Tag: communication

The Ripple Effect: How Our Choices Shape Lives – Day 25 of My 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 25 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m diving deep into practicing seven transformative habits daily to spark meaningful change in my life. I’m David, your host for this journey, and today, I want to share something that’s been on my heart: the incredible ripple effect of our choices and how they touch the lives of others in ways we might never imagine.

Have you ever stopped to think about how every decision you make—big or small—sends ripples out into the world? It’s like tossing a pebble into a pond; the waves spread far beyond the point of impact. I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately, and it’s humbling to realize that we don’t live in a vacuum. Our choices don’t just affect us; they shape the lives of those around us, sometimes in profound ways.

Take a simple example: if I hit the snooze button and sleep in, I might miss my alarm, get to work late, and skip an important meeting. My productivity takes a hit, and that could impact my team, my projects, or even my workplace’s vibe. Or consider this—if I neglect my health and let my body fall into disrepair, someone else might have to step in to care for me, carrying a burden I could have prevented. On the flip side, when I choose to wake up early, work diligently toward my goals, or express gratitude to someone who needs to hear it, I can brighten their day and inspire them to do the same. Our choices matter—not just for us, but for our communities.

This idea reminds me of a concept I explored years ago in a Toastmasters speech: the butterfly effect. You’ve probably heard of it—the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings on one side of the world can set off a chain of events that, over time, could lead to something as massive as a hurricane on the other side. Now, I’m no scientist, and I won’t pretend to know the physics behind it, but I do know this: the small things we do create ripples that can change the course of someone’s life.

Let me share a story that brings this to life. Back when I was in college, I met a guy who was both a student at my university and a college pastor at a local church. He was a cool, genuine person, and one day, he invited me and a few others to join his church’s weekly Bible study. I didn’t think much of it at the time—I just wanted to hang out with this guy and be part of something meaningful. Little did I know, that single invitation would set me on a path that changed my life forever.

Fast forward to April 1, 1998. I showed up to volunteer at the church, not even sure what I’d be doing—just eager to help out. As I walked in with my friend, a beautiful blonde woman came down the hall. He introduced us, and she gave me a polite hello before turning her attention back to him. I had no idea that I’d just met my future wife.

That moment was the start of something incredible. We started hanging out at church, went on a church trip together that summer, and before long, we were dating. By the end of the summer, we were saying “I love you,” and just a few months later, we were engaged. In January 1999, we got married. That one invitation to a Bible study—a small, seemingly insignificant choice by my friend—led me to my best friend, my partner, my wife.

When I think about the ripples of that moment, I can’t help but wonder: what if that college pastor had decided not to invite people to his church? What if he hadn’t been so intentional about building community? Would I have met my wife? Would I be where I am today? I like to think I’d have found her somehow, but I’m so grateful I’ll never have to answer that question. His simple act of reaching out created a ripple that changed my life forever.

This 7-40 Challenge has me thinking about the ripples I’m creating right now. The habits I’m building, the stories I’m sharing, the choices I’m making—they’re not just for me. I hope they inspire someone else to step up, chase their goals, or share their own story. I want my life to send out positive ripples, encouraging others to create their own.

I’m so thankful for that college pastor’s friendship all those years ago and for the community he invited me into. I’m endlessly grateful to God that it led me to my wife. Now, I want to hear from you. Where have you seen the butterfly effect in your own life? How have your choices—or someone else’s—created ripples that changed everything? Drop your stories in the comments below; I’d love to chat about it!

Until tomorrow, friends, keep making choices that send out good ripples. See you on Day 26!

Embracing Extreme Ownership: A Journey of Personal Growth

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Welcome back, friends! Today, I’m diving into my 7-40 Challenge—a personal quest to build seven daily habits over 40 days. We’re well into this journey, and despite my occasional confusion about what day it is (is it day 24 or 25? Day 24.), I’m making solid progress. One of my key habits is dedicating 30 minutes a day to reading or listening to a book, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

The Struggle with Paper Books

I’ll be honest: sitting down with a physical book is tough for me. It’s not that I don’t love a good story or crave knowledge—I do! I once devoured a James Patterson novel and a John Grisham thriller in a single weekend. But holding a book up to my face? It just doesn’t click. Over the years, I’ve realized I’m an auditory learner. Audiobooks let me process information faster and more effectively. Thanks to Audible, I’ve built an extensive collection of audiobooks, and I keep adding to it. They’re my go-to for soaking up stories and ideas while I’m on the move.

