Tag: Books

Unpacking My Library: A Journey Through Books and Growth

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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.

Conquering the 7-40 Challenge: Reflections, Revelations, and a Roadmap Forward

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Forty days ago, I embarked on a journey I call the 7-40 Challenge—a personal quest to build discipline, achieve goals, and transform my daily habits through seven focused actions. Today, on day 40, I’m pausing to celebrate a milestone that feels both monumental and humbling. Five weeks of relentless consistency have taught me lessons I’ll carry forward, and I’m thrilled to share my takeaways, triumphs, and a glimpse of what’s next. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” That courage has fueled my progress, and I hope my story inspires you to take on your own challenge.

The Journey So Far: 40 Days of Grit and Growth

Let’s be real—40 days is no small feat. That’s over five weeks of showing up, day in and day out, to do what I set out to do. I’ve lost over 15 pounds, read three books (and parts of three others), written daily on my blog, stayed hydrated, and stuck to my exercise routine. Sure, there were days when sheer exhaustion forced me to skip a workout, but overall, I’ve stayed the course. The results? Tangible. Measurable. Empowering.

Reflecting on this journey, I’m struck by how far I’ve come. The grind wasn’t always glamorous, but it was worth it. As I look ahead, I see the road stretching further—new goals, new challenges, and a renewed commitment to keep pushing. But for now, let’s unpack the three biggest lessons I’ve learned from these 40 days of the 7-40 Challenge.

Lesson 1: Things Aren’t as Hard as We Make Them Out to Be

At the start, my seven goals felt daunting. Write every day? Exercise consistently? Read multiple books? Drink enough water? It sounded like a lot. But here’s the truth: individually, these tasks are straightforward. The real challenge lies in doing them consistently. As Aristotle wisely noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Breaking down big goals into daily actions revealed something powerful: the mental barriers we create are often bigger than the tasks themselves. Sure, sticking to a routine for 40 days wasn’t a walk in the park, but it wasn’t the Herculean ordeal I’d built up in my mind either. Most days, I hit my goals. On the days I didn’t, I learned to forgive myself and keep going. The takeaway? Stop overcomplicating things. Start small, stay steady, and the results will follow.

Lesson 2: Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy

This might sound like a contradiction to my first point, but hear me out. While the tasks themselves were simple, maintaining them over 40 days was anything but easy. There’s a difference between straightforward and effortless. As author James Clear puts it in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

The daily grind tested my discipline, but it also transformed simple acts into meaningful accomplishments. Writing a blog post every day? Simple. Doing it for 40 days straight? That’s where the magic happens. Drinking water consistently? Easy in theory, but it required intention. These small, deliberate actions compounded into results I’m proud of—15 pounds lighter, three books wiser, and a blog that’s alive with daily updates. Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always. Worth it? Absolutely.

Lesson 3: Why Did I Wait So Long?

This is the question that haunts me. Why did it take me so long to get into gear? Why does building daily habits feel like such a monumental effort at first? The frustration is real—so much can be accomplished with focused effort, yet we often delay starting. As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Looking back, I wish I’d taken that step sooner.

In just 40 days, I’ve achieved more than I thought possible. I’ve shed weight, expanded my mind through reading, and built a writing habit I’m proud of. The results speak for themselves, but they also beg the question: what else could I have accomplished if I’d started earlier? The answer doesn’t matter as much as the action I’m taking now. If you’re hesitating to start your own journey, let this be your sign: don’t wait. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see what you’re capable of.

Looking Ahead: The Next 40 Days of the 7-40 Challenge

As I write this, I’m three days away from the next phase of the 7-40 Challenge, which kicks off on September 8th. I’m taking two days to rest, recharge, and reflect before diving back in with seven brand-new goals. What will they be? I’m still finalizing the details, but I know they’ll push me to grow, just as these past 40 days have. The excitement of what’s possible fuels me, and I’m ready to keep building on this momentum.

A Call to Action: Start Your Own 7-40 Challenge

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that small, consistent actions lead to big results. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight—just pick a few habits (maybe even seven!) and commit to them for 40 days. Write. Move. Read. Drink water. Whatever it is, start small and stay consistent. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

As I wrap up this first round of the 7-40 Challenge, I’m filled with gratitude for how far I’ve come and excitement for what lies ahead. This challenge isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about proving to myself that I’m capable of more. So, here’s to the next 40 days—and to you, wherever you are on your journey. What will your challenge be? Let’s make it happen.

See you in the next round!

Day 38 of the 40-Day Challenge: How I Rediscovered Reading and Negotiation

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 38 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m committing to seven daily habits to spark growth, find my rhythm, and finally start crushing the goals I’ve set for myself. These past 38 days have been nothing short of transformative—productive, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Today, I’m thrilled to share a major milestone: I’ve finished my third book of the challenge, and I’m already diving into two others. Let’s unpack this journey and talk about a fantastic book that’s reshaped how I view conversations and negotiations.

