David Willis Blog

Climbing the Stairs: Reflections on Day 39 of the 7-40 Challenge

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 39 of the 7-40 Challenge, Round Two. Can you believe there’s just one more day left before I wrap this round up, reevaluate, and dive into the next? I’m pushing hard to finish strong, even though—I’ll be honest—I’m feeling pretty tired and could use a little rest. But hey, that’s part of the journey, right? Tonight, I want to share a thought that’s been on my mind, inspired by a timeless quote from Zig Ziglar.

In his book See You at the Top, Zig Ziglar famously said: “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.” (Sometimes it’s phrased as “The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.” Either way, the message hits home.)

When I first read that as a younger person, I struggled with it. There has to be an elevator, I’d think. There has to be a quick way to the top—some shortcut, some hack. I was all about finding the fast track. But now, with a bit more life experience under my belt, I get it. Zig wasn’t just talking to salespeople in his seminars; he was speaking to anyone chasing real, lasting success—whether it’s hitting goals, building habits, or creating meaningful change. It’s all about those stairs, one step at a time.

Think about it: There’s no quick fix for losing weight that actually sticks. No magic pill for developing new habits that endure. These things are hard-won. You have to grind through them, getting better bit by bit. Sure, some folks might climb faster than others, but as a rule, the elevator’s broken. We build on each step to reach the next one.

This hits me especially when I’m tackling something new—a fresh goal, a skill I’ve never mastered, or an achievement that’s eluded me before. I’m not going to be an expert right out of the gate. It’s going to feel clunky at first, maybe even frustrating. I’ll need time to digest the info, build muscle memory, and work toward mastery before things start flowing with ease.

And let’s clarify: Things we can knock out easily? Those aren’t really goals—they’re just tasks. True goals are the ones we set out ahead of us, the ones that demand something real: energy, grit, gumption, and time.

As I gear up for the next phase of this challenge, I’m focusing on identifying one area I know needs work—something that’ll take real practice and patience to improve. I’ll have it picked out in the next few days before Round Three kicks off, and you bet I’ll share all about it here. For now, my mind is set: The elevator to the top is broken, so it’s stairs all the way.

Wherever this post finds you, know that I appreciate you being part of this journey. You’re loved—by God and by me. See you tomorrow for Day 40! Let’s finish strong.

David Willis Blog

Day 37 of the 7-40 Challenge: Keep Moving Forward

Some days I need this simple reminder:

Keep moving forward.

There will be setbacks. There will be hard days. To work is worth the struggle. The goals are worth pursuing.

Keep moving forward.

People won’t understand. Frustration will try to take over. It will be tempting to throw in the towel.

Keep moving forward.

Sitting still is not an option. The work must be done. Apathy can not be allowed to win.

Keep moving forward.

Right is not always obvious.If it is right it is worth fighting for. If it is right it is worth leading for.

keep moving forward.

There is a difference between knowing the path and walking it. There is an even greater difference in walking it and leading others down it.

Keep moving forward.

David Willis Blog

Day 36 of the 7-40 Challenge: Harnessing the Power of Everyday Creativity

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 36 of the 7-40 Challenge. Today has been a whirlwind of energy and accomplishment—three workouts in the books, and I’m feeling on top of the world. There’s a spark in me, a quiet excitement for the rest of the week and the chance to finish this round of the challenge strong. As I hinted in yesterday’s post, I’m already dreaming up the next seven goals to carry me forward, and I can’t wait to share those with you soon. But today, I want to pause and reflect on something close to my heart: the power of creativity and why nurturing it through daily habits is so vital.

I’ve always seen myself as a creative person. It’s part of my identity, woven into how I move through the world. But let’s be real—creativity isn’t always a lightning bolt. It’s not always a dramatic burst of inspiration that sets the world on fire. Sometimes, it’s slow. Sometimes, it’s stuck. There are days when I sit down to write or brainstorm, and the ideas just don’t flow. But then, every once in a while, something clicks. A spark ignites, and in a matter of moments, I’ve written a line, a lyric, or an idea that feels right—something I’m proud of. Those moments? They’re magic.

What I’ve learned through this challenge is that habits like daily writing help me capture those fleeting bursts of creativity. My journal isn’t just a place to log workouts or reflect on what I’ve read—it’s a net for catching ideas. Whether it’s a new story, a song lyric, or a fresh approach to a problem, the act of showing up every day creates space for those moments to happen. As author Julia Cameron once said, “Creativity is always a leap of faith. You’re faced with a blank page, a blank easel, or an empty stage.” By committing to the page, I’m taking that leap, trusting that something meaningful will emerge.

