some posts might not be masterpieces, but putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) keeps me accountable, helps me process my thoughts, and pushes me toward those worthwhile insights. It’s all part of the growth.

Now, why “7-40″ specifically? I didn’t pick these numbers at random. In the Bible, seven symbolizes perfection—it’s a complete, balanced number that feels just right for the habits I’m building. It’s challenging but manageable, and it works for me. Forty, on the other hand, represents a period of trial or transformation. Think Noah’s flood, Jesus in the wilderness—times of testing that lead to profound change. That’s exactly what I need. I’ve been complacent for too long, letting life disruptions like moving cities become excuses. But no more. Despite the chaos, I should have been chasing my health and goals all along. This 40-day stretch is my trial, and I’m ready for the transformation on the other side.

Here’s a fun twist: this is just Round 1 of seven total 7-40 Challenges. Yep, I plan to rinse and repeat six more times, adjusting as I go. Maybe by Round 2, tracking food and water will be second nature, so I can swap in new habits. I’m laying out a clearer plan for my short-term wins (like hitting a weight milestone) and long-term dreams (building that business I’ve been dreaming about). It’s all about progress, not perfection.

What about you? What’s one habit or goal you’re grinding on right now? Have you mapped out a plan to make it happen? I’d genuinely love to hear your stories in the comments below—let’s inspire each other!

Thanks for joining me on this ride. Your support means the world. See you tomorrow for Day 13!

Day 11 – 7-40 Challenge: Embrace the Suck – The Real Path to Mastering Anything Worth Doing

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow achievers! Welcome to Day 11 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m tackling seven habits over 40 days to supercharge my life, crush my to-do list, and finally propel myself forward. If you’re just tuning in, this is my quest to build momentum through small, consistent actions. And today’s habit? Reading (or in my case, listening) for 30 minutes a day.

Look, 30 minutes might not sound revolutionary, but let’s be real – I’ve gone months without cracking open a book. It’s not that I hate knowledge; I devour it. But sitting still with a physical book? That’s been my kryptonite. Enter audiobooks: my secret weapon. I can be out for a long walk, like I was today, pop in my earbuds, and dive into over a million titles on Audible or wherever. It’s multitasking magic.

Right now, I’m hooked on Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis – a powerhouse book that’s lighting a fire under my creative pursuits. And today, one idea hit me like a ton of bricks: To truly excel at any craft, to master any skill, you’ve got to grind it out.. and then be okay with sucking at it for a bit.

The Hard Truth: Work Hard, Suck Harder (At First)

What do I mean? Success isn’t about natural talent alone. It’s about showing up, putting in the reps, and embracing the awkward phase where you’re just… not great yet.

Take singing, for example. Suppose I want to belt out a tune like a pro. Even with a dash of raw ability, I need to learn the lyrics, nail the melody, build breath control, and hit those notes consistently. Hours of practice later, and boom – that random flat note still sneaks in. Especially brutal when you’re onstage, spotlight glaring, crowd expecting magic… and you flop.

I know this pain intimately. Back in high school, I snagged a solo in our Christmas show: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” I was pumped. Practiced? Sure, but let’s be honest – not nearly as much as I should have. I stepped up, voice cracking on a high note so sour it could’ve curdled milk. Faces in the audience winced. Ouch.

But I powered through, finished the song, and slunk offstage red-faced. Did I learn my lesson right then? Nah. I shrugged it off with a “next time” mentality and blamed puberty for those pesky high notes. Youthful delusion at its finest.

The Lesson That Stuck: No Winging It Allowed

Fast-forward to today, and that memory is a goldmine of wisdom. If I want to crush anything – a performance, a project, a passion – I can’t wing it. Most of us can’t. Preparation is non-negotiable. You’ve got to invest the time, even if it means stumbling publicly.

So, how’s this playing out in my life now? Let’s break it down:

  • Physical Fitness: I’m not the athlete I dream of being. Not as lean as I’d like. Workouts leave me aching. But I show up. I sweat. I improve. Inch by inch, rep by rep – that’s the game.
  • Writing These Blog Posts: Pouring ideas onto the page that actually help you? It takes effort. Honesty. Vulnerability. Sometimes, my drafts suck. But I revise, share the raw stuff, and get better. If I want readers like you to nod along and think, “Wow, that’s spot on,” I have to risk putting out imperfect work.

The bottom line? Anything worth chasing demands hard work – and a thick skin for the “suck” phase. Embarrassment? It’s part of the package. But keep grinding, and you’ll emerge stronger, sharper, and satisfied.

Your Turn: What Lights Your Fire… and Scares You Silly?

Now, let’s flip the script to you, my awesome reader. What are you pursuing that sets your soul ablaze and gives you the jitters? I hope you’re diving into projects that excite and terrify in equal measure. Push yourself to create, to produce, even if the world doesn’t applaud right away. Keep moving. That’s where the magic happens.

For me, it’s about unleashing ideas – whether they land perfectly or not. They need to escape my head so I can grow, build resilience, and bask in that “job well done” glow.

