Tag: Books

Finding Awe in the Quiet: A Morning Under the Stars

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good morning, or perhaps good evening, wherever you are in this beautiful, spinning world. It’s October 6th, and I’m diving into day 29 of my 7-40 Challenge, round two. The sun hasn’t yet peeked over the horizon, but I’m already out here, heart pumping from my first workout of the day. The moon hangs bright in the sky, and Orion, one of my favorite constellations, gazes down at me. There’s a stillness, a quiet magic in this moment, and I want to share it with you.

Let me confess something: I not naturally a morning person. Oh no, the snooze button and I were old friends. In my younger years, I’d set the loudest alarm I could find, place it across the room to force myself out of bed, and still—still—I’d hit snooze, shuffle back under the covers, and repeat the cycle. One time, I even had an alarm that sounded like a bullhorn. Imagine drifting through a peaceful dream only to be jolted awake by what felt like a drill instructor screaming in your ear. It was jarring, to say the least.

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve made peace with the alarm clock. Like most of us, I have to get up, go to work, and show up for life’s demands. Yet, somewhere along the way, I’ve come to cherish these early hours. There’s something sacred about the world before it wakes up, before the noise and busyness take over. It’s in these quiet moments that I find rhythm, clarity, and connection—to God, to myself, and to the awe-inspiring creation around me.

This morning, as I stepped outside, the cool air brushed against my skin, and I heard the gentle whisper of the breeze moving through the trees. They swayed softly under the glow of a streetlamp, their leaves dancing in the pre-dawn light. I looked up, and there they were: stars scattered across the sky like diamonds, twinkling with a quiet brilliance. And then, as I lingered, I spotted those steady, unshaking lights—not stars, but planets, millions of miles away, whirling through space yet appearing so still, so present, as if they were placed there just for me to marvel at.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” That’s what these mornings feel like—a chance to see the world illuminated by something greater. The heavens, as the Psalmist declares, truly “proclaim the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). In the quiet, under the vastness of the sky, I’m reminded of a God who loves us, who crafted this universe with such precision and beauty. It’s humbling. It’s grounding. It fills me with gratitude to be alive, to be here, in this moment.

John Eldredge, in his book Wild at Heart, says, “Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.” For me, these early mornings prepare me for that adventure and the battles of the day that lie ahead. I get to face them with my family and friends by my side. I get to fight for the hearts of those I love. It fills me with purpose. In the stillness, and the moments before the world wakes up I can be still and prepare for the day. It’s in this space that I can reflect on God’s plan for my life, focus on my goals and simply be.

The world is busy, isn’t it? There’s always something vying for our attention—notifications, deadlines, to-do lists. But these quiet moments? They’re a gift. They’re a chance to step away from the chaos and find peace, and to reconnect with the One who made it all. Whether it’s the rustle of leaves, the twinkle of a distant planet, or the simple act of taking a deep breath, these moments remind us that we’re part of something so much bigger.

So, wherever you are today, whatever’s going on in your life, I pray you find your own moment of peace. Step outside, even if just for a minute. Look up at the sky, feel the air, and let yourself be reminded of the beauty around you. I pray you feel God’s love today.

Now, let’s go out and do some good things to start this week. I’ll see you tomorrow for day 30.

Day 28 of the 7–40 Challenge: Embracing the Intrapreneur Mindset

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 28 of my 7–40 Challenge. As Sunday winds down, I’m reflecting on an incredible weekend filled with accomplishments, quality family time, and some serious progress on my daily goals. It’s been a whirlwind, but the kind that leaves you energized and ready for more. Tonight, I want to share some thoughts inspired by a book I’ve been diving into—Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David. This book is hitting me square in the chest, and I think it might resonate with you too.

Bet-David’s story is raw and real. He doesn’t sugarcoat his journey from a less-than-stellar student to a powerhouse salesman, entrepreneur, and now CEO of a major corporation and media company. He’s upfront about the grind, the failures, and the wins. What’s got me hooked is his take on entrepreneurship—and a concept I’d never heard before: intrapreneurship. Yeah, it’s a new one for me too, and it’s got my wheels turning.

