David Willis Blog

Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge: How We Spend Our Days is How We Spend Our Lives

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 20 of my 7-40 Challenge. It’s been a whirlwind of a day around our house—life’s been keeping us on our toes—but the challenge marches on, and I’m thrilled to share that we’re making some solid progress. More than that, though, I’ve got some thoughts brewing from this morning’s reflections that I’m excited to dive into with you. First off, let me just say: thank you for being here, for reading these words. It means the world to me to have you along for this journey.

Lately, I’ve been diving deep into Austin Kleon’s work, and let me tell you, it’s been spot on. I tore through Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, and this morning, I cracked open Keep Going. These books are like a masterclass in creativity—packed with ideas on how to tap into your creative spark, nurture it, and actually get stuff done. They’re the kind of reads that make you want to grab a pen, start creating, and never stop.

But today, one particular gem stopped me in my tracks. In Keep Going, Kleon quotes Annie Dillard, who said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” I had to put the book down for a minute just to let that sink in. It’s one of those truths that’s so simple yet so profound, it hits you like a ton of bricks. How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Think about that for a second.

Sure, we all have those standout moments—the vacations, the big wins, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that light up our lives. But those are the exceptions. Most of our lives are made up of the everyday, the routine, the habits we fall into. And those daily choices? They’re the building blocks of who we become.

Let’s paint a picture. Imagine waking up every day, grabbing an oversized breakfast, eating a bit too much, and heading out the door already frustrated with your family. You get to work, grumble about your tasks, half-heartedly engage with your team, and let the day slip by in a haze of complaints. Lunch rolls around, and you overdo it again. You’re late to meetings because, honestly, you’re just not that motivated. By evening, you’re rushing home, still carrying that frustration, maybe pouring a drink or two too many, and zoning out in front of the TV until it’s time to crash. Rinse and repeat.

You can see where this is going, right? If that’s your daily pattern, it’s not just a bad day—it’s a bad habit. Over time, those habits stack up, and suddenly you’re looking at a life where your health is shot from overeating and drinking, your relationships are strained because you haven’t prioritized the people you love, and your work is lackluster because you’ve settled for mediocrity. Years down the line, you might look back and realize you’ve missed opportunities, neglected relationships, and become someone you never wanted to be. All because of how you spent your days.

Now, let’s flip the script. Picture this instead: You wake up, lace up your shoes, and get some exercise in—fresh air filling your lungs. You spend a quiet moment reading your Bible, praying, or listening to something inspiring, like a good audiobook. Before you head out, you take a moment to tell your spouse how much they mean to you. At work, you dive into your tasks with focus, respect your teammates, and look for ways to add value. Maybe you even sneak in a walk at lunch, soaking in the gratitude for where you are and what you get to do.

When you get home, you’re excited to see your family. You pour into your kids—telling them you love them, that you’re proud of them, that you’re there to help them become who they’re meant to be. Dinner is a time to connect, to laugh, to enjoy each other’s company. After everyone’s asleep, you carve out a little time for yourself—reading, working on personal goals, or reflecting on the day. You hit the pillow feeling accomplished, knowing you gave it your all.

Can you imagine what weeks, months, or years of that routine would do? It’s not just a good day—it’s a good life. As Kleon puts it, “The trick is to find a way to make the days add up to something.” And I can tell you from experience, this kind of intentional living changes everything. There was a time when I dreaded going to work, when it was tempting to overeat or overdrink. Those days are long gone, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the life I’ve been given. I want to make the most of every moment, every opportunity.

That’s why Dillard’s quote hit me so hard. It’s a wake-up call to choose wisely, every single day. To build habits that align with the person I want to be—someone who loves well, lives well, and inspires others to do the same. Another line from Kleon’s book stuck with me: “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up and do the work.” It’s not about being flawless; it’s about showing up consistently and choosing the things that matter.

So, here’s my challenge to you: take a look at your days. What habits are you building? Are they leading you toward the life you want, or are they pulling you somewhere else? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this quote—“How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” Drop a comment below and let’s keep this conversation going. What’s one small change you could make to your daily routine that might just change the trajectory of your life?

Thanks for joining me on Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m pumped to see you back here tomorrow for Day 21. Let’s keep choosing the good stuff, the noble stuff, the stuff that makes God smile. Here’s to living with no regrets!

