David Willis Blog

Day 8 of the 7-40 Challenge: The Power of Practice and Passion

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 8, Round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge. Let me tell you, I’m feeling challenged—but in the best way possible. There’s something about pushing yourself that sparks inspiration, and I’m thrilled to share some thoughts with you tonight about talent, practice, and what makes us truly shine.

Looking back on my life, I can pinpoint a few areas where I’ve been lucky enough to have a natural knack. I’m not claiming to be a prodigy, but I’ve had moments where a bit of talent went a long way with minimal effort, earning me praise or a touch of recognition. One of those moments started in high school with music.

I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember, belting out tunes at the top of my lungs. This might date me, but I vividly recall singing along to Shenandoah’s Next to You, Next to Me when it first hit the radio. Picture a 10-year-old me in the backseat of the car, giving it my all while my mom winced at my off-key enthusiasm. Thankfully, I got better—turns out, I had a bit of a gift for singing. By my sophomore year of high school, with just a touch of practice, I discovered I could hold my own. By junior year, I’d made the All-State choir, and I repeated that feat as a senior. That led to a full music scholarship in college. I thought I was hot stuff—naturally talented, no need to practice too hard. Spoiler alert: I was so wrong.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said in 1841, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Talent might open the door, but it’s practice that builds the house.

Fast forward to today—nearly 35 years (or more, if I’m being honest) since those backseat serenades. Another area where I’ve stumbled into a bit of talent is my voice. Not for singing this time, but for its deep, resonant tone. Over the years, people have asked if I’m an audiobook narrator, a DJ, or a radio host. I’ve dabbled in a few radio commercials (all for free, mind you), and I’d love to read audiobooks someday. But here’s the kicker: I haven’t put in the work to make it happen. Talent alone doesn’t cut it.

This brings me to a book I just finished—Chase Jarvis’s Never Play It Safe. The final chapter dives deep into the magic of practice. Jarvis points out that what separates the world-class from the rest isn’t just raw talent—it’s the relentless dedication to honing their craft. He uses Stephen Curry, the future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest basketball players ever, as a prime example. Was Curry born with a basketball in his hands, sinking three-pointers? Sure, he had talent. But what made him a legend was hours upon hours of practice, refining that gift into something extraordinary.

As Benjamin Franklin put it in 1758, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” For Curry, that knowledge came through sweat, repetition, and an unrelenting drive to improve. Practice turned his talent into something out of this world.

This got me thinking: where in my life have I applied that kind of focus? Three areas stand out.

First, public speaking. I may not be narrating audiobooks, but I’ve poured years into Toastmasters International, where I earned my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation—a testament to years of dedication. I’ve given hundreds of speeches and competed in numerous contests, earning trophies in table topics, evaluation, and international speech categories. I’ve worked hard to craft speeches that hit home—ones that tell compelling stories and deliver meaningful messages. Am I world-class? Not yet. But with more practice, I believe I could be. It’s a goal I’m chasing, and time will tell where it leads.

Second, my day job. I’ll keep this a bit mysterious for the blog, but here’s the deal: whatever you do for a living, if you stick with it and approach it with intention, you get better. Whether I was a youth pastor, working in insurance claims, or doing what I do now, I’ve seen how practice and effort pay off. When you invest time and energy, you don’t just do your job—you master it.

Third, being a husband. This is where I’ve practiced the most—and it’s been the greatest joy of my life. After over 26 years of marriage, I’m more in love with my wife today than ever. I strive to be the best husband I can be—more caring, more attentive, more in tune with her and our family’s needs. It doesn’t always feel like “practice” because I love it so much, but that’s the secret: when you pour your heart into something, you’re practicing without even realizing it. I hope my wife would say I’m a better husband now than I was five years ago—and light years ahead of the young guy she married all those years ago.

So, I’ll leave you with this: what are you practicing? What’s the thing you want to get better and better at? Maybe it’s a skill, a hobby, or a relationship. Whatever it is, embrace the grind. As Jarvis and Curry remind us, talent is just the starting line—practice is what takes you to the finish.

