Tag: gratitude

Day 30 of the 7-40 Challenge: A Walk, a Stranger, and a Lesson in Gratitude

~ David Willis ~ 1 Comment

Today marks day 30 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I’ve committed to practicing seven habits daily to better myself and the world around me. Ten days to go, and I’m already overflowing with gratitude. This milestone feels like a victory, not just for sticking with it but for the unexpected moments that have reshaped my perspective along the way. Today, I want to share a story from my lunch break—a simple walk that turned into a profound reminder of what it means to be thankful.

It was an unusually cool August day in Oklahoma, where triple-digit heat is the norm this time of year. The temperature hovered in the low 70s, a rare gift that made my daily half hour walk feel like a treat. I was strolling through downtown, earphones in, soaking in the fresh air and the rhythm of my steps. The walk itself is always a highlight—part exercise, part mental reset. But today, it became something more.

As I paused at a crosswalk, a voice broke through my music. “Young fella, young fella! Can I talk to you for a minute?” I turned to see an elderly man, his clothes worn and his face weathered, clearly someone who’d been living on the streets. I popped out an earphone, smiled, and said hello. He grinned back, his eyes bright despite his circumstances, and said, “Young fella, can you spare 87 cents?”

Eighty-seven cents. The specificity caught me off guard. Either this man knew exactly what he needed—down to the penny, tax included—or it was the cleverest pitch I’d ever heard. I couldn’t help but chuckle, especially since he called me “young fella” at an age when I’m starting to feel more “old fella” than “young.” I reached into my pocket, and pulled out what I had…a $5 bill. I handed it to him and said, “How about five dollars?”

His reaction was pure gold. His eyes widened in what seemed like genuine disbelief, and he broke into a wide, toothy smile. “Thank you!” he said, offering me a fist bump. “God bless!” That moment hit me like a ton of bricks. Here was a man, likely facing hardships I can’t even imagine, radiating gratitude for a simple $5 bill. If that’s not a reality check, I don’t know what is.

I wish I could’ve stayed longer, sat on that curb, and heard his story. Why 87 cents? What brought him to that corner? What was his life like? Despite his circumstances, his smile was infectious, his gratitude palpable. It made me pause and reflect on my own life. I’m not sharing this to pat myself on the back—far from it. This encounter humbled me. It reminded me that even in the face of struggle, gratitude can shine through. This man, with so little, was thankful for what I could give. That’s the posture I want to carry in my heart.

The 7-40 Challenge has been about building habits, but moments like this remind me why I’m doing it. Life is a gift. I’ve been provided for, even through tough times. I’ve worked hard, sure, but I’m blessed beyond measure—a family that is healthy and safe, a roof over my head, food on my table, a warm bed to sleep in. These are things I can so easily take for granted. Meeting this man today was a clear reminder to stay grounded, to use the talents and resources I’ve been given to better myself and the world around me.

I don’t know if that gentleman will ever read these words, but I’m grateful for him—for his smile, his gratitude, and the chance to pause and reflect on that downtown corner. As I head into day 31 of the challenge, I’m carrying his lesson with me: gratitude isn’t just for the big wins or the easy days. It’s for the small moments, the unexpected encounters, the reminders that we’re all connected.

So, I’d love to hear from you. Have you had a moment recently that made you stop and feel grateful? Share your story in the comments—I’m all ears. Day 30 is in the books, and I’m ready for tomorrow. Here’s to day 31 and the lessons it brings.

See you then.

Face the Challenge: Prioritize and Execute for Transformation

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 29 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey of committing to seven daily habits to spark transformation and focus in my life. As I kick off week five, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. This challenge has been a game-changer, forcing me to reflect deeply on what I’ve accomplished over the past 28 days—things I couldn’t seem to tackle for weeks or even months before. I hope you’re out there chasing your own bold, wild ideas and crushing it on your corner of the internet!

Today, I want to dive into a principle that’s been a cornerstone of my progress: prioritize and execute. This concept hit me like a ton of bricks when I read Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. It’s a principle that’s not just about getting things done—it’s about getting the right things done with precision and excellence.

The Chaos of Competing Priorities

Life throws a million things at us, doesn’t it? To-do lists pile up, notifications ping, and before you know it, you’re juggling tasks like a circus performer. The temptation to multitask is real, but as Willink and Babin point out, trying to do everything at once often means doing nothing well. In Extreme Ownership, they write:

“When overwhelmed, it’s easy to get sucked into a cycle of trying to do everything at once, which leads to accomplishing nothing effectively.” (Extreme Ownership, Chapter 7)

Their solution? Prioritize and execute. List out what needs to be done, identify the highest-priority task, and tackle it with full focus before moving to the next. This approach isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s a mindset for thriving under pressure.

The authors share a gripping example from their time as Navy SEALs in Iraq. During a high-stakes operation, their team faced a crisis: an explosive device was about to detonate, one of their soldiers had fallen through a rooftop, and they were exposed to enemy fire with no cover. Chaos could have taken over, but the leader did something critical:

“He took a deep breath, prioritized the most immediate task, and executed. Secure the roof. Establish cover. Locate the fallen soldier. Account for the team. Evacuate safely.” (Extreme Ownership, Chapter 7)

By training relentlessly for such scenarios, they ingrained the habit of prioritizing under stress. They didn’t just survive—they succeeded because they focused on one task at a time, executed with precision, and moved forward systematically.

Applying Prioritize and Execute to My Life

When I reflect on the past 29 days of the 7-40 Challenge, I see this principle at work in my own life, even if I didn’t always realize it. I’ve set out to transform my fitness, refine my diet, sharpen my mind, and share my story with the world—goals that felt overwhelming before this challenge. But by making a daily commitment to prioritize and execute, I’ve made real progress.

