David Willis Blog

Day 12 of the 7-40 Challenge: When Your Apple Watch Begs for Mercy

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 12 of the 7-40 Challenge—where the garden-building saga continues, and my family and I are officially running on fumes.

Today was next-level. I did something I’m not sure I’ve ever done before: my Apple Watch clocked over 150 workout minutes. That’s right—150+ minutes of pure, real-life hustle. No gym, no long walks or yoga, just me, a mountain of wood, and sheer determination.

I hauled several thousand pounds of timber across the yard. By the end, my arms were noodles, my back was whispering sweet nothings of revenge, and my watch was basically screaming, “Are you trying to kill me?!”

But here’s the thing: it was worth it.

This wasn’t some scripted fitness app routine. This was a real-life workout—the kind that builds more than muscle. It builds grit. It builds progress. It builds a garden (and a story) we’ll look back on and say, “Yeah, we did that.”

The Short & Sweet Message for Tonight:

Keep working on the goals.

Do hard things. Do them well.

Even when you’re exhausted. Even when the wood feels heavier than your will to live.

Because the best workouts?

They don’t always happen in a gym.

Sometimes they happen in the dirt, under the sun, with family beside you and a dream in front of you.

Tomorrow, we rest.

But tonight?

We celebrate the burn.

See you on Day 13.

(If I can still move.)

David Willis Blog

Embarking on the 7-40 Challenge: Day 1 – A Journey Toward Transformation

Hey everyone, welcome to Day 1 of the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re new here, this is my personal dive into self-improvement—a 40-day sprint where I’ll commit to seven daily habits aimed at sparking real accomplishment, momentum, and lasting change. I’ve tackled two rounds of this before, but honestly, each time feels like starting fresh. We’re in this together: I’ll be documenting the highs, the lows, the wins, and the slip-ups right here on the blog. My hope? To push myself further than ever and maybe inspire a few of you to join the ride or craft your own version.

Let’s break down the name: Why 7-40? Numbers carry weight in the Bible, and they’ve always fascinated me. Seven often symbolizes perfection or completeness—like how God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, marking a divine rhythm of work and renewal. You see it echoed throughout Scripture, from the seven days of creation to the seven seals in Revelation. Then there’s 40, a number tied to transformation and intense periods of trial or growth. Think Noah’s 40 days of rain leading to a new world, or Jesus fasting for 40 days in the wilderness before launching His ministry. It’s a biblical motif for change under pressure, a time when the old gives way to the new.

For me, this structure hits the sweet spot. Long-term goals can feel overwhelming and easy to abandon, but 40 days? That’s bite-sized enough to track progress without losing steam. And seven habits? Just enough to drive meaningful shifts without scattering my focus. As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” That’s the vibe I’m chasing—building excellence through consistent, intentional actions.

So, what are these seven habits I’ll be grinding through for the next 40 days?

1. Daily Bible Study and Prayer: This is my foundation. It grounds me, strengthens my relationship with God, and keeps my priorities straight amid life’s chaos. Without it, everything else feels off-kilter.

2. Nutrition Overhaul: I’ll chug at least 100 ounces of water daily, stick religiously to my calorie goals (tracking every bite), and swear off alcohol entirely. No cheats, no excuses—it’s about fueling my body for the long haul.

3. Exercise Routine: I’ve learned the hard way that without a plan, I plan to fail. So, every day starts with a walk, followed by either weightlifting or yoga, totaling at least an hour. I’ve got programs lined up for both—more on those in future posts. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up.

4. Reading for Growth: One hour a day dedicated to books. I’m an audiobook junkie, so expect a lot of listening, but I’ll mix in some physical page-turning too. The goal? Flood my mind with fresh ideas, stretch my thinking, and keep evolving. Knowledge is power, and I’m hungry for it.

5. Gratitude and Encouragement: Each day, I’ll pick one person and send them a thoughtful note expressing why I’m grateful for them and offering encouragement if it fits. It doesn’t need to be epic—just genuine and daily. In a world that’s often too rushed, this is my way of spreading light.

6. Daily Writing: I’ll capture my thoughts on this journey right here, sharing successes, failures, and those “aha” moments. Writing helps me process and stay accountable—plus, it’s therapeutic.

7. Content Creation: Building on the writing, I’ll create short videos or audio clips to share these insights on social media. I’m naturally a talker, so stepping into video feels authentic, even if it’s outside my comfort zone. Time to learn and grow in how I communicate.

Now, for some real talk—because transparency is key here. I’m not some super-motivated guru who wakes up at 5 a.m. ready to conquer the world. Like a lot of us, I default to the path of least resistance. Comfort calls my name, and before I know it, I’ve drifted from my big dreams to the easy routines. Rest is fine—essential, even—but I refuse to let comfort hijack my goals. As C.S. Lewis wisely put it in Mere Christianity, “If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth—only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.” That hits home. I don’t want despair; I want purpose.