Drop a comment and let me know what you’re working on. Day 8 is in the books, and I’ll catch you tomorrow for Day 9!

David Willis Blog

Embracing Extreme Ownership: A Week in the 7-40 Challenge

Good evening, friends, and welcome to Day 7 of Round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge! It’s Sunday, September 14, 2025, and I hope your weekend has been as vibrant and fulfilling as mine. I’ve soaked up precious moments with family, tackled some long-overdue goals—like reclaiming my office, as I shared in yesterday’s post—and now, as I stroll under the evening sky, I’m reflecting on the highs and lows of this journey. Tonight, let’s dive into a topic that’s been resonating deeply with me: personal responsibility and the power of owning every step of our path.

Recently, I finished Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, a book that lays out battle-tested strategies for leadership—not just on the battlefield but in business and life. One principle stood out, echoing a truth I also found in listening to my current book,Chase Jarvis’s Never Play It Safe,: the idea that true progress begins when we take full ownership of our actions, successes, and failures. As the great philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” This resonates as I take stock of my 7-40 Challenge goals, seven days into this round, and assess where I’m soaring and where I need to step up.

Let’s break it down with a pragmatic look at my progress:

1. Daily Bible Study and Prayer

This is the cornerstone of my day, the foundation that steadies everything else. I’m reading my Bible every morning and praying consistently, but I’d give myself a B-grade here. I know I can deepen this practice, lean into it more intentionally. It’s not about keeping score but about making this the heartbeat of my life. I’m committed to striving for more, to let this discipline shape my days even more profoundly.

2. Tracking Calories and Hydration

During the workweek, I’m solid—tracking my calories and hitting my water goals. But as the weekend rolls in, the siren call of tasty treats and a looser routine pulls me off track. I’ve missed meals here and there, and while I’m getting my water in, I’m not as consistent as I could be. This is where ownership comes in. As Theodore Roosevelt once declared, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” I’m doubling down on this goal, recommitting to disciplined tracking to propel my weight loss and fitness forward.

3. Daily Hour-Long Workout

Here’s a win I’m proud of: I’ve hit my one-hour workout goal every single day. Most of my exercise has been walking—racking up 12,000 to 15,000 steps daily, which is no small feat. But I know I need to diversify. My body isn’t getting younger, and I’m losing flexibility. It’s time to weave in more strength training and yoga to keep myself limber and strong. Ownership means not just celebrating the wins but pushing to evolve.

4. Practicing Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is a game-changer, and I’m doing well here, though there’s always room to grow. Each day, I’m intentional about reflecting on what I’m thankful for, and it shifts my perspective. But I want to lean in further, to make gratitude not just a habit but a lens for life.

5. Daily Writing

You’re reading the proof of this one! My blog is a daily testament to this commitment, a space where I share successes, ponder setbacks, and connect with you all. Writing has become a habit I cherish, a way to process and grow.

6. Building Creative and Entrepreneurial Ideas

Last week, I focused on setting up my infrastructure—tuning my office space and hardware to create an environment where creativity can thrive. As I move into Day 8 and beyond, it’s time to shift from setup to action. Arranging my office was a start, but real progress comes from diving into the work itself. Ownership means not just preparing the ground but planting the seeds.

7. Reading or Listening to Audiobooks for 30 Minutes Daily

I’m thrilled to report I’ve consistently hit my goal of reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes each day. This habit is paying off faster than I expected—my creativity is reigniting, and my productivity feels like it’s getting a turbo boost. Whether it’s diving into a new book or absorbing insights through audio, this practice is fueling my mind and sparking fresh ideas.

Taking personal responsibility isn’t always easy. It’s tempting to blame circumstances, distractions, or even the weekend’s allure for our slip-ups. But as Willink and Babin emphasize, owning our decisions—especially our failures—unlocks true growth. If I don’t own my missteps, how can I fully embrace my successes? This mindset isn’t just about me; it’s about inspiring others to take charge of their own journeys. As Emerson also said, “Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” I hope my reflections spark something in you to chase your goals with fierce accountability.

