Day 3 of the 7-40 Challenge: Gratitude That Shifts Your World and Choices That Build Your Future

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey friends!

Welcome to Day 3 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m posting this straight from my gym—sweat still drying, heart still pumping—right after crushing my workout for the day. What a good day it’s been. I’ve got a couple reflections burning in my chest that I have to share with you tonight. Let’s dive in.

The Game-Changer Called Gratitude

Over the last two rounds of this challenge (and now into round three), something wild has happened to my attitude. It’s shifted—big time—because I’ve zeroed in on gratitude.

“It’s one thing to say that you’re thankful for things. It is a very different thing to… tell those things to God. Thank him for what he’s done for you. To share with other people, the way that they have affected your life positively.” – David Willis

That’s me, word for word, because this isn’t fluffy talk—it’s real. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good vibe; I’m mostly convinced that gratitude… is for my betterment, even as it betters the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says it plain: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I’m so grateful for the life I’ve been given. The opportunities to make a difference. To wake up every day and do better. Who’s with me on that?

The Power of Choices: Lessons from Zig Ziglar

This afternoon, I fired up the audiobook of Zig Ziglar’s See You at the Top. Written 50 years ago, and it’s hitting harder than ever. Sure, some stories feel like flashbacks to my childhood, but they’re poignant. Relevant. Inspiring—maybe more now than the first time I devoured them.

Zig drops this bomb: “For over 20 years of my life, I chose to weigh well over 200 pounds.” The crowd’s like, “What do you mean, Zig? You chose that?”

He grins in that classic Southern drawl: “I have never been forced to eat anything in my life. Me weighing too much was a product of my choices.”

Mic drop.

Then he shares how, for 10 months after deciding to get healthy, he hated joggers. Saw them out there, buzzing with life, loving every stride… and it annoyed him. Until he became one.

Picture this: Running at Portland State University. Road blurring under his feet. Sun shining. Warm breeze. Boom—reality hits. “He wasn’t paying the price for health. He was enjoying the benefits.”

Fast-forward: At 61 years old (just 16 years after that choice), Zig’s resting heart rate? In the 40s. He could blaze five miles faster and easier than guys half his age.

Zig Ziglar said it best: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

Discipline. Choices. Daily grind. That’s the ticket.

Why I’m All In on This Challenge

Zig’s been gone for several years, but his example? Still lighting a fire under me. I never met the man, but I’m chasing that same character. I, too, want to make choices that will lead me into a better future.

A future with a heart full of gratitude. A healthier, more vibrant me. Step by step, through this 7-40 Challenge, daily workouts, and every habit I’m stacking—I’m building it.

Healthy. Happy. Reasonably prosperous. And yeah—inspiring you to run your own race.

Who’s ready for Day 4? Let’s keep choosing better.

See you at the top.

P.S. Grab See You at the Top if you haven’t. Life-changer.

Day 2 of the 7-40 Challenge: Resistance Is the Starting Gun

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Welcome back to the 7-40 Challenge—seven core habits, forty days straight, no excuses. If you missed Day 1, here’s the short version: I refuse to drift through life. I’m locking in the seven core habits I described in yesterday’s post. And wouldn’t you know it—Day 2 hasn’t even ended and the challenge is already swinging back at me.

The First Punch Lands

I woke up yesterday with a neck that felt like it had been folded into a suitcase. How? I was asleep. Apparently, in my mid-40s, even unconsciousness is a contact sport. The ache lingered through Day 1, sharpened this morning, and tried to whisper the old lie: “Rest. Skip the workout. Tomorrow’s fine.”

That’s the pattern, isn’t it? The moment you commit, the resistance shows up—on time, every time.

Winston Churchill nailed it during the darkest hours of 1941:

If you are going through hell keep going.

He wasn’t talking about sore necks, but the principle is the same. Obstacles aren’t stop signs; they’re proof you’re moving.

I also like how Steven Pressfield described it in the War of Art:

The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear is what comes with the territory. He feels the Resistance and does the work anyway.

My Day 2 Reality Check

• Exercise: 60 minutes done—stiff neck and all.

• Nutrition: Food logged, hydration on point.

• Reading: One hour in the books.

• Faith: Morning Bible study and prayer, even when the body screamed louder than the spirit.

• Gratitude: Sent a personal message to a friend reminding them that I am proud of them.

• Writing: This post.

• Content Creation: Still learning this but will finish before end of day.

Every checkbox felt heavier than it should. That’s the point. Easy doesn’t forge anything worth keeping.

The Mindset That Wins

Resistance is inevitable. Response is optional.

Napoleon Hill spent 20 years studying the ultra-successful and boiled it down to this:

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.

My seed today? the routine will carry me forward even when everything else wants me to slow down. Lean on the routine and do the work.

