Tag: gratitude

Day 13 of the 7-40 Challenge: The Reckoning – Drawing Your Line in the Sand for a Transformed Life

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friend! Welcome to Day 13 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I’m embracing seven daily habits to revolutionize my life and step boldly into the path of achievement I’ve always envisioned. I’m thrilled you’re here because today, we’re diving into something powerful, something life-changing: the reckoning.

What’s a reckoning, you ask? It’s that moment when you stop, look in the mirror, and say, “Enough is enough.” It’s the spark of courage that lights a fire within you to confront what’s holding you back and declare, This is it. This is my line in the sand. I’m ready to transform.

I was inspired by a song I heard today—The Reckoning by Chris Daughtry. If you’re a fan of rock, this one is for you. In it, Daughtry sings of raw determination, facing a problem head-on and vowing to change. That energy? That resolve? It hit me like a lightning bolt. It perfectly captures the spirit of my 7-40 Challenge and the reckoning I’ve been facing in my own life.

Before this challenge began, I took a hard look at the guy staring back at me in the mirror. He’s a good guy—well-intentioned, hardworking, someone who’s tried time and time again. But the truth? He wasn’t where he wanted to be. I had big dreams—to become the healthiest, fittest version of myself, to build a personal business that lights me up, and to use my story to inspire others. But those dreams? They were stuck in neutral. I was dissatisfied, not because I hadn’t tried, but because I hadn’t succeeded in the way I knew I could. That’s when it hit me: I needed a reckoning. A moment to draw my line in the sand and commit to being better, doing better, and living better.

This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve had moments of clarity before, and I’ve tasted success in the past. But the things that matter most to me right now—my health, my fitness, my purpose—haven’t moved as far as I’d hoped. And that’s okay, because every reckoning is a fresh start. It’s a declaration that says, “I’m not giving up. I’m doubling down.”

Here’s the truth that’s fueling my fire: the Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Without a clear vision, we drift. We lose focus. We settle for less than we’re capable of. But with vision? With purpose? We come alive. These first 13 days of the 7-400 Challenge have been about reigniting that vision—clarifying my goals, showing up every day, and working on the things I know I’m meant to do. This is my season to rise, to keep pushing, to keep growing, and to keep fighting for the life I’m destined to live.

So, let me ask you: Have you ever had your own moment of reckoning? That moment when you looked at your life and knew something had to change? Maybe it was a health wake-up call, a career shift, or a personal goal you’ve been putting off. Whatever it was, I bet you felt that fire in your chest—the one that says, “No more excuses. It’s time.”

What did you do next? How did you take that spark and turn it into action? What strategies helped you stay the course? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below—your journey could inspire someone else to draw their own line in the sand.

This 7-40 Challenge is my commitment to keep showing up, to keep clarifying my vision, and to keep moving forward with purpose. And I want you to join me. Let’s be unstoppable together. Let’s hold each other accountable to chase our dreams, to live boldly, and to achieve all we’ve set out to do.

Here’s my prayer for you today: May God grant you the courage to face your own reckoning. May you draw your line in the sand and step into the life you were meant to live. Keep fighting, keep dreaming, and keep pushing forward. You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Drop your thoughts below. Let’s inspire each other to make this journey epic!

Day 12 of the 7-40 Challenge: Hitting My Stride and Embracing Gratitude

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey friends! Welcome back to my journey through the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re new here, this is my personal quest to build seven key habits over the next 40 days—habits that infuse meaning, purpose, and achievement into every single day. Can you believe it’s already Day 12? Time is flying, but I’m thrilled to report that I’m finally settling into a solid rhythm. Those early days felt a bit chaotic, but now? It’s starting to click.

For those who might have missed the kickoff post, let me quickly recap the seven habits I’m tackling head-on:

  1. Daily Bible study and prayer – Grounding my day in God’s word, prayer and reflection.
  2. Exercising for one hour a day – Getting that heart pumping and building strength.
  3. Tracking all my calories and intake – To stay accountable and shed some weight.
  4. Drinking 100 ounces of water a day – Hydration is key, folks!
  5. Purposely expressing gratitude every day – More on this in a sec—it is a game-changer.
  6. Reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes a day – Feeding my mind with knowledge..
  7. Writing on my blog or working on business projects – Keeping the creative juices flowing and holding myself accountable.

