Tag: achieving

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times: A Life of Gratitude Through the Storms

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was life. It was beautiful. Even when it wasn’t, it was. Does that even make sense? Let me explain.

As Charles Dickens famously opened A Tale of Two Cities in 1859: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” That captures the push-pull of existence perfectly—the highs and lows crashing together, shaping us in ways we can’t always see at the time.

I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. From an early age, I knew what it felt like to not have much. Yes, I have eaten government cheese. With a little bit of salt, it isn’t too bad. I had hand-me-down clothes and probably shopped at thrift stores long before it was cool. What did I learn from it? You do what you have to survive and be grateful. There are always others that have it much worse.

Those early struggles built a foundation of resilience. Like the 19th-century poet Thomas Carlyle reflected during times of economic hardship: “Adversity is the diamond dust with which Heaven polishes its jewels.” It wasn’t easy, but it taught me to cherish what I had and keep moving forward.

I remember being a freshman in college and having my first stupid run-in with credit card debt. It was crushing me. I owed a couple of thousand dollars and I asked my dad to help me pay it off. He told me no. He could have helped, but he was teaching me a valuable lesson. I had to learn how to manage my money and take care of myself.

That “no” was tough love at its finest. Benjamin Franklin, ever the voice of frugality in his 1730s Poor Richard’s Almanack, warned: “Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt.” I understand that so much better having gone through it.

When my bride and I got married, we were broke broke. One broke doesn’t fully explain it. But we had each other, a place to call home, food on our tables, and we had each other. We weren’t poor at all. We have just gone up from there. We have now been married over 26 years and have had a beautiful marriage and have raised a wonderful son.

Our love proved unbreakable amid the scarcity. William Shakespeare put it timelessly in Sonnet 116 around 1609: “Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” We’ve climbed together, turning those lean years into a legacy of joy and family.

When I went through cancer, my body hurt and I didn’t know what the future looked like. But I had my faith in God, my wife and son, my friends and family. I had hope that the prescribed treatment would work and one day I would again be cancer-free. It did. A prayer was answered. I am cancer-free.

In the darkest moments, hope and support carried me. Viktor Frankl, drawing from his Holocaust experiences in Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), reminded us: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude.” I chose faith and gratitude, and it led to healing.

In each situation above, there was bad times and good times. There was love and heartbreak. There was joy and frustration. And at the center of it all? A life that I am so grateful and excited to live. God has been so good to me. I can’t help but be thankful in the good times and the bad times. In the end, it is the life I have lived and I love it.

Life’s duality isn’t a bug—it’s the feature that makes it profound. What’s your “best of times, worst of times” story? I’d love to hear it in the comments.

Round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge: Day 1 – Embracing the Journey of Change

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m David, your host for this 40-day adventure of growth and transformation. Today is Day 1, and I’m pumped to kick things off with renewed focus and a few tweaks to make this round even more meaningful. Let’s dive in and talk about what’s ahead.

The number 40 carries deep significance. In the Bible, it often marks a season of trials leading to breakthroughs—like Noah’s 40 days of rain, ushering in a new world, or Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. As C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Inspired by this, my 7-40 Challenge is about seven daily practices over 40 days to spark real change in body, mind, and spirit.

Here’s the lineup:

1. Bible Study and Prayer – The heart of it all. Each morning, I ground myself in scripture and prayer, finding clarity and strength for the day.

2. One Hour of Exercise – A daily commitment to move—whether it’s walking, lifting weights, or a mix of both—to build a healthier me.

3. Tracking Water and Calories – Staying mindful of hydration and nutrition keeps my energy steady and my goals in sight.

4. 30 Minutes of Reading – Whether it’s a physical book or an audiobook, this is my time to learn and grow. As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”

5. Daily Writing – Reflecting on the day’s progress, challenges, and insights helps me stay focused and process what I’m learning.

6. Gratitude Practice – Taking time to genuinely appreciate the blessings in my life, letting that gratitude inspire action and positivity.

7. One Business Activity – This is the new piece! Each day, I’ll focus on one step toward my entrepreneurial goals—whether it’s brainstorming ideas or building something to support my family. It’s about turning creativity into opportunity.

I’m excited to see where these 40 days lead. Compared to Round 1, I’m stepping it up a bit—pushing harder in workouts, lifting heavier, and keeping my daily walks while adding more strength training. My aim? To become a fitter, wiser, more grateful version of myself, while documenting the journey and laying the groundwork for new ventures.

But this isn’t just about me—it’s about us. What goal are you chasing? What could 40 days of focused effort do for you, personally or professionally? As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Share your dreams or challenges in the comments—I’d love for you to join me on this path. Let’s make these 40 days count. Who’s ready to make it happen?

Let’s do this!