David Willis Blog

Transforming My Health: Tangible Results of Habits and Hope

Here we are deep in round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge. Just 60 days ago I embarked on a challenge to build seven daily habits over 40 days, aiming to create momentum and check items off my ever-growing to-do list. If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve been focusing on the process—the small, intentional steps that lead to big changes. I haven’t talked much about my weight because, honestly, it’s not the full story. My goal isn’t just a number on the scale; it’s about feeling good, improving my cardiovascular health, and being there for my family in the long haul. As fitness icon Jack LaLanne once said, “Your health account is like your bank account: the more you put in, the more you can take out.” That’s the mindset I’m embracing—one deposit at a time.

Lead Measures vs. Lag Measures: The Game Plan

A while back, I read The Four Disciplines of Execution, and one concept stuck with me: the difference between lead measures and lag measures. Lead measures are the daily actions you control—like exercising for an hour or tracking your calories—that pave the way for long-term results. Lag measures, like weight loss or a lower BMI, are the outcomes that follow. Focusing only on the scale can be frustrating because it’s a lagging indicator. Instead, I’ve been pouring my energy into consistent habits, trusting they’ll lead to the bigger wins.

When I started this challenge, I weighed 299.5 pounds—heavier than I’ve ever been. My goals were broader than weight loss: I wanted a healthier body composition, better cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Sure, a healthy BMI and a trimmer physique would be nice, but feeling vibrant and capable is my true goal. As author Jim Rohn put it, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” That’s the why behind my daily grind.

The Numbers Tell a Story

This morning, I stepped on the scale and saw 283 pounds—a 16-pound drop in about six weeks. That’s impressive, but I’ll be honest: part of me wanted the number to move faster. In the past, I’d get hung up on that frustration, unsure if my efforts were paying off. But this time, I have better tools to see the full picture.

My wife gifted me a Hume pod, a device that measures body composition, fat content, pulse, and more, paired with a Hume band that tracks O2 levels and sleep cycles. These tools have been game-changers, giving me data to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. When I started, my body fat was 31.6%, with 94.6 pounds of fat mass. Today? I’m at 24.6% body fat, with 69.8 pounds of fat mass. That’s a loss of 25 pounds of fat in just over a month and a half. Even more exciting, my lean mass has increased by nearly 10 pounds. The scale might say “16 pounds down,” but my body is transforming in ways I didn’t expect so quickly.

A Wake-Up Call and a Win

One metric hit me hard: the Hume pod calculates your metabolic age. My first reading pegged me at 54 years old—disturbing, considering I’m only 47. But today, my metabolic age is down to 39. In just 60 days, I’ve shaved 15 years off my metabolic age! That’s not just a number; it’s proof that the habits I’m building are working.

This journey has shown me that transformation isn’t about being perfect or hitting some arbitrary goal weight. It’s about showing up every day, making choices that align with the life you want, and trusting the process. Sixty days—nine weeks—have brought me further than I thought possible. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m so much closer than I was.

A Message of Hope

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re too far gone, let me tell you: as long as you’re breathing, you have a chance to change your story. Every small choice—every workout, every healthy meal, every restful night—adds up. This journey has been a wake-up call and an encouragement to me, and I hope it inspires you too. Tomorrow marks round 2 day 20 of my challenge, and I’m excited to keep going, one habit at a time.

Thank you for joining me on this ride. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to share more tomorrow.

David Willis Blog

Day 17 of the 7-40 Challenge: Showing My Work and Finding My Tribe

Hey there, friends! Greetings, salutations, and a big ol’ what’s up? Welcome to Day 17 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m posting daily to share my journey, thoughts, and creative process. I hope this post finds you well, maybe sipping a cozy drink or winding down after a long day. Me? I’m tucked away in my little corner of the internet, plugging away at my goals, feeling a bit tired but ready to reflect with you.

Lately, I’ve been diving into Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, a compact yet power-packed book that’s got me thinking about creativity, transparency, and community. Kleon’s big idea? Don’t hide your creative process—share it generously. “You don’t have to be a genius,” he writes. “Find something you love to do, do it well, and share it with the world.” For Kleon, showing your work isn’t about bragging or giving away trade secrets; it’s about inviting people into your process, letting them see the magic behind what you create.

This idea hit me hard. Kleon argues that even if you share the nuts and bolts of how you do what you do, it’s unlikely someone will steal your thunder. Why? Because if you’re truly great at your craft, your unique spark can’t be replicated. Instead of creating copycats, sharing your process often wins you fans—people who are inspired by your authenticity and drawn to your story. As Kleon puts it, “The impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you.” That’s a game-changer, right?