So far, the challenge is going strong. I’ve hit every goal daily, even if some days it comes down to the wire—finishing that last audiobook chapter or blog draft just before midnight. But hey, a win is a win, right? Consistency is building, and that’s what matters.+

That said, a couple of insights have really stood out to me these past 12 days. First up: gratitude. I’ve realized I need to amp it up even more. Words like “thank you” and “I appreciate you” shouldn’t just stay in my head—they need to roll off my tongue as often as I think them. In our fast-paced society, genuine gratitude feels rare, but it’s such a simple way to lift someone up and remind us that we’re all in this together. Whether it’s thanking a barista for that perfect coffee or telling a friend how much their support means, expressing it out loud creates ripples of positivity. I’ve made it a daily habit, and it’s already shifting my perspective.

The second big takeaway? The writing process itself. Committing to blogging every day has been tougher than I expected. I want my words to be meaningful and impactful—I don’t want to waste your time (or mine!) with fluff. But here’s the lesson I’m learning: it’s the process that sharpens my skills. If I skip it because I’m afraid of producing something “crap,” I’ll never improve. So, I’m embracing the mess. Some posts might not be masterpieces, but putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) keeps me accountable, helps me process my thoughts, and pushes me toward those worthwhile insights. It’s all part of the growth.

Now, why “7-40″ specifically? I didn’t pick these numbers at random. In the Bible, seven symbolizes perfection—it’s a complete, balanced number that feels just right for the habits I’m building. It’s challenging but manageable, and it works for me. Forty, on the other hand, represents a period of trial or transformation. Think Noah’s flood, Jesus in the wilderness—times of testing that lead to profound change. That’s exactly what I need. I’ve been complacent for too long, letting life disruptions like moving cities become excuses. But no more. Despite the chaos, I should have been chasing my health and goals all along. This 40-day stretch is my trial, and I’m ready for the transformation on the other side.

Here’s a fun twist: this is just Round 1 of seven total 7-40 Challenges. Yep, I plan to rinse and repeat six more times, adjusting as I go. Maybe by Round 2, tracking food and water will be second nature, so I can swap in new habits. I’m laying out a clearer plan for my short-term wins (like hitting a weight milestone) and long-term dreams (building that business I’ve been dreaming about). It’s all about progress, not perfection.

What about you? What’s one habit or goal you’re grinding on right now? Have you mapped out a plan to make it happen? I’d genuinely love to hear your stories in the comments below—let’s inspire each other!

Thanks for joining me on this ride. Your support means the world. See you tomorrow for Day 13!

Day 9 of the 7-40 Challenge: Conquering Life’s Gravity and Staying in Motion

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow goal-chasers! If you’re just joining me on this wild ride, welcome aboard. For the uninitiated, the 7-40 Challenge is my personal quest to nail down seven daily habits over the next 40 days. The goal? Crystal-clear clarity, unstoppable momentum, and real, tangible progress toward the things that matter to me. We’re talking exercise, healthy eating, gratitude, and more—small steps adding up to massive leaps.

Today marks Day 9, and honestly, it feels like a milestone already. Nine days might not sound like much in the grand scheme, but let me tell you: I’m reclaiming something I didn’t even realize I’d lost. Rhythm. The kind where your body and mind sync up, and everything just… flows. As I shared a few days back, one of Newton’s famous laws hits home here: A body in motion tends to stay in motion—unless acted upon by an outside force. And what is that force? In physics, it’s gravity. In life? It’s life itself.

The Pull of Life’s Gravity

Think about it. We build these incredible routines—the habits that propel us forward, keep us healthy, focused, and thriving. But then, bam! Gravity strikes. A sudden illness knocks you off your feet. A job loss shakes your foundation. Or, like in my case, a big move turns your world upside down. These aren’t just minor hiccups; they’re forces that can yank us out of orbit if we’re not vigilant.

If we slack on those daily commitments—the ones that make us better—we end up stalled. Inertia sets in, and restarting feels like pushing a boulder uphill. I’ve been there, and it’s exhausting. But here’s the silver lining: recognizing this pattern is the first step to breaking free.

My Own Gravity-Defying Story

Let me get real with you. Recently, I landed a new job that meant uprooting my family and moving 200 miles away. On paper, it doesn’t sound epic—it’s not across continents or anything. But after nine years in our old home? That place was our sanctuary. Nine years of comfort, accumulated “stuff,” deep-rooted memories, and a rock-solid routine that kept us grounded.

The move? Total chaos. Everything flipped: our daily rhythms, our sense of normalcy, even the little things like knowing where the nearest good restaurant was. We arrived in our new spot feeling disoriented, like we’d been hurled into a storm. It is taking time to navigate the mess, rebuild from scratch, and fight that inertia. But we are doing it. Slowly, we are clawing our way back to motion—finding new grooves, establishing fresh habits, and emerging stronger.

