Tag: Books

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!

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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!

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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!

Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking: A Journey to Healthier Eating

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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!