David Willis Blog

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

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.

David Willis Blog

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

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.

David Willis Blog

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

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!

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 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!