Thanks for joining me on Day 11. Your support means the world. Catch you on Day 12 – let’s keep this momentum rolling! What’s one thing you’re willing to suck at today to master tomorrow? Drop it in the comments below. 🚀

Day 10 of the 7-40 Challenge: Finding Your Rhythm

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good morning, friends! Welcome to Day 10 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey to build seven daily habits that improve my health, drive progress, and focus on what matters most. I’m already a quarter of the way through, and I’m thrilled with the results I’m seeing. One habit, in particular, has been a game-changer: my daily walks.

Each day, I’ve been carving out 30 to 45 minutes for an extended walk. These walks aren’t just about physical movement; they’re a sacred time for reflection, listening to audiobooks, praying, and zeroing in on my goals. The rhythm of walking—step after step—creates uninterrupted space to think about why these goals matter and what needs to happen next. It’s become a cornerstone of my progress.

In the past, I made the mistake of thinking I had to sit down and meticulously plan every detail of my life. I’d carve out times for brainstorming, often sacrificing exercise or other priorities to do so. It felt like I was choosing between moving my body and moving my mind. But here’s the revelation: I don’t have to choose. I think better when I’m moving. Whether I’m pacing during a work meeting (my colleagues might call me restless!) or walking through my neighborhood, motion sparks clarity.

As the philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” This resonates deeply with me. The 7-40 Challenge isn’t about perfection or following someone else’s blueprint—it’s about finding a rhythm that works for me. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving your goals. The latest productivity fad or trending life hack might work for someone else, but your path is unique. It’s shaped by your physiology, your psychology, and the responsibilities you juggle daily.

That said, there are universal principles we can lean into—like tackling your most important tasks first thing in the morning. But how you apply those principles depends on you. Maybe you’re a night owl who thrives after 10 p.m., while others are out walking at 7 a.m. Maybe your list of habits includes ten items, or just two. The key is to define what matters most to you, create a plan to pursue it, and then attack that plan with intention, all while balancing the realities of your life.

The 7-40 Challenge is my personal framework—seven habits for 40 days, followed by a re-evaluation to set new goals. Your journey might look different, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re honest with yourself about what drives you and how you work best. Find your rhythm. Build habits that sustain you. And keep moving forward, step by step.

Here’s to staying in rhythm, accomplishing what matters, and embracing the journey. Keep going, my friends!

Day 9 of the 7-40 Challenge: Conquering Life’s Gravity and Staying in Motion

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow goal-chasers! If you’re just joining me on this wild ride, welcome aboard. For the uninitiated, the 7-40 Challenge is my personal quest to nail down seven daily habits over the next 40 days. The goal? Crystal-clear clarity, unstoppable momentum, and real, tangible progress toward the things that matter to me. We’re talking exercise, healthy eating, gratitude, and more—small steps adding up to massive leaps.

Today marks Day 9, and honestly, it feels like a milestone already. Nine days might not sound like much in the grand scheme, but let me tell you: I’m reclaiming something I didn’t even realize I’d lost. Rhythm. The kind where your body and mind sync up, and everything just… flows. As I shared a few days back, one of Newton’s famous laws hits home here: A body in motion tends to stay in motion—unless acted upon by an outside force. And what is that force? In physics, it’s gravity. In life? It’s life itself.

The Pull of Life’s Gravity

Think about it. We build these incredible routines—the habits that propel us forward, keep us healthy, focused, and thriving. But then, bam! Gravity strikes. A sudden illness knocks you off your feet. A job loss shakes your foundation. Or, like in my case, a big move turns your world upside down. These aren’t just minor hiccups; they’re forces that can yank us out of orbit if we’re not vigilant.

If we slack on those daily commitments—the ones that make us better—we end up stalled. Inertia sets in, and restarting feels like pushing a boulder uphill. I’ve been there, and it’s exhausting. But here’s the silver lining: recognizing this pattern is the first step to breaking free.

My Own Gravity-Defying Story

Let me get real with you. Recently, I landed a new job that meant uprooting my family and moving 200 miles away. On paper, it doesn’t sound epic—it’s not across continents or anything. But after nine years in our old home? That place was our sanctuary. Nine years of comfort, accumulated “stuff,” deep-rooted memories, and a rock-solid routine that kept us grounded.

The move? Total chaos. Everything flipped: our daily rhythms, our sense of normalcy, even the little things like knowing where the nearest good restaurant was. We arrived in our new spot feeling disoriented, like we’d been hurled into a storm. It is taking time to navigate the mess, rebuild from scratch, and fight that inertia. But we are doing it. Slowly, we are clawing our way back to motion—finding new grooves, establishing fresh habits, and emerging stronger.

Why share this? Because it’s a reminder that every single day is a fresh shot at progress. We all face our own versions of gravity—big or small. The question is: Will you let it drag you down, or will you commit to staying in motion?