Creativity, to me, isn’t just about writing songs or crafting stories. It’s about seeing the world with fresh eyes. It’s about tackling problems—whether at work, at home, or in my own head—with new perspectives. There’s something deeply satisfying about wrestling with a challenge until, suddenly, the answer reveals itself. It’s like writing a song: after hours of tinkering, the right melody or solution just lands. That’s creativity at work, bridging the gap between imagination and reason to create something that works, something that lasts.

I was reminded of this recently while watching an old interview between Dan Rather and Toby Keith. Toby shared the story behind his hit song Should’ve Been a Cowboy. The inspiration came from a night out at a bar, where a rough-around-the-edges guy was turned down by a woman who later hit the dance floor with a young cowboy. Someone quipped, “Well, you should’ve been a cowboy,” and Toby’s creative antenna went up. That night, sitting on the edge of a motel bathtub, he wrote the song that would change his life. That’s the thing about creativity—it can strike anywhere, anytime, if you’re open to it. As artist Pablo Picasso famously said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” Toby was ready, and the result was a song that resonated with millions.

I’m not saying we’ll all write a chart-topping hit or create a masterpiece that shifts our lives overnight. But I am saying that engaging our creativity every day sets us up for moments of brilliance—whether that’s solving a tricky problem at work, building something with our hands, or improvising a new skill after watching a YouTube tutorial. Creativity is versatile. It’s in the woodworking project I’m piecing together, the lyrics I’m drafting for a new song, or the way I reimagine an age-old challenge with a fresh perspective. It’s about making things I’m proud of and finding joy in the process.

So, here’s my challenge to you: lean into your creativity today. It doesn’t have to be grand. It could be a new way to organize your desk, a quick sketch in a notebook, or a clever fix for something that’s been bugging you. Whatever it is, show up for it. Keep your mind open, your pen ready, and your heart curious. I hope you’re having an awesome day, filled with ideas that spark and solutions that surprise you.

See you tomorrow for Day 37—let’s keep the momentum going!

David Willis Blog

Chasing Purpose Over Perfection: Day 36 of the 7-40 Challenge

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 36 of Round 2 of my 7-40 Challenge. Wherever this post finds you today, I hope you’re thriving, crushing your goals, and kicking off the week with a spark. I’ll be real with you—when I glanced at my watch and saw it’s already October 13, 2025, I did a double-take. Time is flying. The older I get, the faster it seems to slip through my fingers. Life’s been a whirlwind lately, and I’ve been wrestling to slow it down and get a grip on the chaos.

That’s exactly why I’m so laser-focused on my daily habits. Without them, time would just flitter away, leaving me at the end of the year wondering, “What the heck happened?” As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.” That hits hard, doesn’t it? My daily to-do list is my anchor, guiding me to make sure I’m steering my days with intention rather than letting them drift.

For those who’ve been following along, you know I’m working on seven core habits in this round of the 7-40 Challenge:

1. Daily Bible study and prayer

2. Tracking calories and drinking 100 ounces of water

3. Exercising for an hour each day

4. Reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes

5. Practicing gratitude

6. Writing daily to capture my journey and thoughts

7. Pursuing my business and entrepreneurial goals

If I’m being honest, I’d give myself a B or maybe a B-minus for Round 2. I’ve been rock-solid on some habits, like my Bible study—I just hit three full years of reading the Bible every morning, which feels like a cornerstone of who I am. I’m also pretty consistent with my water intake (100 ounces daily? Nailed it). Reading has been a win, too—I’ve devoured eight books over the last 75 days, only missing one day. Right now, I’m diving into Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David, Desire by John Eldredge, and Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. Each one’s sparking new ideas and perspectives.

Writing daily has been a game-changer, too. Getting my thoughts on paper (or screen) helps me process what I’m learning and keeps me grounded. It’s like a daily checkpoint to reflect on how I’m doing and what’s on my mind. And gratitude? I’m trying to weave it into the fabric of my days—saying “thank you” for my family, my friends, my job, and the small kindnesses that come my way. As the 17th-century poet George Herbert once wrote, “Thou that hast given so much to me, give one thing more—a grateful heart.” I want gratitude to define me, not just be a box I check.

Now, where I “‘ve stumbled a bit is with my entrepreneurial goals. I haven’t been as consistent as I’d like in chasing those creative and business projects. But here’s the plan: as Round 3 kicks off in a few days, I’m doubling down. I want to get laser-focused and make daily progress on those dreams. The last 2.5 months of 2025 are going to be about clarity and action.