One story from the book stuck with me: a barbecue pitmaster from Austin, Texas, who crowdfunded a YouTube series to share his Texas BBQ secrets. This guy didn’t gatekeep his recipes or techniques. Instead, he opened the door wide, showing exactly how he smoked his brisket to perfection. The result? In just a few years, his barbecue joint became one of the best in the country. Why? Because he was generous. By sharing his expertise, he didn’t just gain customers—he built a community of loyal fans who were invested in his story and eager to eat his food. His openness turned his work into something bigger than himself.

This got me reflecting on my own creative instincts. When I’m working on something—whether it’s writing, brainstorming, or tackling a goal—my first impulse is often to hold it close, to guard it like a precious secret. But why? What’s stopping me from inviting others into my process, letting them see the messy, beautiful reality of how I’m building my dreams? Kleon’s book challenges me to flip that script. Maybe creativity isn’t about locking things away—it’s about opening up, sharing the journey, and even inviting others to contribute ideas I might not have considered.

This 7-40 Challenge is my attempt to live that out. Posting daily on the internet is a weird, vulnerable thing. Part of me wants to keep my struggles, triumphs, and half-baked ideas to myself, worried they’re not “polished” enough to share. But then I think: Why not? Why hide the real stuff—the doubts, the wins, the messy middle? Sharing openly doesn’t just hold me accountable; it’s a chance to connect with others who might be wrestling with the same challenges or chasing similar dreams. I’m convinced that together, we’re better. Finding a tribe of like-minded people—folks who are headed in the same direction—can push us forward in ways we can’t do alone.

So here I am, showing my work, flaws and all. I want to be transparent about my struggles and how I’m overcoming them, hoping it might inspire someone else to keep going. I want to share the process of creating, not just the finished product, because that’s where the real magic happens. Whether you’re reading this from a bustling city or a quiet corner of the world, I hope you’re surrounded by a community that lifts you up. And if you’re not, maybe this is your invitation to start building one.

Thanks for joining me on Day 17. Drop a comment or share your own creative process—I’d love to hear how you’re showing your work. Here’s to Day 18, and to creating, sharing, and growing together. See you tomorrow!

David Willis Blog

Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking: A Journey to Healthier Eating

Let me start with a confession that might not shock anyone who knows me: I love food. I mean, I really love food. It’s been a lifelong romance, one that’s led me down more than one weight loss journey. Over the years, I’ve had to face the truth—I can get lazy, and when I do, I just eat. But here’s the thing: getting healthier doesn’t mean giving up the flavors I crave. It’s about making smarter choices, counting calories that count, and rediscovering the magic of cooking fresh, wholesome meals that are as good for my body as they are for my soul.

About 18 years ago, I had a lightbulb moment that changed how I saw food. I was flipping through channels and stumbled across Rick Bayless: Mexico One Plate at a Time on PBS. I don’t know what made me stop—maybe it was fate—but there was Rick Bayless, this incredible Mexican food chef and anthropologist, whipping up a salsa that looked like pure art. It wasn’t just the vibrant colors or the way he talked about the ingredients; it was how simple it seemed. He was blending jalapeños, tomatillos, and tomatoes into something that looked like it belonged in a five-star restaurant, and I thought, “Wait a minute. I could do this.”

So, I did what any food-obsessed person would do—I told my wife, “I’m going to the grocery store!” Off I went, piling my cart with serrano peppers, fresh tomatoes, tomatillos, and anything else I could find from Rick’s recipe. When I got home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. The result? A salsa so fresh, so vibrant, so delicious that I couldn’t believe I’d made it myself. It was a revelation—not just because it tasted amazing, but because it was made from whole, natural ingredients. No preservatives, no junk. Just pure, fresh goodness. As Chef Rick Bayless himself once said, “The best food comes from the simplest ingredients, prepared with care and respect for their flavors.” That moment in my kitchen was when I realized cooking didn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.

Fast forward to today, and my family’s food journey has evolved. We’ve navigated food allergies, sensitivities, and the usual challenges many of us face. Gluten and corn products are rare in our house, but that hasn’t stopped us from eating well. If anything, it’s pushed us to get creative. We’ve learned there are endless recipes and resources out there to make healthy, nutritious meals that don’t skimp on flavor. The excuse of “healthy food is boring” just doesn’t hold up anymore—not when you can make a hearty chicken noodle soup that puts canned versions to shame or a salsa that tastes like a Mexican fiesta in every bite.