The Entrepreneurship Dream vs. Reality

Let’s talk about entrepreneurship for a second. It’s that shiny goal so many of us chase, right? The idea of being your own boss, calling the shots, and building something from the ground up. But here’s the reality check: most of us don’t end up there. Gary Vaynerchuk once said, “If you’ve struck out on your own to be an entrepreneur, where you’re alone or the boss, you are only 1% of people.” One percent! That leaves the rest of us—99%—wondering how we can create value, make an impact, and maybe even scratch that entrepreneurial itch without quitting our day jobs.

That’s where Bet-David’s idea of being an intrapreneur comes in, and let me tell you, it’s a revelation. He describes an intrapreneur as someone who acts like an entrepreneur within the company they work for. They spot chaos, identify a problem that needs solving, and dive in headfirst to tackle it. They don’t just clock in and out—they own the problem. They build alliances, lead without a title, and shape the organization from the inside out. As Bet-David puts it, “The best intrapreneurs are the ones who treat the company’s problems as if they were their own.”

Owning the Chaos, No Title Required

This idea hit me hard because it flips the script on what it means to make a difference. You don’t need to be the CEO or start your own company to have an impact. Whether it’s your day job, your church, or any organization you’re part of, there are problems begging for someone to step up and solve them. Bet-David writes, “An intrapreneur sees opportunity in the chaos and takes responsibility for creating value.” That’s powerful. It’s about asking yourself: What am I uniquely skilled to do? How can I take ownership of something that’ll make this place—and the people in it—better?

For me, this is a call to action. I’m not just my job title. I can be more helpful at work, more impactful at church, and maybe even inspire others to do the same. It’s about showing up with resolve, pouring excellence into everything I do, and solving real problems—not just for the organization, but for the customers, the team, and even myself.

Risk, Reward, and the Power of Choice

Entrepreneurship, at its core, is about risk and reward. You put yourself out there, and the payoff can be huge—not just in money, but in impact. Intrapreneurship might carry less risk (no quitting your job to bootstrap a startup), but the reward is still there. You’re defining a need and filling it, creating value where there was none before. As Gary Vaynerchuk says, “The truth is that the ability to create something from nothing is inside all of us.” Whether you’re the captain of your own ship or a sailor on someone else’s, you get to choose your attitude, your effort, and the excellence you bring every single day.

My Goal This Week

This concept of intrapreneurship has me fired up, and I’m going to be chewing on it over the next few days. I’m asking myself: Where can I step up? What problems can I own? How can I make the world around me better, whether it’s at work, in my community, or even in this challenge? I’ll keep you posted if any big revelations hit me, but for now, I’m leaning into this idea of choosing excellence and creating value, no matter where I’m standing.

Thanks for joining me on this journey, friends. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read along and share in these moments of reflection. Here’s to Day 29—let’s go out and make the world a little better, one move at a time.

What do you think about this intrapreneurship idea? Are there problems you’re itching to solve in your own world? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Day 26 of the 7–40 Challenge: Who Are You Becoming?

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good morning, friends! It’s Saturday, October 4, 2025, and I’m fired up for Day 26 of my 7–40 Challenge. I hope you’re waking up today feeling strong, inspired, and ready to chase after the person you’re meant to become. Let’s dive into a quick thought for this beautiful morning: Are your goals leading you where you truly want to be? Are they YOUR goals?

Take a moment to ask yourself: Who do I desire to become? Who am I, really? For me, the answer starts with this truth: I am a child of God. Jesus is my Savior, and my deepest desire is to live in a way that makes God smile. How do I do that? By knowing Him, loving Him, and spending time with Him. That’s why my daily Bible study is non-negotiable—it’s the foundation of my goals. I want to grow closer to God every single day and shine His love to everyone around me. As it says in John 15:4 (NLT), “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” Staying connected to God is how I bear fruit in my life.