Reflection: Gratitude for Another Year

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

As I stepped outside tonight, the cool evening air greeted me, a perfect backdrop for a reflective walk after an evening with family. The day had been a good one—no, a great one. This weekend, celebrating my birthday, has been a vibrant tapestry of joy, love, and gratitude. As I wander through the quiet streets, I find myself looking back, not just on this day, but on the years that have brought me to this moment in my mid-40s.

There’s something humbling yet exhilarating about watching the number of candles on the cake grow higher each year. I used to wince at the thought of aging, but now? Now, I embrace it. Each year is a testament to the life I’ve been given, a chance to savor the things I hold dear. I get to cherish the privilege of simply being here, living this life.

A Heart Full of Thanks

My heart swells with gratitude, first and foremost, to God. His love is a gift I don’t deserve, yet He pours it out generously, guiding me with exquisite care. The Bible reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). That enduring love has been my anchor, my compass, through every season. It’s what makes moments like this—standing under a starlit sky, reflecting on another year—feel sacred. He is so good.

I’m also deeply thankful for my wife and son, the heartbeat of my world. They are my joy, my inspiration. Watching them enjoy their days, hearing their laughter, witnessing their creativity—it’s like catching glimpses of God’s goodness in motion. My son’s boundless imagination, my wife’s unwavering love and focus—they are daily reminders of how richly blessed I am. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” My family is extraordinary, and I’m grateful for every moment I get to share in their lives.

The Circle of Love

Beyond my immediate family, I’m surrounded by a constellation of people who make life brighter. My parents, my in-laws, my brother, and friends who are my God given family—they love me, and I love them just as much.

I’m also grateful for the tangible blessings in my life. A home I’m proud of, a job I genuinely enjoy, and a body that’s growing stronger and healthier with each passing day. These are not small things. They’re the scaffolding that supports my dreams, the foundation for the goals I’m passionately pursuing.

Looking Forward with Purpose

Today, as I celebrate my birthday, I don’t want it to be a fleeting moment of cake and candles. I want it to be a pause, a deep breath, a chance to recalibrate. I want to carry this gratitude forward, to let it fuel my pursuit of the things that matter most: my relationship with God, my connection with my loved ones, and the dreams I’m chasing. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” I’m stepping forward, trusting the path God has laid out for me, excited for what lies ahead.

This birthday isn’t just about marking another year—it’s about celebrating the grace that has carried me this far and the hope that propels me into the future. I’m thankful for every moment, every lesson, every laugh, and every tear. Here’s to another year of doing good, loving deeply, and moving forward under the grace of God.

Conquering the 7-40 Challenge: Reflections, Revelations, and a Roadmap Forward

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Forty days ago, I embarked on a journey I call the 7-40 Challenge—a personal quest to build discipline, achieve goals, and transform my daily habits through seven focused actions. Today, on day 40, I’m pausing to celebrate a milestone that feels both monumental and humbling. Five weeks of relentless consistency have taught me lessons I’ll carry forward, and I’m thrilled to share my takeaways, triumphs, and a glimpse of what’s next. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” That courage has fueled my progress, and I hope my story inspires you to take on your own challenge.

The Journey So Far: 40 Days of Grit and Growth

Let’s be real—40 days is no small feat. That’s over five weeks of showing up, day in and day out, to do what I set out to do. I’ve lost over 15 pounds, read three books (and parts of three others), written daily on my blog, stayed hydrated, and stuck to my exercise routine. Sure, there were days when sheer exhaustion forced me to skip a workout, but overall, I’ve stayed the course. The results? Tangible. Measurable. Empowering.

Reflecting on this journey, I’m struck by how far I’ve come. The grind wasn’t always glamorous, but it was worth it. As I look ahead, I see the road stretching further—new goals, new challenges, and a renewed commitment to keep pushing. But for now, let’s unpack the three biggest lessons I’ve learned from these 40 days of the 7-40 Challenge.

Lesson 1: Things Aren’t as Hard as We Make Them Out to Be

At the start, my seven goals felt daunting. Write every day? Exercise consistently? Read multiple books? Drink enough water? It sounded like a lot. But here’s the truth: individually, these tasks are straightforward. The real challenge lies in doing them consistently. As Aristotle wisely noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Breaking down big goals into daily actions revealed something powerful: the mental barriers we create are often bigger than the tasks themselves. Sure, sticking to a routine for 40 days wasn’t a walk in the park, but it wasn’t the Herculean ordeal I’d built up in my mind either. Most days, I hit my goals. On the days I didn’t, I learned to forgive myself and keep going. The takeaway? Stop overcomplicating things. Start small, stay steady, and the results will follow.