Momentum in Action: My Wins So Far

Nine days in, and the proof is in the pudding. I’ve been focused on executing my exercise goal: an hour a day, no excuses. One epic day, I logged 18,000 steps—and my aching feet lived to tell the tale! I’ve mixed it up with yoga to work out the stiff and sore spots, hit the weights a time or two to build strength, and just moved in ways that feel natural and invigorating. My body is responding—I’m sleeping better, thinking clearer, and yeah, starting to feel good again. Like, really good.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. These habits are my shield against gravity, and they’re working wonders.

A Note of Gratitude—and a Challenge for You

Before I wrap this up, I want to say thank you. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for reading these ramblings, for hanging out with me on this journey, and for being part of the routine that’s keeping me accountable. It means the world.

My prayer for you? That you’ve got big, audacious goals staring you down. That you’ve battled your own inertia, gotten your body (and dreams) in motion, and crafted a daily plan to fend off life’s gravitational pulls. If it’s clicking for me after just nine days, imagine what it could do for you. I am excited to see where the journey takes us. 

Stay strong, keep moving. Day 10 drops tomorrow—see you then! What’s one habit you’re committing to today? Drop it in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other. 

Facing the Mirror: My 7-40 Challenge and Why It’s Time to Get Unstuck

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends. If you’ve ever stared into the mirror and wondered who that person staring back really is—frustrated, a bit burned out, maybe not quite where you thought you’d be—then pull up a chair. This is for you.  I’ve been feeling that pull to do something about the goals rattling around inside me. They can’t just live in my head anymore; it’s time to act. And if I can start getting unstuck, maybe there’s hope for you too.

Seven years ago, I was lying in a chemotherapy bed, my body giving up on me—or at least trying to. No hair, no strength, not knowing if I’d see tomorrow. But by the grace of God, I survived. I got better. Yet here I am, not taking care of this body as well as I should. I’m stronger than ever in some ways, but heavier too—a paradox I’m not fond of. My knees ache, my back hurts and I am not where I want to be physically. I’m not getting any younger, and that mirror reflection? It’s a mix of frustration and a wake-up call. It’s the face of a guy who’s had enough and is ready to fight back.

That’s why I’ve launched my own challenge: the 7-40 Challenge. Seven habits, practiced over 40 days, to build resilience and take those small, incremental steps toward the life I want. Why 40 days? It doesn’t sound long, but think about it—biblically, 40 days flooded the Earth, 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness facing temptation. There’s a spiritual weight to it, a chance for real transformation if I lean in. And I’m excited to see what I can achieve—and what you could too.

Here are the seven habits I’m committing to:

  1. Daily Bible study and prayer. Starting my day with Scripture and talking to God brings everything into focus. It clears my mind, and sets a foundation for the rest of my day.
  2. Exercise for an hour daily. Not forever, but for now, it’s the jumpstart my body needs. Getting moving, building strength without the inflammation or pain holding me back.
  3. Tracking all my calories in MyFitnessPal. I’ve set a daily limit to hit my weight loss goals—about 50 pounds to shed. No more guessing; it’s all accountable.
  4. Drinking 100 ounces or more of water per day. Hydration lubricates my joints, boosts my health, and just makes everything function better. Simple, but game-changing.
  5. Focusing on gratitude. This one’s huge. I strive to start everything with thanks—to God, to the people in my life, for the breath in my lungs. Gratitude flips frustration on its head.
  6. Reading inspiring material for 30 minutes a day. Right now, it’s Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis, soaking in ideas to fuel my creativity and apply new habits.
  7. Spending time writing or working on future business projects. For the past eight days (yep, I’m on day eight as I write this), it’s been pouring into my blog, getting these thoughts out and building toward bigger ideas.

The real magic? Starting from gratitude, even when you feel the deficit. I’ve worked on these goals before and seen no progress—it estranges you from yourself. But getting upset just drives you deeper down. Instead, I look in the mirror and remember the man with no hair from chemo, the one who almost didn’t make it. I’m thankful for this chance, for my next breath, to tell my family I love them, to chase passions. If you’re still moving, it’s not over. You have a shot to make a difference in your life and others’.

We think we need to conquer the mountain in one massive climb, but it’s the little ones that get us there. Take the other night—9:30 PM, exhausted after a hectic day. I’d only knocked out three of my seven habits. Four left staring me down. The easy choice? Let it slide. “One day won’t hurt,” right? But that’s a lie; it’s foundational. So I laced up my sneakers, went for that walk, listened to my book, finished my blog post, and chugged the rest of my water. It took until 11 PM, but I did it. The sleepy fog the next morning? Just a reminder I’d stayed true.

Gritting it out like that—willing yourself to keep going—it’s worth it. Those incremental wins build momentum. Life knocks us down, whether it’s sickness, burnout, or just the daily grind. But the choices we make to get back up? They matter. Start with gratitude for where you are, even if it’s not perfect. You’ve got people on your side, worthwhile things to do, blessings you didn’t earn. What challenge can’t we face from there?

If this resonates, leave me a message in the comments. Let’s look in that mirror, hold grace for the people we see, and take one small step. I’m doing it, and if a guy like me can get unstuck, so can you. Let’s keep moving—it’s not over yet.