For this challenge, I started with Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis, which was inspiring, and dipped into Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller, but it didn’t feel like the right time for it. Then I picked up Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, and wow—this book is hitting all the right notes.

Why Extreme Ownership Resonates

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win is a powerhouse of leadership principles drawn from the authors’ experiences as Navy SEALs in Iraq. Willink and Babin share gripping stories from the battlefield and translate those lessons into practical strategies for business and everyday life. As someone who deeply admires soldiers for their courage, discipline, and fitness, I’m captivated by their ability to take high-stakes lessons from war and apply them to leadership.

The core principle of the book—extreme ownership—has me reflecting hard on my own life. As Willink and Babin write, “On any team, in any organization, all responsibility for success and failure rests with the leader. The leader must own everything in his or her world. There is no one else to blame” (Extreme Ownership, p. 30). This idea challenges leaders to take full responsibility—not just for their own actions but for the outcomes of their entire team. It’s about setting a clear vision, communicating effectively, and guiding your people toward a shared purpose.

A Lesson from the Past

This concept of ownership hits home when I think about a job I had in the mid-2000s. I worked in an office that was, frankly, a tough environment. The owner smoked four to six cigars a day, and stepping into the office was like walking into a smoky bar. By the end of the day, I reeked so badly that my wife wouldn’t kiss me until I showered and ditched my clothes. Beyond the smoke, the workplace was dysfunctional. Expectations were unclear, communication was spotty, and I felt stuck, frustrated, and unnoticed despite my hard work.

While I was there, I blamed my boss, the environment, or the situation for my unhappiness. But reading Extreme Ownership made me realize I was complicit in my misery. I stayed in that job for three and a half years, comfortably miserable, without actively seeking other opportunities. It wasn’t until a friend offered to pass my resume to another company that I saw a way out. That experience taught me a hard truth: my choices, effort, and actions played a huge role in my happiness. I had to take ownership of my situation to change it.

Applying Extreme Ownership Today

It’s been 18 years since I left that smoke-filled office, and I now have a career I love, doing work that feels meaningful and fulfilling. But even now, it’s tempting to point fingers when things don’t go my way—to blame the company, circumstances, or others for my frustrations. Extreme Ownership reminds me that it’s on me to perform, to lead those around me, and to take responsibility for our collective goals. As Willink and Babin put it, “Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility” (Extreme Ownership, p. 76). It’s about owning my decisions, from my work to my fitness to every area of my life.

This mindset shift is transformative. Instead of complaining or feeling stuck, I’m learning to look in the mirror and ask, “What can I do to move forward?” Whether it’s tackling a work challenge, improving my health, or leading my team, extreme ownership has to become a way of life.

Your Turn

I can’t recommend Extreme Ownership enough. It’s a fantastic read (or listen!) for anyone looking to step up as a leader in their work, relationships, or personal growth. But I’m curious—what books are you reading right now? What lessons are sticking with you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and keep the conversation going.

Until tomorrow, keep moving forward!

Reference:

Willink, J., & Babin, L. (2015). Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win. St. Martin’s Press.

Day 21 of the 740 Challenge: Grit, Authenticity, and the Drive to Transform

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends—welcome to Day 21 of the 740 Challenge. I hope this post finds you in a great spot today. Maybe you carved out some rest over the weekend or knocked out those tasks you’ve been meaning to tackle. As for me, I’ve been deep in the grind, chasing my seven daily goals over these 40 days. It’s been a wild ride—part adventure, part self-discovery.

Let’s get real: this journey isn’t easy. The urge to cut corners or half-effort it creeps in when things get tough. But transformation doesn’t happen by dialing it in. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” That’s the fire I’m holding onto. I’m not here for quick fixes—I’m here to reshape parts of my life that have been begging for change.

For some transparency (because keeping it authentic is everything), I’m a two-time cancer survivor. For the last seven years, I’ve worked hard to take care of my body. I’ve been lifting weights, building muscle like never before. But here’s the truth: I didn’t watch my eating habits closely enough, and I hit nearly 300 pounds. After my last round of chemo, I was down to 215—not a place I want to romanticize, just a reference point. My goal? Around 240 pounds, lean, muscular, and with solid cardio health. This week, I saw 285 on the scale, and while that’s progress, I’ve watched it tick back up before. It’s a wake-up call that knowing what to do isn’t enough—doing it consistently is.