So, what about you? How do you embrace personal responsibility in your life? Are you owning your wins and learning from your stumbles? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story and join in the conversation. Together, we’ll keep pushing forward. See you tomorrow for Day 8!

David Willis Blog

Unpacking My Library: A Journey Through Books and Growth

Hello, friends, and welcome to today’s reflection—a little piece of my Saturday soul, shared with you as part of the 7-40 Challenge. I hope your day has been as rich and fulfilling as mine. Here in our new home, the day was brimming with family time, good food, a cozy movie, and, yes, the ongoing adventure of taming the chaos that is my office.

You see, we moved a few months ago, and my office is still a bit of a glorious mess. Picture this: stacks of books, decorations, cords for long-forgotten electronics, vinyl records, and—did I mention?—more books. Over the years, I’ve amassed a collection that could rival a small library. But here’s the kicker: I’ve never had a solid strategy for organizing it all. For too long, boxes of books have been relegated to the garage or tucked away in the attic, out of sight but never out of mind. Moving to this new house forced me to confront them—either find a place for them in my office or, heartbreakingly, let some go.

Now, if you’ve followed my posts before, you know I have a thing for books. I’m utterly captivated by the knowledge they hold, the worlds they open, the possibilities they whisper. But here’s the honest truth: I’m not always great at sitting down with a paper book and getting lost in its pages. So why do I keep all these books? It’s a question I’ve wrestled with, and the answer lies in what they represent.

Books, to me, are markers of my journey. They’re like breadcrumbs leading back to who I was and signposts pointing to who I want to become. As the great philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” Each book in my collection tells a story of a moment when I decided I didn’t want to stay stuck—mentally, spiritually, or emotionally. I wanted to grow, to be more, to do more.

Take, for instance, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, or Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. These books aren’t just pages bound together; they’re companions that have nudged me toward action, encouraged me to dream bigger, and reminded me to keep pushing forward. They’ve been my coaches on days when I needed a spark of motivation.

Then there’s the spiritual side of my library. Authors like John Eldredge, Craig Groeschel, and Erwin McManus have been my guides in deepening my faith in God and my walk with Jesus. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in 1937, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” These words remind me that following Jesus is a call to surrender and grow, to let go of my old self and step into the purpose God has for me. These books challenge me to reflect God’s love, to speak truth with compassion, and to live with intention. They push me to be a better example to the world and to align my steps with Jesus

But beyond the practical and the spiritual, there’s another reason I cherish my library. These books represent potential—who I could be, who I’m striving to become. If I can internalize the wisdom within these pages, I can be a more devoted follower of Jesus, a better husband, a better father, a stronger speaker, and a more impactful presence in every area of my life. These books aren’t just objects; they’re trusted voices, offering nuggets of truth that I can turn over in my hands and heart, testing and applying them to grow beyond where I am today.

I don’t take every word in every book at face value. I wrestle with the ideas, weigh them, and keep what resonates as true and good. And that’s the beauty of it—my library is a living, breathing testament to my pursuit of growth, a collection of possibilities that inspire me to keep going.

So, here I am, surrounded by my books, grateful for the journey they represent and the one they’re guiding me toward. I’m thankful for you, too, for reading this far and joining me in this reflection. I’d love to hear from you—what books are in your library? What lessons are you learning, and how are they shaping who you’re becoming? Drop a comment, keep the conversation going, and let’s inspire each other.

Here’s to day seven of the 7-40 Challenge—may we keep growing, learning, and chasing the best versions of ourselves.

David Willis Blog

The Power of Play: A Day at the State Fair and a Lesson in Living Freely

Hey there, friends! Welcome to day five of round two of the 7-40 Challenge. Buckle up, because today was an absolute riot of fun. My family and I hit the state fair, and let me tell you, it was a glorious whirlwind of sights, sounds, and pure joy. From the gleaming cars in the automobile pavilion to the endless sea of hot tubs (who knew there was such a demand?), to the irresistible fair food and the electrifying chaos of the Midway—complete with a wild round of bumper cars—it was a day bursting with laughter and memories. I had a blast, and it tied perfectly into today’s reflection from Chase Jarvis’ book, Never Play It Safe. Specifically, his fifth level: Play.