This morning, I was reminded of another milestone in my cooking journey: the first time I made Tyler Florence’s chicken noodle soup recipe from Food Network. I remember stirring that pot, inhaling the aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables, and thinking, “Campbell’s, you’ve been lying to me my whole life.” That soup was a game-changer—comforting, flavorful, and made with real ingredients. Tonight, my son is taking the reins and making that same recipe for us. I’m thrilled to see him in the kitchen, not just because he’s a great cook, but because it’s a chance to pass down the joy of cooking and the habit of eating well. As Chef Tyler Florence once put it, “Cooking is about creating something delicious to share with the people you love.” Sharing these moments with my son feels like planting seeds for a healthier future.

Here’s what I’ve learned on this journey: eating well doesn’t mean deprivation. It’s about balance, moderation, and choosing foods that nourish you. When I eat healthy, filling meals, I don’t feel the urge to overindulge the way I do with processed junk. There’s something satisfying about knowing I’m fueling my body with ingredients that are good for me—and that taste amazing, too. It’s like alchemy, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

So, why am I sharing this? Because I’m on a mission to take control of my health and my waistline, one delicious meal at a time. It starts with remembering the lessons I’ve learned: cooking doesn’t have to be hard, and healthy food doesn’t have to be bland. It’s about taking the time to chop those veggies, simmer that soup, and savor the process. It’s about sharing those meals with my family and teaching my son that good food is worth the effort.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. We’re taking it one step, one meal, one day at a time. Here’s to eating better, feeling better, and maybe even making a killer salsa along the way. See you tomorrow!

David Willis Blog

Day 16 of the 7-40 Challenge: Facing the Mirror and Lighting the Way

Good evening, friends, and welcome to Day 16 of my 7-40 Challenge—a journey of growth, reflection, and relentless pursuit of purpose. Have you ever had one of those moments where clarity hits like a lightning bolt, and you’re left with a choice? Do you dive in with both feet to confront the challenges staring you in the face, or do you keep sidestepping them, hoping they’ll sort themselves out? I’ve been there, and today, I’m standing at that very crossroads.

When I look in the mirror most mornings, I like the guy I see. He’s working hard to level up his life, pouring his heart into his family, and genuinely thrilled just to be here, soaking up the gift of life. But this 7-40 Challenge isn’t about coasting on good vibes. It’s about those raw, honest moments where I ask myself: Am I where I want to be? Am I checking off the goals I’ve set? If the answer is “no” too often, it’s time to get brutally real. I have to face the question: You know what needs to be done—why aren’t you doing it?

Right now, I see the issue clearly, and I know I need to jump in with everything I’ve got to tackle it. But do I have the guts to follow through? For the last 20 years, I’ve carried entrepreneurial dreams—ideas for side businesses, solutions to problems I could solve for others. They’ve swirled in my head, but nothing’s truly taken flight. As I shared in yesterday’s post, I’m done with scattered focus. I want to zero in on my mission: to inspire people, to be a catalyst for those ready to make a change. But to do that, I have to live it myself. I have to embody the transformation I want to spark in others.

And here’s where it gets deeper. When I talk about inspiring people, I’m not claiming to have it all figured out. I’m not standing on some pedestal, acting like I’ve arrived. I’m just a guy who’s further down the road in some ways—marriage, career, life—and I’ve got experiences to share. The successes I’ve tasted, the frustrations I’ve wrestled with, the obstacles I’ve overcome—I want to turn those into strategies for others facing the same battles. By sharing what I’ve learned, by inspiring each other, and by leading the way for those who feel lost, we make it through together. As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” That habit of showing up, of sharing the path, is what I’m building.

My mission is to take what I know and show the way forward. Whether it’s work-related challenges like planning and crushing your goals, relationship struggles like being the best spouse you can be, or parenting hurdles where we’re inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and do more than they ever thought possible—I want to help. I want to leave this earth one day (hopefully far from now) knowing I made a difference, that I helped someone navigate their hard times and come out stronger.

As Benjamin Franklin put it, “Well done is better than well said.” Intentions are great, but action is what counts. I’m committing to more doing—more sharing, more leading, more inspiring—in the days ahead. And tonight, I don’t have all the answers. I’m still searching for exactly how to bring this mission to life, but I’m okay with the uncertainty. It’s part of the journey.

Thanks for being here with me. If you’re facing your own crossroads or have a lesson you’ve learned that could light the way for someone else, drop it in the comments. Let’s inspire each other. Until tomorrow, keep pushing.