I know the formula: stay disciplined with my calorie intake, be intentional with daily exercise, and hydrate like it’s my job. When I nail that combo, the scale moves the right way. It’s simple, but it takes grit. Now in my mid-40s, I’m likely stronger than I’ve ever been, thanks to years of lifting. But my body’s older, slower to recover, and my cardio needs a boost. This challenge is my reset: a deliberate blend of food, water, and movement to build myself up while getting lighter.

This isn’t just about the physical, though. I want these posts to inspire you, to spark ideas that push you forward. At the same time, I’m keeping it real about where I’m at. So many of my goals—physical, creative, professional—have been on hold for too long. I’m hungry for transformation across the board. I want to take charge of my business life, seize initiative, and make the next right choice, every single time. As the legendary Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” That’s my focus—staying true to my journey while pushing through setbacks with unwavering determination.

Imagine this: rediscovering my creative fire, figuring out how to juggle side hustles with my day job, and building something sustainable. It’s messy, it’s uncertain, but it’s me. I’m moving forward with purpose, one step at a time. Friends, if you’re feeling that itch for change—whether it’s your health, your passion projects, or a bold career move—know you’re not alone. Confucius said it best: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Let’s keep grinding, stay authentic, and transform together. What’s your next right choice today? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear.

Until tomorrow, keep pushing forward. You’ve got this.

Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge: Rediscovering Focus and Embracing Authenticity

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 20 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I’m committing to seven daily habits to sharpen my skills, clarify my priorities, and make real progress on what matters most. We’re at the halfway mark, and I’m going to be real with you: I’m feeling a bit discouraged. But this isn’t a story of defeat—it’s a raw, honest reflection on staying true to my goals and reigniting the fire to keep going. Let’s dive in.

The Struggle Is Real

Life is busy. There’s no sugarcoating it. Between work, family, and the endless stream of notifications, it’s so easy to get sidetracked. I set out on this challenge to focus on what’s important, but 20 days in, I’m realizing how tempting it is to let distractions take the wheel. Some days, I get to the end of the day and see a to-do list that’s still glaring at me, unfinished. It stings. I’ve made progress, don’t get me wrong—but I know I can do better. I want to do better.

The truth is, anything worth doing is worth doing well. I’ve heard that saying my whole life, and it’s hitting home hard right now. So, as I stand at this halfway point, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my seven habits, recommit to my purpose, and sharpen my focus for the next 20 days. Let’s walk through each goal together—not just to hold myself accountable, but to remind myself (and maybe you) why these things matter.

My Seven Habits: Why They’re Worth It

Here’s a breakdown of the seven daily habits I’m working on, why they matter to me, and where I need to step up my game.

1. Bible Study and Prayer
Every morning, I start my day in God’s Word. This habit is my anchor—it sharpens my mind, aligns my heart, and sets me up to be a light to others. I want to live out His will and make a positive impact. This one’s been non-negotiable, and I’m proud to say I’ve stuck with it. It’s not just a task; it’s a lifeline that keeps me grounded.

2. 60 Minutes of Exercise
Here’s where I need to get real. My goal is 60 minutes of intentional exercise daily, but my Apple Watch sometimes gives me credit for “exercise minutes” when I’m just walking or moving around. That’s not what I signed up for. I want focused, purposeful workouts to get stronger and healthier. For the second half of this challenge, I’m recommitting to making exercise a priority, not an afterthought.

3. Drinking 100 Ounces of Water
Okay, why is this so hard? I love my coffee and tea, but hitting 100 ounces of water every day feels like climbing a mountain. I’m struggling to stay consistent, so I’m setting a new mini-goal: 64 ounces by lunch. It’s time to stop making excuses and hydrate like I mean it.

4. Logging My Calories
This one’s been a win. I’ve tracked my calories every day, and it’s giving me a clearer picture of my eating habits. Some days, I’m on point; others, when I’m tired or craving comfort food, my calories creep up. My bigger goal is to get fit and feel good in my body, so I’m going to keep fine-tuning this habit to stay on track.

5. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you”—it’s a call to action. It’s about being so thankful for the blessings in my life—my family, my work, my home, my friends—that I’m moved to do good and love others well. I wrote about this on my blog recently, and it’s a reminder that gratitude should fuel excellence in everything I do. I want to lean into this even more, showing my thankfulness through my actions.