This chapter hit me right in the heart. Jarvis nails something we often overlook: as we grow up, we forget how to play. We get buried under deadlines, responsibilities, and the pressure to perform, and we lose that carefree spark of creativity that comes so naturally to kids. The world might call play silly or a waste of time, but Jarvis argues it’s woven into our very being. It’s not just fun—it’s essential. As the philosopher Plato said in the 4th century BC, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith and play.” Play isn’t a distraction; it’s a cornerstone of a vibrant, balanced life.

Jarvis shares a story that really stuck with me. He describes a guy (whose name escapes me) who was crushing it at an internship, pouring his heart and soul into proving himself. He nailed every detail, worked himself to exhaustion, and eventually landed a full-time job at the company. Sounds like a success story, right? Not so fast. The relentless grind turned him into a workaholic. His personal life faded away, his sleep was a disaster, his eating habits were worse, and he was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Diagnosed with anxiety, he quit his job, started medication, and hit a low point. That’s when a friend recommended a book about the power of play.

Desperate for a change, this guy took on a 30-day challenge to bring play back into his life. He went for walks, played sports, grabbed a baseball bat and a bag of balls, and spent time at the park with a friend, just hitting balls and letting loose. Day after day, he made time for play. And after 30 days? The results were staggering. His anxiety had vanished. He was off the medication. He was, in his own words, “just OK.” Jarvis drives home the point: play is as restorative as sleep. It frees our minds, reignites our creativity, and recharges us in ways that endless hustling never can. As the poet Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in 1885, “In play, we find the freedom to be our true selves, unburdened by the weight of the world.” When we play, we give our brains room to breathe, to dream, to create.

So, how does this connect to my day at the state fair? It’s like the fair was a living example of Jarvis’ point. My family and I dove headfirst into the experience—stuffing our faces with gloriously weird fair food (deep-fried cheesecake, anyone?), cackling like kids in the bumper cars, and maybe buying a few things we definitely didn’t need. We walked over five miles (my feet are still complaining), but every step was worth it. It was a day of pure, unscripted joy. We played. We laughed. We soaked in each other’s company. And you know what? My soul feels light. I’m tired, sure, but I’m recharged. My brain’s ready to tackle whatever’s next, all because I gave it a chance to just be.

So, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I’m challenging you to carve out a little time for play. Take a deep breath, go for a walk, toss a Frisbee, or blast your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s not frivolous—it’s vital. Play might just be the secret to keeping your soul light and your mind free. Here’s to day six, friends—let’s keep the good vibes rolling!

What’s your favorite way to play and recharge? Drop a comment and let me know!

David Willis Blog

Finding Balance and Gratitude on Day Four of the 7-40 Challenge

Welcome, friends, to day four of round two of the 7-40 Challenge! As I sit down to write this, I’ll be honest—I’m feeling pretty tired. For the past 45 days or so, I’ve been pouring my energy into this challenge with only a few days off here and there. It’s been an incredible journey, but today, I’m embracing a moment of pause to reflect, recharge, and share my gratitude.

This challenge has pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, and while I’m still working through my goals, I’m encouraged by the progress I’ve made. The road to growth is rarely a straight line, and as the great philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” His words remind me that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.

Today, though, I’m giving myself permission to take a little break from my evening exercise routine. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and I know that rest is just as important as effort. Catching up on sleep and spending quality time with my family feels like the right way to honor this moment. After all, balance is key to sustaining the journey.

In the spirit of keeping things short and sweet, I want to share my gratitude. I’m so thankful for the blessings in my life—my family, my health, and all the good things that fill my days. God has been so good to me, and I’m deeply grateful for His care and love. This challenge isn’t just about hitting milestones; it’s about appreciating the journey and the people who make it meaningful.

So, here’s to taking a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to give thanks. I hope you’re doing well, wherever you are on your own journey. No long words or big posts today—just a heartfelt thank you for being here. I’ll see you tomorrow for day five, ready to keep pushing forward.