For me, the top priority is starting each day with Bible study and prayer—a habit I’ve maintained for over three years. It grounds me and sets the tone for everything else. From there, I tackle my fitness goals, writing, and other priorities, one by one. This disciplined approach has helped me avoid the “higgledy-piggledy, all-over-the-place” style that used to leave me with half-finished tasks and no real progress.

The Four Quadrants of Prioritization

This idea of prioritization also connects to another book that’s shaped my thinking: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. In it, Covey introduces the Time Management Matrix, which divides tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:

  1. Urgent and Important: Crises and deadlines that demand immediate attention.
  2. Not Urgent but Important: Long-term goals, planning, and growth—where we should spend most of our time.
  3. Urgent but Not Important: Interruptions or distractions that can often be delegated or ignored.
  4. Not Urgent and Not Important: Time-wasters we should avoid.

Covey emphasizes the power of focusing on Quadrant II—tasks that are important but not urgent:

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit 3)

By focusing on what’s important before it becomes urgent, we prevent fires from starting in the first place. For me, this means carving out time for fitness, writing, and reflection before they turn into regrets or crises.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

Let’s be real: we’re busier than ever. I’m speaking for myself, but I have a hunch you feel it too. The demands of life—work, family, social media, endless notifications—can pull us in every direction. It’s easy to check things off a to-do list without really moving the needle on what matters most. As Covey puts it:

“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” (The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit 3)

The 7-40 Challenge has forced me to confront this head-on. By setting clear priorities and executing them daily, I’m not just checking boxes—I’m building a life aligned with my values and goals. Whether it’s on a battlefield, in a boardroom, or at home with family, the principle of prioritize and execute is universal.

Your Turn: What’s Your Priority?

So, I’m curious: How do you handle the chaos of competing demands? Have you found ways to prioritize and execute in your own life? Maybe it’s a morning routine that sets you up for success, or a system for tackling your biggest goals. Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your strategies!

As I head into Day 30, I’m more committed than ever to staying focused and executing with excellence. Thanks for following along on this journey. Here’s to crushing it, one priority at a time!

References:

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

• • Covey, S. R. (1989). The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press.

The 7-40 Challenge: Embracing Progress Over Perfection

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

“Success is not the absence of obstacles, but the courage to push through them.” – Joshua J. Marine

Four weeks ago, I embarked on a personal journey called the 7-40 Challenge—seven daily habits over 40 days to transform my routine and mindset. Today, on day 28, I’m reflecting on the progress I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the beauty of embracing imperfection in pursuit of growth. This isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about finding balance, staying productive, and learning to roll with life’s ebb and flow.

The Seven Habits of the 7-40 Challenge

For those just tuning in, here’s a quick rundown of the seven daily habits I committed to:

1. Bible study and prayer to grow closer to God and center my day.

2. Counting daily calories to stay mindful of my nutrition.

3. Drinking 100 ounces of water to keep hydrated.

4. Working out for an hour to stay active.

5. Practicing gratitude to cultivate a positive mindset.

6. Reading for 30 minutes (audiobook or paperback) to feed my mind.

7. Writing or working on business goals to move my projects forward.

These habits are my roadmap to becoming a better version of myself. But as I’ve learned over these four weeks, progress isn’t always linear, and perfection isn’t the goal—productivity is.

A Day in the Life: When Life Becomes the Workout

Today was one of those days that reminded me flexibility is key. I accomplished nearly all my habits, but the “workout” box didn’t get checked in the traditional sense. No gym session, no structured exercise routine. Instead, life itself became my workout.

After breakfast and church, I tackled mowing my sprawling yard. Riding the lawnmower? Easy. But the weed-eating? That’s where the real work kicked in. An hour and 45 minutes under the blazing sun left me sweaty, grimy, and physically spent. Then, I dove into a woodworking project, hauling a 6-foot butcher block countertops, measuring, cutting, and carrying materials back and forth. Add in a Costco run, helping with dinner, and knocking out a hefty to-do list, and my body was screaming, “You’ve done enough!”

Did I have a “workout”? Not in the conventional sense. Did I work out? Absolutely. My body was tired, my tasks were completed, and I felt accomplished. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Today, I lived that truth.

The Lesson: Balance Over Burnout

The 7-40 Challenge isn’t about being perfect every day—it’s about staying committed while giving yourself grace. Some days, life’s demands take precedence, and that’s okay. The key is finding a sustainable balance that allows you to pursue your goals without burning out. As Aristotle wisely noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

I’m learning that there’s an ebb and flow to challenges like this. Some days, you nail every habit. Others, you adapt, prioritizing what needs to be done while still moving forward. For me, that meant recognizing that mowing, carpentry, and running errands were just as valid as a gym session. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Why This Matters

If you’re reading this, you might already be a pro at balancing life’s demands with personal growth. Or maybe, like me, you’re still figuring it out. Either way, I’m sharing this journey because I believe in the power of small, consistent steps. The 7-40 Challenge is teaching me to celebrate the wins—big and small—and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.

What’s Next?

With 12 days left in the challenge, I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward. I’m learning to adapt, to listen to my body, and to prioritize what matters most. Tomorrow is day 29, and I’m excited to see what it brings.

Does this resonate with you? Have you ever had to pivot your goals to fit life’s demands? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or experiences. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to keep moving forward, one productive day at a time.

Here’s to progress, balance, and the courage to keep going. See you tomorrow for day 29!

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. 

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!