The Power of Small Habits

My 7-40 challenge is all about building a foundation for bigger dreams. By focusing on daily habits—like prioritizing my physical health, nurturing my spiritual growth, and fueling my creative passions—I’m laying the groundwork for the life I want to create. It’s not always easy. Balancing these priorities while keeping my eyes on long-term goals has been a test of discipline. But let me tell you, the progress feels incredible. Small, consistent actions—like reading for 30 minutes a day—have compounded into something truly meaningful.

A Reading Renaissance

Before this challenge, I hadn’t read a full book in ages. Life gets busy, distractions pile up, and somehow, reading falls by the wayside. But committing to 30 minutes of reading each day has been a transformative. Not only have I finished three books in 38 days, but I’m also juggling two others simultaneously. That’s five books total—a feat I’m incredibly proud of. This habit has reignited my curiosity, sharpened my mind, and reminded me how much I love getting lost in a good book.

The latest book I finished? Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. If you haven’t read it, buckle up—this one’s a must.

Why Never Split the Difference is a Game-Changer

Written by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, Never Split the Difference is a masterclass in negotiation that’s as gripping as it is practical. Voss draws from his high-stakes experiences negotiating with kidnappers and criminals, but what makes this book so powerful is how universal its lessons are. Whether you’re in a boardroom, parenting a toddler, or just trying to get a better deal on a car, negotiation is part of daily life.

Voss redefines negotiation as a conversation—a way to uncover what the other person needs while advocating for your own needs. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about solving a problem together. His real-world examples are intense (think life-or-death hostage situations), but the strategies—like active listening, mirroring, and asking calibrated questions—are surprisingly easy to apply in everyday scenarios. I’m already noticing how these techniques can help me navigate conversations more thoughtfully, whether I’m collaborating with colleagues or working through a disagreement at home.

One story that really hit home was Voss’s explanation of how negotiation isn’t just for high-stakes deals—it’s everywhere. From convincing your kids to eat their veggies to closing a business deal, we’re negotiating all the time. Framing it as a collaborative conversation, not a battle, has completely shifted how I approach these moments. It’s empowering to know that by listening better and asking the right questions, I can build stronger connections and find win-win solutions.

What’s Next?

Reading Never Split the Difference has me hungry to learn more about communication and human behavior. But more than that, it’s reinforced the value of the 7-40 Challenge. By sticking to my daily habits, I’m not just checking boxes—I’m growing, evolving, and getting closer to the person I want to be.

Now, I want to hear from you! What book are you reading right now? Got a recommendation that could join my ever-growing list? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for the next great read.

Day 38 and Counting

This challenge has been a wild ride, and with only two days left, I’m more motivated than ever. These habits are becoming second nature, and I can already see how they’re setting me up for bigger wins in the future. Thanks for joining me on this journey—let’s keep pushing forward together. See you on Day 39!

Writing Without Fear: Lessons from the 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! I’m 33 days into the 7-40 Challenge—seven daily habits over 40 days to spark growth and transformation. I am so thankful for this challenge. It has me back in a good space practicing daily. 

One habit I’ve clung to is reading or listening to a book for at least 30 minutes every day. There have even been days where I have gotten in a couple of hours, soaking up ideas like a sponge. It’s become a welcome pause, a moment to breathe and grow. For me, this daily ritual is my way of arming myself with knowledge, clarity, and a whole lot of heart.

A Space to Ponder

This reading habit isn’t just about flipping pages or hitting play on an audiobook. It’s about carving out space to think. I’ve revisited books I read years ago, and let me tell you, it’s like meeting an old friend who’s got new stories to share. With a clearer sense of who I am now, those familiar words hit differently. It’s humbling, sometimes exhilarating, to see old lessons in a new light. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” That’s what this practice does—it stretches me, challenges me, and pushes me to become a better version of myself.

Journaling with Courage

Today I began diving into Suleika Jaouad’s The Creative Alchemy, a book that’s both a gut-punch and an inspiration. It’s built around a 100-day journaling challenge, born from the author’s battle with a rare form of leukemia. The book is a collection of 100 essays from her community, each paired with a prompt to get you writing. One question stopped me in my tracks: What would you write if you weren’t afraid?

Whoa. That made me think. Are there topics I am staying away from because I am afraid of them? After considering for a few, I believe this would be my answer:

If fear wasn’t in the driver’s seat, I’d write about my life through the lens of lessons learned. Some parts of my story? They’re sacred, private, and mine to keep. But others—those universal moments of struggle, triumph, and the messy beauty of being human—those are meant to be shared. I want to write stories that uplift, that remind people they’re not alone. I’m inspired by Zig Ziglar, who said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” His words weren’t just about sales—they were about connection, service, and lifting others up. That’s the kind of writing I’d do: stories that resonate, that spark hope, that build bridges.

Faith, Love, and Shared Humanity

Writing without fear would mean living with intention. It would force me to be deliberate about my time, my words, and how I share my faith in God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve never been shy about being a Christian, but I’ll admit I’ve sometimes held back personal stories, worried they might make someone squirm. Here’s what I’m learning: discomfort often comes from how a story is shared. If I approach it with love, empathy, and a desire to share God’s love, the walls come down, and understanding takes root.