Here’s the thing—I’ve done challenges like this before, whether it’s 75 Hard or ones I’ve cooked up myself. In the past, I’d hit resistance, miss a day, and quit. Then I’d restart, hit another snag, and repeat the cycle. It was exhausting, and honestly, it got me nowhere. Perfectionism was the enemy, leaving me neither perfect nor productive. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

This time, I’m doing it differently. These two rounds of the 7-40 Challenge haven’t been flawless, but they’ve been meaningful. I’ve lost 20 pounds in the last two and a half months. I’ve read more in the past 75 days than I have in years. My mind feels sharper, my days more purposeful. I’m not chasing perfection anymore—I’m chasing purpose and progress. And let me tell you, consistent productivity feels so much better than occasional perfection.

So, how about you? How do you tackle your goals? Do you beat yourself up when things aren’t perfect, or do you give yourself grace and focus on moving forward? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments or shoot me a message.

Thank you for being here, for reading along, and for joining me on this journey. You’re appreciated more than you know. Here’s to winning one day at a time. See you tomorrow for Day 37!

A Quick Note: If you’re curious about the 7-40 Challenge or want to follow along, keep checking in here. I’m documenting the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

David Willis Blog

Do Your Best, Even When It Feels Like the Worst

We’ve all had that job. The one that makes Monday mornings feel like a personal attack. The one where the clock seems to mock you, ticking slower with every glance, and you’re counting down the minutes until Friday at 5 p.m. I’ve been there—stuck in a couple of soul-draining gigs years ago that left me feeling like the life was being sucked out of me. If you’re raising your hand or nodding along, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Those jobs test your patience, your energy, and sometimes even your sense of self. But here’s the thing: even in the worst of those moments, I made a choice that changed everything. I decided to do my best, no matter how much I hated where I was.

Why “Just Enough” Isn’t Enough

It’s so tempting to coast, isn’t it? To do the bare minimum, just enough to not get fired. It feels like a small act of defiance against a job that’s grinding you down. But here’s the catch: when you settle for “just enough,” you’re not just shortchanging your employer—you’re shortchanging yourself. You’re lowering your own standards, choosing mediocrity in a way that can ripple beyond the workplace. That “good enough” mindset starts small, but it can seep into your relationships, your goals, your entire life.

Annie Dillard puts it perfectly: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Every day you choose to just get by, you’re shaping a life of settling. Every day you choose to give your best, even in a job you hate, you’re building a life of resilience, growth, and possibility. Those daily choices stack up, and before you know it, they’ve defined who you are and where you’re headed.

The Cost of Coasting

When I was in those miserable jobs, I could’ve easily phoned it in. Blending into the background, doing the least required—it would’ve been the path of least resistance. But every time I was tempted, I thought about what I’d be giving up. There’s this powerful quote from Winston Churchill that stuck with me:

To every person there comes in their lifetime that special moment when you are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to you and your talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds you unprepared or unqualified for work which could have been your finest hour.

That idea hit hard. What if my moment came, and I wasn’t ready because I’d spent my days cutting corners? What if I let a toxic work environment erode my work ethic? Every day is a chance to prepare for something bigger. By choosing to do my best, even when I felt drained, I was investing in my future. I was keeping my skills sharp, my standards high, and my resilience intact.

Building Your Future, One Day at a Time

Looking back, I can see how those tough days shaped me. Showing up and giving my all, even when I hated the job, wasn’t just about surviving—it was about setting myself up for something better. Each day I chose excellence over apathy, I was building a foundation. That effort paid off. It’s one of the key reasons I landed a job I genuinely love today—one where I wake up excited, not exhausted. Had I settled for mediocrity in those rough patches, I might not be where I am now.

Dillard’s words ring true here: how you spend your days becomes your life. Those days of pushing through, of doing my best despite the circumstances, added up to a life where I’m prepared for opportunities I couldn’t have imagined back then. It wasn’t about impressing a boss or pleasing a company that didn’t value me. It was about refusing to let a bad situation define my potential.

Where Are You Right Now?

Maybe you’re in one of those jobs now—the kind that feels like it’s draining your soul. I get it. It’s tough. But let me ask you: How are you spending your days? Are you letting the negativity pull you under, or are you rising above it? Are you coasting, or are you giving your best, even when it feels like it doesn’t matter?

It does matter. Every choice you make today is shaping your tomorrow. You’re not just working a job—you’re building a life. So keep showing up. Keep doing your best, even when your surroundings aren’t. When that moment comes—when opportunity taps you on the shoulder—you’ll be ready to make it your finest hour.

What’s your story? Are you stuck in a job that’s testing your limits? How are you handling it? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating those tough days and keeping your focus on the life you’re building, one day at a time.