Why share this? Because it’s a reminder that every single day is a fresh shot at progress. We all face our own versions of gravity—big or small. The question is: Will you let it drag you down, or will you commit to staying in motion?

Momentum in Action: My Wins So Far

Nine days in, and the proof is in the pudding. I’ve been focused on executing my exercise goal: an hour a day, no excuses. One epic day, I logged 18,000 steps—and my aching feet lived to tell the tale! I’ve mixed it up with yoga to work out the stiff and sore spots, hit the weights a time or two to build strength, and just moved in ways that feel natural and invigorating. My body is responding—I’m sleeping better, thinking clearer, and yeah, starting to feel good again. Like, really good.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. These habits are my shield against gravity, and they’re working wonders.

A Note of Gratitude—and a Challenge for You

Before I wrap this up, I want to say thank you. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for reading these ramblings, for hanging out with me on this journey, and for being part of the routine that’s keeping me accountable. It means the world.

My prayer for you? That you’ve got big, audacious goals staring you down. That you’ve battled your own inertia, gotten your body (and dreams) in motion, and crafted a daily plan to fend off life’s gravitational pulls. If it’s clicking for me after just nine days, imagine what it could do for you. I am excited to see where the journey takes us. 

Stay strong, keep moving. Day 10 drops tomorrow—see you then! What’s one habit you’re committing to today? Drop it in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other. 

Facing the Mirror: My 7-40 Challenge and Why It’s Time to Get Unstuck

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends. If you’ve ever stared into the mirror and wondered who that person staring back really is—frustrated, a bit burned out, maybe not quite where you thought you’d be—then pull up a chair. This is for you.  I’ve been feeling that pull to do something about the goals rattling around inside me. They can’t just live in my head anymore; it’s time to act. And if I can start getting unstuck, maybe there’s hope for you too.

Seven years ago, I was lying in a chemotherapy bed, my body giving up on me—or at least trying to. No hair, no strength, not knowing if I’d see tomorrow. But by the grace of God, I survived. I got better. Yet here I am, not taking care of this body as well as I should. I’m stronger than ever in some ways, but heavier too—a paradox I’m not fond of. My knees ache, my back hurts and I am not where I want to be physically. I’m not getting any younger, and that mirror reflection? It’s a mix of frustration and a wake-up call. It’s the face of a guy who’s had enough and is ready to fight back.

That’s why I’ve launched my own challenge: the 7-40 Challenge. Seven habits, practiced over 40 days, to build resilience and take those small, incremental steps toward the life I want. Why 40 days? It doesn’t sound long, but think about it—biblically, 40 days flooded the Earth, 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness facing temptation. There’s a spiritual weight to it, a chance for real transformation if I lean in. And I’m excited to see what I can achieve—and what you could too.

Here are the seven habits I’m committing to:

  1. Daily Bible study and prayer. Starting my day with Scripture and talking to God brings everything into focus. It clears my mind, and sets a foundation for the rest of my day.
  2. Exercise for an hour daily. Not forever, but for now, it’s the jumpstart my body needs. Getting moving, building strength without the inflammation or pain holding me back.
  3. Tracking all my calories in MyFitnessPal. I’ve set a daily limit to hit my weight loss goals—about 50 pounds to shed. No more guessing; it’s all accountable.
  4. Drinking 100 ounces or more of water per day. Hydration lubricates my joints, boosts my health, and just makes everything function better. Simple, but game-changing.
  5. Focusing on gratitude. This one’s huge. I strive to start everything with thanks—to God, to the people in my life, for the breath in my lungs. Gratitude flips frustration on its head.
  6. Reading inspiring material for 30 minutes a day. Right now, it’s Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis, soaking in ideas to fuel my creativity and apply new habits.
  7. Spending time writing or working on future business projects. For the past eight days (yep, I’m on day eight as I write this), it’s been pouring into my blog, getting these thoughts out and building toward bigger ideas.

The real magic? Starting from gratitude, even when you feel the deficit. I’ve worked on these goals before and seen no progress—it estranges you from yourself. But getting upset just drives you deeper down. Instead, I look in the mirror and remember the man with no hair from chemo, the one who almost didn’t make it. I’m thankful for this chance, for my next breath, to tell my family I love them, to chase passions. If you’re still moving, it’s not over. You have a shot to make a difference in your life and others’.