My goal—whether I’m writing or speaking—is to share God’s love through my story. I want to shine a light on the struggles we all face, the shared humanity that binds us. As Charles Dickens put it in A Tale of Two Cities, “We are all fellow-passengers to the grave.” If we embraced that truth—that we’re all in this together—the world would feel less divided. I believe in right and wrong, and my faith is my anchor. Sharing stories of hope, resilience, and redemption is how I’d write if fear didn’t hold me back.

Choosing Courage

This 7-40 Challenge has shown me that fear is a choice. Every day, when I carve out time to read, I’m choosing to grow. I’m choosing to challenge myself. I’m choosing to live with intention. If I can take that courage to the page, I can write the stories that matter—stories that inspire, uplift, and remind us we’re all fellow travelers on this crazy road called life.

So, here’s to writing without fear. Here’s to sharing the lessons learned. And here’s to trusting that our stories, when told with love, can light the way for others. As C.S. Lewis once said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Let’s start where we are. Let’s write without fear.

So, tell me—what would you write if you weren’t afraid?

Day 26 of the 7-40 Challenge: Why I Still Love Paper Books

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, welcome to Day 26 of my 7-40 Challenge— that’s right, 7 daily habits cranked up over 40 days to level up my life, smash through procrastination, and finally get some real momentum going. If you’ve been riding shotgun with me, you know the drill: bible study and prayer, calorie tracking, hydration, exercise, gratitude, writing and today’s topic…reading books. Today, taking a deep dive on why I still love paper books…even though I struggle to sit still long enough to read them.

Confession time: I’ve always been a book hoarder—my shelves are bursting, and my wife? Let’s just say she’s politely suggested a “book intervention” more than once. But why the obsession? After some soul-searching during this challenge, I’ve boiled it down to three reasons. Let’s roll!

1. Books Are Epic Bodies of Knowledge—Your Personal Portal to Mastery

First off, paper books are like treasure chests packed with pure, distilled wisdom. Who needs a fancy classroom or a guru breathing down your neck when you can grab a book and dive straight into the good stuff? Flip those pages, absorb the insights, and boom—you’re building expertise on your terms. As the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero once said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” Spot on, right? Books aren’t just ink on paper; they’re gateways to worlds of knowledge that stick with you.

In my collection, I’ve got timeless beasts that I revisit like old friends. Take See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar—it’s a motivational powerhouse loaded with strategies for crushing goals and staying fired up. Or Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy, which drops bombs on prioritization and turning “to-dos” into “done deals.” Right now, I’m knee-deep in Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, where these Navy SEAL legends break down leadership lessons forged in the fires of Iraq. These aren’t one-and-done reads; they’re arsenals I pull from whenever life throws a curveball. They help me grow stronger, adapt faster, and tackle whatever chaos comes my way. In a world of quick-fix TikToks, books like these remind me: real knowledge builds empires.

2. Engage at Your Own Pace—Because Life’s Insights Evolve With You

Second reason? Paper books let you call the shots. No fast-forwarding through an audiobook or getting lost in a podcast shuffle. You can pause, ponder, underline that killer quote, or straight-up set it down and marinate on an idea. René Descartes nailed it when he wrote, “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.” It’s intimate, flexible, and deeply personal— like chatting with geniuses who wait patiently for you to catch up.

I’ve got books I’ve revisited multiple times, each read unlocking new layers. Case in point: Extreme Ownership. I first cracked it open four years ago, and it was solid—gave me some foundational wins. But now? Holy smokes, it’s hitting different. Every principle screams relevance to my current job: owning mistakes, leading teams through tough spots, decentralizing command. My context has shifted, and so has the book’s impact. It’s not just rereading; it’s re-leveling up. If I had to snag this wisdom from a live convo, it’d be gone in a flash. But with a book? It’s yours forever, ready for round two (or three) whenever you’re primed for it.

3. They Force You to Wrestle—Building a Bulletproof Mindset

Finally—and this one’s my favorite gut-check—books make you struggle. Not in a bad way, but in that “iron sharpens iron” grind that builds real strength. Just because it’s printed doesn’t make it gospel. You’ve got to read critically: question the author’s angle, test their hypotheses, and sift for gold even if the whole premise doesn’t vibe. Mark Twain put it bluntly: “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” But I’d add: the real edge comes from dissecting them, not swallowing them whole.

Over the years, I’ve ditched books that felt like sales pitches—pushing some “one true method” without earning my trust. Others? Biased vibes leaked through, ignoring the full picture. But even in those, I’ve snagged nuggets that sparked breakthroughs. It’s about building discernment: trusting proven voices while scrutinizing new ones. What vantage point are they writing from? What’s their intent? This habit doesn’t just fill your head; it hones your baloney detector. As your life evolves, you weave these insights together, creating a rock-solid foundation of what you know to be true. Books challenge you to own your knowledge—and that’s where the real power kicks in.

Whew, that felt good to unpack! So, spill the beans: What’s your all-time favorite book, and why does it rock your world? Do you geek out over owning physical copies, or are you team digital? If reading’s not your jam, what’s holding you back? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s turn this into a conversation.

Day 26? Done. Feeling pumped for Day 27. Thanks for tagging along on the ride.