Lesson 2: Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy

This might sound like a contradiction to my first point, but hear me out. While the tasks themselves were simple, maintaining them over 40 days was anything but easy. There’s a difference between straightforward and effortless. As author James Clear puts it in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

The daily grind tested my discipline, but it also transformed simple acts into meaningful accomplishments. Writing a blog post every day? Simple. Doing it for 40 days straight? That’s where the magic happens. Drinking water consistently? Easy in theory, but it required intention. These small, deliberate actions compounded into results I’m proud of—15 pounds lighter, three books wiser, and a blog that’s alive with daily updates. Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always. Worth it? Absolutely.

Lesson 3: Why Did I Wait So Long?

This is the question that haunts me. Why did it take me so long to get into gear? Why does building daily habits feel like such a monumental effort at first? The frustration is real—so much can be accomplished with focused effort, yet we often delay starting. As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Looking back, I wish I’d taken that step sooner.

In just 40 days, I’ve achieved more than I thought possible. I’ve shed weight, expanded my mind through reading, and built a writing habit I’m proud of. The results speak for themselves, but they also beg the question: what else could I have accomplished if I’d started earlier? The answer doesn’t matter as much as the action I’m taking now. If you’re hesitating to start your own journey, let this be your sign: don’t wait. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see what you’re capable of.

Looking Ahead: The Next 40 Days of the 7-40 Challenge

As I write this, I’m three days away from the next phase of the 7-40 Challenge, which kicks off on September 8th. I’m taking two days to rest, recharge, and reflect before diving back in with seven brand-new goals. What will they be? I’m still finalizing the details, but I know they’ll push me to grow, just as these past 40 days have. The excitement of what’s possible fuels me, and I’m ready to keep building on this momentum.

A Call to Action: Start Your Own 7-40 Challenge

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that small, consistent actions lead to big results. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight—just pick a few habits (maybe even seven!) and commit to them for 40 days. Write. Move. Read. Drink water. Whatever it is, start small and stay consistent. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

As I wrap up this first round of the 7-40 Challenge, I’m filled with gratitude for how far I’ve come and excitement for what lies ahead. This challenge isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about proving to myself that I’m capable of more. So, here’s to the next 40 days—and to you, wherever you are on your journey. What will your challenge be? Let’s make it happen.

See you in the next round!

How Are You, Really? A Reflection on Life’s Highs and Lows

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Lately, as a part of my 7-40 Challenge, I’ve been diving into The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad, and tonight, one essay in particular hit me hard: “How Are You, Really?” by Nora McInerny (whose name I’m probably mangling in my head—apologies, Nora). In it, she shares a raw, honest story about a tragedy that shook her world. A dear friend looked her in the eyes and asked, “How are you, really?” Her response? “I’m fine.”

But she wasn’t fine. Not even close. As a newly widowed mother of a toddler, Nora was grappling with a severe case of PTSD that lingered for months. Her essay got me thinking: why do we default to “I’m fine” when someone asks how we’re doing? Especially when the people asking are the ones who love us, who are offering a safe space to unravel, to connect, to just be with someone who cares. That question—“How are you, really?”—is an invitation to vulnerability, yet so often, we brush it off.

So, let me take a stab at answering it for myself. How am I, really?

I’m tired. Exhausted, even. Two and a half months ago, my family and I packed up our lives and moved to a new city. We bought a new house, I started a new job, and we’ve been working to find the rhythm of this new chapter. There’s so much to love about this fresh start—the opportunities, being closer to friends and family, the chance to grow. My heart is full of gratitude for where we are and what lies ahead. But the constant motion, the frenetic energy of “new,” is wearing on me. It’s survivable—more than survivable, really—but it’s a lot.

At the same time, I’m hopeful. After feeling stagnant in my previous role due to forces beyond my control, this new job has reignited my sense of agency. I’m excited about the opportunities in front of me, even if they’re a little terrifying (in the best way possible). My drive to contribute, to make a difference, is stronger than it’s been in years. That spark keeps me going, even on the tired days.

And at my core? I’m greatful. Truly. That’s not a glossed-over “I’m fine.” It’s a deep, grounded sense of gratitude that anchors me. I’m grateful to God for His love and for saving me. I am thankful for the love in my life—for my wife, who married me all those years ago and loves me more fiercely today than ever. For my son, who I am so very proud of and whose relationship with his dad fills me with so much joy. For our friends, our family, the home we’ve been blessed with. Gratitude is the thread that weaves through it all, keeping me steady.

As I stand on the cusp of another birthday, I’m not necessarily struggling with getting older, but it’s definitely a more present reality. The older I get, the more I want my life to matter. I want my decisions to be wiser, my love to be fiercer, my gratitude to be front and center. I want to live with purpose, to make a contribution that lasts. I want to make God smile.

So, that’s how I am, really. Tired, hopeful, grateful, and ready to lean into this next chapter with intention. I’m choosing to love harder, to live more purposefully, to let gratitude guide me.

How about you? How are you, really? Take a moment to answer that question—not just for someone else, but for yourself. You might be surprised by what you find.