We think we need to conquer the mountain in one massive climb, but it’s the little ones that get us there. Take the other night—9:30 PM, exhausted after a hectic day. I’d only knocked out three of my seven habits. Four left staring me down. The easy choice? Let it slide. “One day won’t hurt,” right? But that’s a lie; it’s foundational. So I laced up my sneakers, went for that walk, listened to my book, finished my blog post, and chugged the rest of my water. It took until 11 PM, but I did it. The sleepy fog the next morning? Just a reminder I’d stayed true.

Gritting it out like that—willing yourself to keep going—it’s worth it. Those incremental wins build momentum. Life knocks us down, whether it’s sickness, burnout, or just the daily grind. But the choices we make to get back up? They matter. Start with gratitude for where you are, even if it’s not perfect. You’ve got people on your side, worthwhile things to do, blessings you didn’t earn. What challenge can’t we face from there?

If this resonates, leave me a message in the comments. Let’s look in that mirror, hold grace for the people we see, and take one small step. I’m doing it, and if a guy like me can get unstuck, so can you. Let’s keep moving—it’s not over yet.

Day 6 of the 7-40 Challenge: Embracing Gratitude in a World That Moves Too Fast

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello there! Welcome to Day 6 of the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re just joining me, this is my journey through 7 daily habits over 40 days of intentional living, growth, and self-reflection. Today, we’re diving deep into something that’s often overlooked in our hustle-filled lives: gratitude.

In a world that’s constantly bombarding us with notifications, deadlines, and distractions, it’s all too easy to take things for granted. We rush through our days without pausing to appreciate the simple miracles around us—the breath in our lungs, the people who light up our lives, or the opportunities that come our way. But here’s the stark truth: it could all vanish in an instant. Life is fragile, and I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

A Brush with the Edge: My Wake-Up Call

I don’t have to dig too far into my past to remember a time when gratitude wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it became my lifeline. Seven years ago, I was struck down by a serious illness that required immediate medical intervention. The doctors were upfront: there was a real  chance I wouldn’t make it through. In those harrowing moments, everything shifted. It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about rebaselining my entire existence.

That experience stripped away the noise and forced me to confront what truly matters. My relationship with God? Non-negotiable. My wife and son? The absolute core of my world. My closest friends? Irreplaceable. The way I spend my time each day, and the work I pour my energy into? Suddenly, the things I spent too much time worrying about didn’t make sense anymore. It was like hitting the reset button on life, and emerging on the other side with clearer priorities.

Fast forward to today, and I’m still riding that wave of profound thankfulness. I’m grateful for my deepened faith, for the unwavering support of my family, for friends who show up in the big and small moments, and for work that challenges me while bringing genuine fulfillment. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling for me—it’s a daily practice that keeps me grounded.

The Obligation of Gratitude: Leading by Example

Here’s where it gets real: feeling grateful comes with a sense of responsibility. I see it as an obligation—and even a personal challenge—to model this mindset for others. In a society that loves to play the victim card, it’s tempting to let life just “happen” to us. We complain about the traffic, the workload, the endless scroll of bad news. We forget to choose a posture of gratefulness, slipping into autopilot and taking everything for granted.

But that’s not the path I want to walk. It’s not who I aspire to be. Instead, I choose to start each day with intention:

  • Gratitude to God: For the gift of another sunrise, another chance to live fully. He saved me, forgave me and breathes life into me every morning, and I refuse to overlook that.
  • Loving my family well: My wife and son are my anchors. I make it a point to remind them daily how much they mean to me—through words, actions, and undivided attention. 
  • Being a true friend: Not the surface-level kind, but one who listens deeply, cares genuinely, and shows up when it counts. Life’s too short for shallow connections.
  • Doing work that matters: I strive to tackle projects that challenge me, inspire growth, and make a positive impact. And I aim to do it with excellence, because why settle for less?

Gratitude isn’t passive—it’s active. It’s a choice that transforms how we navigate the world, turning potential pitfalls into opportunities for appreciation.

Your Turn: What Lights Up Your Gratitude List?

So, I turn the spotlight to you. In the midst of your own chaos, what are you truly grateful for today? Maybe it’s the coffee that kickstarts your morning, a supportive partner, a healthy body, or a dream you’re chasing. Whatever it is, big or small, let’s celebrate it.

Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Sharing our gratitude not only amplifies it but inspires others to pause and reflect. Who knows? Your story might be the spark someone else needs.

Thanks for joining me on this leg of the 7-40 Challenge. Let’s keep pushing forward with hearts full of thanks. Tomorrow brings a new day—stay tuned!

What are you grateful for? Let’s build a community of appreciation right here.