6. Reading or Listening to Audiobooks for 30 Minutes
This habit has been a joy. Whether I’m walking or chilling, I’ve been diving into audiobooks for at least 30 minutes a day. I finished Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis and started Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller (the 2.0 version). These books are sharpening my mind and sparking new ideas. I’m excited to keep this going and see where it takes me.

7. Writing or Creating for My Personal Business
Every day, I’m writing on my blog, recapping my 7-40 Challenge journey. This isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about sharing my story to encourage and motivate others. But I want to get clearer on my message. These habits aren’t random; they’re about becoming a better version of myself so I can inspire others to do the same.

Refocusing for the Finish Line

As I look at these goals, I’m reminded that they’re not just tasks—they’re investments in who I want to be. Distraction only creeps in when I lose sight of that. By walking through each habit, I’m reigniting my motivation and sharpening my focus for the next 20 days. I’m not here to cram these habits into the margins of my day; I’m here to make them the heartbeat of my routine.

So, what’s the takeaway? Authenticity and focus go hand in hand. Being honest about my struggles—whether it’s getting distracted or struggling with water intake—helps me realign with my purpose. This challenge isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and choosing to do the work that matters.

Your Turn: What’s Your Focus?

I’m heading into the second half of this challenge with renewed energy, ready to tackle these habits with intention and excellence. But I want to hear from you. What are you working on? Is your focus razor-sharp, or are you wrestling with distractions like me? Drop a comment below and share your journey—I’d love to hear how you’re staying motivated and what’s keeping you going.

Here’s to Day 21 and beyond. Let’s do some good work!

Day 17 of the 7-40 Challenge: Let Gratitude Light Your Fire

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there! Welcome to day seventeen of my 7-40 challenge, where I’m pouring my heart into sharpening my skills, building unstoppable momentum, and keeping my eyes fixed on what truly matters. Today, I’m sitting here with a heart so full it might just burst—not from anything grand or flashy, but from the quiet, powerful glow of gratitude. And I want to share that warmth with you, because gratitude? It’s not just a feeling. It’s a spark that can set your whole world ablaze in the best way possible.

Let me paint you a picture. Tonight, I’m reflecting on all the blessings in my life—my faith, my family, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the endless love that surrounds me. It’s like a cozy fire in my chest, warming me from the inside out. And it’s got me thinking about something Albert Schweitzer once said: “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person; each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Those words hit me hard because they remind me that gratitude isn’t meant to sit still. It’s not a quiet moment of reflection that fades when the day ends. No, gratitude is a call to action—a nudge to take that spark and pass it on, to light someone else’s flame and keep the cycle going.

Let’s get real for a second. Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you” and moving on. It’s about doing something with it. It’s about taking that warmth in your heart and turning it into movement, into impact. For me, that’s been so clear in this season of change. I recently made a big move—new city, new job, new chapter. My old job? It was good. It had its highs and lows, familiar faces, and steady routines. I was grateful for it, truly. But deep down, I knew I needed a change. I wanted to be closer to family, to step into something that felt like a better fit for who I am and who I’m becoming. And then this new company came along and gave me a chance. A real chance to shine. I’m so thankful for that—not just for the job, but for the opportunity to show up, work hard, and prove that their trust in me wasn’t misplaced.

That gratitude? It didn’t just make me smile on day one and call it a day. It lit a fire under me. It’s pushing me to bring my A-game, to add value, to lift others up as I go. I want to earn every opportunity I’m given and create more for those around me. That’s what gratitude does—it moves you. It’s not about chasing rewards or recognition. It’s about saying “thank you” by doing good with what you’ve been given. It’s about keeping that cycle of thankfulness alive, sparking it in others so they can feel it too.

So, here’s my challenge to you today: pause for a moment and think about what’s filling your heart with gratitude. Maybe it’s the people who’ve believed in you, the small wins that keep you going, or the simple beauty of a sunrise that reminds you life is good. Whatever it is, hold it close. Let it warm you. And then—here’s the important part—do something with it. How can you turn that gratitude into action? Maybe it’s a kind word to someone who needs it, a helping hand, or a bold step toward a dream you’ve been holding back on. Whatever it is, let gratitude be your fuel.

I’d love to hear from you. What’s got your heart glowing with thankfulness today? And how are you turning that gratitude into something real, something that moves the needle for you or someone else? Drop it in the comments below—let’s inspire each other and keep this spark alive.

Here’s to day seventeen, to gratitude that moves us. I’ll see you tomorrow for day eighteen, ready to keep this journey going strong. Keep shining, friends—you’ve got this!