The 40-Day Horizon

I’m not here to hit a number on the scale (though it’s trending the right way). I’m here to become the version of me who doesn’t need another reset in 2026. Smarter, stronger, closer to God, useful to people—that’s the target.

Your Turn

How are you doing on your goals? What are you working on? I pray my journey is an encouragement to you. Knowing you are reading these words is an encouragement to me. Thank you for that.

Day 2 is in the books. Day 3 starts at 5:00 a.m. See you on the other side of the alarm.

Press on.

Embarking on the 7-40 Challenge: Day 1 – A Journey Toward Transformation

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey everyone, welcome to Day 1 of the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re new here, this is my personal dive into self-improvement—a 40-day sprint where I’ll commit to seven daily habits aimed at sparking real accomplishment, momentum, and lasting change. I’ve tackled two rounds of this before, but honestly, each time feels like starting fresh. We’re in this together: I’ll be documenting the highs, the lows, the wins, and the slip-ups right here on the blog. My hope? To push myself further than ever and maybe inspire a few of you to join the ride or craft your own version.

Let’s break down the name: Why 7-40? Numbers carry weight in the Bible, and they’ve always fascinated me. Seven often symbolizes perfection or completeness—like how God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, marking a divine rhythm of work and renewal. You see it echoed throughout Scripture, from the seven days of creation to the seven seals in Revelation. Then there’s 40, a number tied to transformation and intense periods of trial or growth. Think Noah’s 40 days of rain leading to a new world, or Jesus fasting for 40 days in the wilderness before launching His ministry. It’s a biblical motif for change under pressure, a time when the old gives way to the new.

For me, this structure hits the sweet spot. Long-term goals can feel overwhelming and easy to abandon, but 40 days? That’s bite-sized enough to track progress without losing steam. And seven habits? Just enough to drive meaningful shifts without scattering my focus. As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” That’s the vibe I’m chasing—building excellence through consistent, intentional actions.

So, what are these seven habits I’ll be grinding through for the next 40 days?

1. Daily Bible Study and Prayer: This is my foundation. It grounds me, strengthens my relationship with God, and keeps my priorities straight amid life’s chaos. Without it, everything else feels off-kilter.

2. Nutrition Overhaul: I’ll chug at least 100 ounces of water daily, stick religiously to my calorie goals (tracking every bite), and swear off alcohol entirely. No cheats, no excuses—it’s about fueling my body for the long haul.

3. Exercise Routine: I’ve learned the hard way that without a plan, I plan to fail. So, every day starts with a walk, followed by either weightlifting or yoga, totaling at least an hour. I’ve got programs lined up for both—more on those in future posts. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up.

4. Reading for Growth: One hour a day dedicated to books. I’m an audiobook junkie, so expect a lot of listening, but I’ll mix in some physical page-turning too. The goal? Flood my mind with fresh ideas, stretch my thinking, and keep evolving. Knowledge is power, and I’m hungry for it.

5. Gratitude and Encouragement: Each day, I’ll pick one person and send them a thoughtful note expressing why I’m grateful for them and offering encouragement if it fits. It doesn’t need to be epic—just genuine and daily. In a world that’s often too rushed, this is my way of spreading light.

6. Daily Writing: I’ll capture my thoughts on this journey right here, sharing successes, failures, and those “aha” moments. Writing helps me process and stay accountable—plus, it’s therapeutic.

7. Content Creation: Building on the writing, I’ll create short videos or audio clips to share these insights on social media. I’m naturally a talker, so stepping into video feels authentic, even if it’s outside my comfort zone. Time to learn and grow in how I communicate.

Now, for some real talk—because transparency is key here. I’m not some super-motivated guru who wakes up at 5 a.m. ready to conquer the world. Like a lot of us, I default to the path of least resistance. Comfort calls my name, and before I know it, I’ve drifted from my big dreams to the easy routines. Rest is fine—essential, even—but I refuse to let comfort hijack my goals. As C.S. Lewis wisely put it in Mere Christianity, “If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth—only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.” That hits home. I don’t want despair; I want purpose.

I’ve got roles I’m proud to own: husband, father, friend, follower of Jesus, businessman, coworker, teammate. In each, I aim for excellence—not just to check boxes, but to honor the people entrusted to me. When it’s all said and done, I want to be remembered as a man who loved God fiercely, loved others as himself, and poured himself out to make his corner of the world better. A guy who cherished his wife and family passionately and left a legacy worth emulating. This challenge? It’s a step toward that—a catalyst for forward motion.

If this resonates, drop a comment below. What’s one habit you’re committing to today? Let’s hold each other accountable. Stay tuned for Day 2—I’ll share how it went and any early insights. Here’s to transformation, one day at a time.

Day 40 of the 7-40 Challenge: Round Two Reflections on Personal Accountability

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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!

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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.