I’ve got roles I’m proud to own: husband, father, friend, follower of Jesus, businessman, coworker, teammate. In each, I aim for excellence—not just to check boxes, but to honor the people entrusted to me. When it’s all said and done, I want to be remembered as a man who loved God fiercely, loved others as himself, and poured himself out to make his corner of the world better. A guy who cherished his wife and family passionately and left a legacy worth emulating. This challenge? It’s a step toward that—a catalyst for forward motion.

If this resonates, drop a comment below. What’s one habit you’re committing to today? Let’s hold each other accountable. Stay tuned for Day 2—I’ll share how it went and any early insights. Here’s to transformation, one day at a time.

David Willis Blog

Chasing Purpose Over Perfection: Day 36 of the 7-40 Challenge

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 36 of Round 2 of my 7-40 Challenge. Wherever this post finds you today, I hope you’re thriving, crushing your goals, and kicking off the week with a spark. I’ll be real with you—when I glanced at my watch and saw it’s already October 13, 2025, I did a double-take. Time is flying. The older I get, the faster it seems to slip through my fingers. Life’s been a whirlwind lately, and I’ve been wrestling to slow it down and get a grip on the chaos.

That’s exactly why I’m so laser-focused on my daily habits. Without them, time would just flitter away, leaving me at the end of the year wondering, “What the heck happened?” As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.” That hits hard, doesn’t it? My daily to-do list is my anchor, guiding me to make sure I’m steering my days with intention rather than letting them drift.

For those who’ve been following along, you know I’m working on seven core habits in this round of the 7-40 Challenge:

1. Daily Bible study and prayer

2. Tracking calories and drinking 100 ounces of water

3. Exercising for an hour each day

4. Reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes

5. Practicing gratitude

6. Writing daily to capture my journey and thoughts

7. Pursuing my business and entrepreneurial goals

If I’m being honest, I’d give myself a B or maybe a B-minus for Round 2. I’ve been rock-solid on some habits, like my Bible study—I just hit three full years of reading the Bible every morning, which feels like a cornerstone of who I am. I’m also pretty consistent with my water intake (100 ounces daily? Nailed it). Reading has been a win, too—I’ve devoured eight books over the last 75 days, only missing one day. Right now, I’m diving into Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David, Desire by John Eldredge, and Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. Each one’s sparking new ideas and perspectives.

Writing daily has been a game-changer, too. Getting my thoughts on paper (or screen) helps me process what I’m learning and keeps me grounded. It’s like a daily checkpoint to reflect on how I’m doing and what’s on my mind. And gratitude? I’m trying to weave it into the fabric of my days—saying “thank you” for my family, my friends, my job, and the small kindnesses that come my way. As the 17th-century poet George Herbert once wrote, “Thou that hast given so much to me, give one thing more—a grateful heart.” I want gratitude to define me, not just be a box I check.

Now, where I “‘ve stumbled a bit is with my entrepreneurial goals. I haven’t been as consistent as I’d like in chasing those creative and business projects. But here’s the plan: as Round 3 kicks off in a few days, I’m doubling down. I want to get laser-focused and make daily progress on those dreams. The last 2.5 months of 2025 are going to be about clarity and action.

Here’s the thing—I’ve done challenges like this before, whether it’s 75 Hard or ones I’ve cooked up myself. In the past, I’d hit resistance, miss a day, and quit. Then I’d restart, hit another snag, and repeat the cycle. It was exhausting, and honestly, it got me nowhere. Perfectionism was the enemy, leaving me neither perfect nor productive. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

This time, I’m doing it differently. These two rounds of the 7-40 Challenge haven’t been flawless, but they’ve been meaningful. I’ve lost 20 pounds in the last two and a half months. I’ve read more in the past 75 days than I have in years. My mind feels sharper, my days more purposeful. I’m not chasing perfection anymore—I’m chasing purpose and progress. And let me tell you, consistent productivity feels so much better than occasional perfection.

So, how about you? How do you tackle your goals? Do you beat yourself up when things aren’t perfect, or do you give yourself grace and focus on moving forward? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments or shoot me a message.

Thank you for being here, for reading along, and for joining me on this journey. You’re appreciated more than you know. Here’s to winning one day at a time. See you tomorrow for Day 37!

A Quick Note: If you’re curious about the 7-40 Challenge or want to follow along, keep checking in here. I’m documenting the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

David Willis Blog

Finding Awe in the Quiet: A Morning Under the Stars

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.

David Willis Blog

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

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!