Tag: Books

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!

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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.

Day 10 of the 7-40 Challenge: Rediscovering Tribes and Rallying for Real Change

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 10 of my 7-40 Challenge. If you’re just tuning in, quick recap: I’m deep into my second round, committing to seven daily habits for 40 straight days. It’s all about staying on track, building momentum, and chasing that full-on transformation I’ve been after. No fluff—just steady progress toward becoming the person I know I can be.

Today was one of those classic weekdays: packed to the brim with hustle, deadlines, and that satisfying grind of checking off goals. I knocked out tasks that pushed me closer to the life I’m building, but amid the chaos, I carved out time for one of my non-negotiable habits—reading for at least 30 minutes. And let me tell you, it felt like reuniting with an old friend who drops wisdom bombs you didn’t even know you needed.

I dusted off (well, actually, hit play on the audiobook) Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin. This one’s been on my shelf since my first read years ago, back when I was wide-eyed and soaking up every page. Truth be told, I didn’t fully get it then—some of his ideas flew right over my head. But picking it up now? It’s like the book’s evolved with me. Those references to the wild world of the late 2000s and early 2010s—think the rise of social media tribes and the early influencer era—still hit fresh and real, even in 2025. Godin’s dissecting how we’re wired to connect in groups that matter.

If you’re new to Tribes, here’s the gist: Godin argues that in a world drowning in noise and options, true leadership isn’t about bossing people around or climbing corporate ladders. It’s about scarcity—leadership is rare because it requires vulnerability, a clear vision, and the guts to stand for something. He flips the script on traditional power structures, saying that the real magic happens when you rally a “tribe”—a passionate group of like-minded folks—around a worthy mission. Tribes aren’t built on mass marketing or forced loyalty; they’re organic, fueled by shared stories, rituals, and that electric sense of belonging.

Godin says early on: “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, a leader, and an idea.” It’s not about size; it’s about movement. He challenges us to stop waiting for permission and start leading, because when a leader shows up with a compelling “why,” followers aren’t just attracted—they’re transformed. Think of it like this: In the faceless scroll of social feeds, what pulls you in isn’t another ad—it’s a voice that echoes your unspoken frustrations and dreams, turning “me too” into “us together.” Godin weaves in riffs on everything from micro-revolutions in niche communities to the power of heretics (his word for the disruptors who shake things up). It’s a quick read, but it lingers, poking at your excuses for not stepping up.

One line that stopped me cold this time around? “People don’t believe what you tell them. They seldom trust what you show them. But they almost always believe what their friends tell them.” Boom— that’s the tribe currency. Another gem: “Leaders make change. Leaders don’t wait for someone else to do it.” It’s Godin’s signature style: punchy, provocative, and laced with that quiet urgency that makes you nod and think, “Wow, he’s right.”

This revisit sparked a ton for me, especially around my business goals (more on those here soon). But the big takeaway tonight? My core mission hasn’t budged: I want to leave this world better than I found it, day by day. That means showing up with intention, loving people fiercely, and treating them the way Jesus modeled— with grace, truth, and real love. Tribes lights a fire under that, showing me it’s not enough to just live it quietly. It’s about defining my “worthy mission” so clearly that it draws others in, inspiring them to chase their own passions alongside mine. No more solo treks; let’s build something communal, something that ripples.

All these years later, yeah, I get it now—deeper than before. I’m itching to put these principles into play: spotting my tribe, amplifying the stories that unite us, and leading without apology. We’ll see where it takes us, and I’ll report back as I experiment. Accountability is key in this challenge, after all.

So, spill it—what book are you diving into right now? What’s one lesson that’s sticking with you? Or hey, if Tribes has crossed your path, what’s your favorite Godin zinger? Drop a comment; I genuinely love hearing from you and swapping ideas. I look forward to the conversation.

Until tomorrow—keep moving forward, finding your why, and chasing true purpose. You’ve got this.

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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!