Next, I want to be a fit and healthy man. That’s why I’m chugging my water, logging my calories (okay, I’ve missed a day or two, but I’m keeping my eyes on the prize), and exercising daily. These habits pull me closer to the strong, vibrant person I want to be and further from health struggles or frustration. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

I also want to be a wise and capable man, someone who’s ready with the right words when they’re needed. So, I read every day—good, positive, uplifting stuff that builds me up and sharpens my mind. I steer clear of the negative noise that drags me down. Proverbs 4:7 (NLT) reminds me, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” I’m committed to growing, refining how I think, and handling my business with integrity so I can take care of those who matter most.

And speaking of what matters, I want to be a thoughtful person. That’s why I journal daily, reflecting on my thoughts and experiences. Writing helps me process, share, and stay grounded in my “why.” There’s so much more I want to become, so many practices I want to add, but I’m making sure these goals are worth leaping out of bed for. They’re my goals—not someone else’s, not forced, but chosen because they light a fire in my soul to be more and do more than ever before.

And let’s bookend this with what matters most: family. I started with God, and I’ll end with my wife and son—the joys of my life. Everything I do—striving to be godly, healthy, wise, and thoughtful—is so I can love and provide for them well. They’re my reason, my motivation, and my greatest blessing. I thank God for them every single day.

So, what about you? What are your goals? What’s the “why” behind what you’re chasing? Drop it in the comments, send me a message, or tag me—let’s inspire each other to keep pushing forward. Here’s to Day 26 of the 7–40 Challenge—let’s make it count and become the people we’re called to be!

Dreams vs. Plans: Knowing What You Truly Want

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

There’s a fine line between dreaming and planning, between wishing for something and actually achieving it. Dreams can spark inspiration, but without action, they often remain just that—dreams. Too often, we get stuck in the wishing phase, never crossing the bridge to making things happen. This distinction has been on my mind lately, and it’s reshaping how I think about my goals and desires.

I came across a quote from James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, that made me pause: “You don’t need to keep wanting something you’re not willing to work for.” It’s a simple but powerful truth. If you’re not ready to put in the effort, is it really a goal—or just a fleeting wish? This got me reflecting on my own life and the things I’ve said I wanted, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready to chase.

Take six-pack abs, for example. It’s a nice thought—picturing myself with a chiseled, swimsuit-model physique. But if I’m honest, am I willing to commit to the grueling workouts and strict diet it takes to get there? Anyone who knows me would laugh and say, “Nope.” So, what do I do with a dream like that? Do I keep it on a pedestal, pretending it’s a goal, or do I get real with myself about what I actually want?

This idea of aligning desires with effort reminds me of a story from Patrick Bet-David’s book, Your Next Five Moves. In it, he talks about a conversation with a former coworker early in his career in the insurance industry. Bet-David had big dreams—world domination, in his words. He wanted to build an empire with thousands of employees, a company so influential that “everyone would know and respect the name Bet-David.” It was a promise to his parents, who had emigrated from Iran and endured immense hardship, that their sacrifices wouldn’t be in vain.

His coworker, however, had a different vision. Sitting on the same opportunity, he didn’t dream of empires. He wanted a comfortable life, earning $500,000 a year, with time to be present for his kids. Bet-David’s takeaway? That’s perfectly okay. Not everyone needs to chase the same dreams. The key is knowing who you are and what you want. That clarity lets you set goals that are authentic to you, not just what society—or even you—think your dreams should be.

This resonates deeply with me. I don’t need a six-pack to feel good about myself; a trim waistline and a healthy lifestyle are enough. I don’t need to be a multimillionaire entrepreneur;I want to provide for my family, live with purpose, and make God smile. As Bet-David emphasizes, it’s about defining your own version of success. Another great perspective comes from philosopher Seneca, who said, “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” Without a clear destination, no amount of effort will get you where you want to go.

I also found inspiration in a video clip of Michael Bublé. Some critics say he hasn’t achieved enough in his career—fewer albums, fewer tours than expected. But Bublé shared a different measure of success. Smiling, he said his children won’t remember the bedtime stories he tells them or the moments he carries them to bed. They’ll simply know they grew up in a happy home. For him, that’s the ultimate achievement. His words hit home because my family is my greatest joy, too. Success, for me, is less about external accolades and more about the love and stability I create for those closest to me.

As I’ve been reflecting, I’m learning that desires can evolve. What I wanted ten years ago isn’t the same as what I want now, and that’s okay. The journey is about refining the answer to the question, “Who am I, and what do I truly want?” Each day, I’m getting closer to understanding the person in the mirror. And with that clarity comes hope—a belief that with a clear purpose, amazing things are possible.

To anyone reading this, thank you for taking the time to share in this reflection. I’m grateful for you. My hope for you is that you find clarity in your own desires, that you pursue goals that light you up, and that you achieve what you’ve set out to do. As the poet Rumi once said, “What you seek is seeking you.” So, get clear on what you’re seeking—and then go after it with everything you’ve got.

Slow Down to See: Day 21 of the 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 21 of the second round of my 7-40 Challenge. What a day! I crushed a bunch of those “honeydoos” (you know, the to-do list that is a must!), and I’m feeling pretty darn good about it. But beyond checking boxes, I had some deep thoughts today, sparked by a line from Austin Kleon’s Keep Going. So, grab a drink, get comfy, and let’s unpack something that hit me like a ton of bricks.

I’m an audiobook junkie—always “reading” with my ears while I mow the lawn or tackle chores. Sometimes, though, a line stops me dead in my tracks, and I’ve gotta pause, rewind, and let it soak in. That happened today. While listening to Keep Going, Austin dropped this gem: “It’s impossible to pay proper attention to your life if you’re hurtling along at lightning speed. When your job is to see things other people don’t, you have to slow down so that you can actually look.”

I was out back, riding my mower, when those words made me slam on the brakes. I killed the engine, rewound, and played it again. It felt like the something was nudging me, saying, “Hey, you’re onto something here.” See, at my job (which I’ll keep vague for these posts), I deal with data. My role is to make sure the numbers we’re working with are rock-solid, so when we talk about them, we’re crystal clear and confident. Sounds straightforward, but it’s not. It takes time, persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to step back and think critically. My job is literally to spot what others miss—but I can’t do that if I’m racing through my day like it’s a speed trial.

This idea of slowing down isn’t just about work, though. It’s about life. We’re obsessed with speed these days. How fast can I finish this? How quick can I jump to the next thing? If I’m not moving at breakneck pace, am I falling behind? But here’s the thing—Henry David Thoreau once said, “It’s not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” That hits hard. Are we just busy for the sake of speed, or are we busy with purpose? Kleon’s words and Thoreau’s question got me thinking: if I’m hurtling along, I’m not really seeing anything—my work, my relationships, my creativity, my faith.

Picture this: years ago, my wife and I went rafting at the Royal Gorge. That river was life in a nutshell—sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes a wild ride through rapids. (True story: I got tossed into a rapid called the Wall Slammer, surrounded by rebar-infested waters. Ask me about it over dinner sometime!) In my head, I imagine myself floating down this river on my stomach, head down, barely keeping up. Every now and then, I lift my head just long enough to glimpse my surroundings before plunging back into the current. Months, even years, can pass before I look up again. And when I do, it hits me: time’s flying. Life’s moving so fast, it’s a blur.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re just trying to keep your head above water? I know I have. And I bet you have too. So, what do we do? We slow down. We get intentional. We tune in—to the world, to the people we love, to our work, our creativity, and, for me, my relationship with God. Lao Tzu put it perfectly: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” If nature can take its time and still get it done, why can’t we? Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind—it means steering our own course.

Today, as I mowed and mulled over Kleon’s words, I realized I’m already doing some of this right. At work, when I take the time to dig into the data, to really see what’s there, I’m lifting my head out of the river. I’m checking my direction, making sure I’m headed where I want to go. I’m trying to do the same at home, with my family, my creative projects, my faith. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because if we don’t slow down, we’re just floating along, letting the current drag us wherever it wants. We miss the moments that matter—the beauty, the connections, the purpose.

So, what about you? Are you floating with your head down, letting life pull you along? Or are you lifting your head, taking a good look around, and asking, “Is this where I want to be?”

Thanks for reading, friends. I pray you’re happy, healthy, and well. Let’s keep lifting our heads, slowing down, and steering toward where we truly want to go. See you tomorrow for Day 22 of the 7-40 Challenge!