Tag: habits

What If 40 Days Could Change Everything? Day 38

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Day 38 of the 7-40 Challenge
Saturday, February 7, 2026

Hello and welcome to Day 38. I’m excited because I’ve been getting stuff done, and it just makes me happy.

Today’s post is going to be a short one. I just want to leave you with a thought for today.

What if 40 days could put you on a completely different path?

The Question

What if making a plan, making goals, following habits for 40 days could give you new perspective and lead you somewhere you didn’t think you could get?

Would you be willing to spend 40 days to get that done?

As I’ve been working through these seven habits for the last 38 days, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the amount I’ve been able to accomplish—because I’ve given myself the freedom every day with these habits to actually achieve the things I want to achieve.

What 38 Days Actually Did

Thirty-eight days in, I’ve already lost 12 pounds. I’ve revised a novel. I’ve started working on another one. I’ve watched my eating. I’ve done all kinds of things I’ve just been trying to get done, and I finally started having some traction.

Over 40 days.

And the thing I have to think to myself is: Is this really all it took to get this stuff done? Was I really able to do this in 40 days just by saying “now is the time, I’m going to get it done”?

The answer, apparently, is yes.

So How About You?

Are you willing to take a chance? Name out the things you want to accomplish and spend the next 40 days doing it?

If you’re up for it, I start my next 40-day round 10 days from now (February 17, 2026).

I have a week where I’m going to refine my own goals and get ready for Round 2.

But if you’re willing to join in, I would love to hang out with you for Round 2 and get this done together.

What I’m Asking

Pick YOUR seven daily habits. Not mine—yours. The ones that move you toward the goals you actually care about.

Then starting February 17, we do this together. You work your seven habits. I work mine. We check in. We encourage each other. We see what 40 days can actually do.

If you’re interested, comment below and let me know you’re in. I’ll reach out and we’ll figure this out together.

This is the first time I’ve publicly invited anyone to actually DO this challenge with me. I have no idea if anyone will bite. But what the heck—I’m asking.

Because if 38 days did this for me, imagine what 40 days could do for you.

Day 38: Complete ✓

All seven habits executed. Two days left in Round 1.

Round 1 Progress: 38/40 days (95%)

Weight: 277.1 lbs (12.4 lbs lost)

See you tomorrow for Day 39.

Your Goals Aren’t Just for You: Day 37

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Day 37 of the 7-40 Challenge
Friday, February 6, 2026

Welcome to Day 37. It’s the end of the week. It’s Friday. We made it.

And I’m excited. Excited to be here. Excited to still be going. Excited to still be accomplishing.

I’ve got a question for you today: Are your goals just for you?

I think the answer is no.

The Conversation That Brought It Home

I was having a conversation today with someone close to me. I mentioned I was on Day 37 of my journey and that I’d lost 12 pounds since I started.

They looked at me and said, “Seriously, how are you doing this?”

I said, “Okay, I can tell you. I have a number of calories I eat every day, and I exercise for an hour a day.”

And they gave me a look like… Oh.

Look, this is not a difficult concept to understand. The execution of this concept is not necessarily easy. But because I want the goal of being healthier, because I want to achieve my goal weight, because I want to be a better, fitter version of myself, I’m doing something that’s not complex—but the execution is hard.

Because, like I mentioned a couple days ago, everything worth doing in life that’s really worth doing is probably hard.

So we do it anyway.

We talked through it a little more. I said, “Hey, if you want to know more specifically, I’ll be glad to show you.”

And it made me realize: These things I’m doing are not just for me. They’re for the world around me.

Why I’ve Been Documenting Everything

That’s why I’ve been busy documenting and trying hard to live what I’m preaching every day.

Today is Day 37. My execution over these 37 days has been good. Not perfect—good.

I’ve achieved what I set out to achieve every day. I’ve had to make a couple of adjustments here or there. I fell last week and hurt my hand, so I had to give myself days off and time to recover. I stopped lifting weights but kept doing my other exercises.

Same principle applies. I keep moving forward.

Every day, I’ve stayed within or just at my calorie limit. Every day, I’ve drunk 100 ounces of water. Every day, I’ve read my Bible. Every day, I’ve had creative time and worked on projects that are important to me. Every day, I’ve read my book.

I’ve been doing these things that I set out to do, knowing full well that I want to be an example for others so they can achieve their goals as well.

It’s not just about me.

What Impact Could You Have?

So I ask you: What goals do you have? What things are set in front of you that are important to you, that you need to reach?

Have you considered what impact you could have on the world around you if you perform that goal, those tasks, if you pursue it with excellence and get it done?

You could be the inspiration somebody else needs—just as I hope I am being an inspiration to the world around me.

My mission is to help 1,000 people. Not just with health. Not just with fitness. But with faith. With goals. With becoming better and better and better.

And today, I got to see that mission up close. Someone I care about, watching what I’m doing, asking “how are you doing this?”—genuinely interested, genuinely skeptical, genuinely open to learning.

That’s overwhelming in the best way.

Don’t Wait

I know what you’re thinking: But I’ve got so far to go. I have so much I need to get done.

The best time to start is now.

I implore you: Don’t wait. Make that list. Get started today.

Let’s keep moving forward.

Day 37: Complete ✓

All seven habits executed. End of week strong.

Round 1 Progress: 37/40 days (92.5%)

Weight: 277.1 lbs (12.4 lbs lost)

Three more days until Assessment Week.

Odd Things I’m Grateful For: Day 34 and the Space Gratitude Fills

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Day 34 of the 7-40 Challenge
Tuesday, February 3, 2026

I got to work at 6:00 AM this morning. I didn’t leave my office until 4:30 PM. I spent most of my day in meetings or working through data issues. It was mentally taxing.

But because of the program I have in place, I was able to get the things I needed to do done while also tackling all the unexpected things that came up.

It’s ingrained in my head now: I have things I need to accomplish every day. Even amidst the chaos of a busy workday, I track my calories. I drink my water. When I have an opportunity to get up and go for a walk, I do.

Just knowing I have things I need to accomplish every day—even in the chaos—is very beneficial.

I’m exhausted tonight. But Day 34 is complete.

Why Gratitude Is One of My Seven Daily Habits

Here’s the thought that’s been rolling around in my head today: Why do I focus so hard on gratitude as one of my seven daily habits?

What is it about practicing being and staying thankful that makes it an absolute must?

I don’t know about you, but I find that when I’m being thankful, it’s really hard to stay mad about anything. Whether it’s being cut off on the road, or somebody being rude to me at work, or just not getting done what I wanted to do—if I take a moment to take a deep breath and express gratitude for something in my life, I find that it’s really hard to stay angry.

It’s hard to let those negative emotions take over if gratitude is my natural position.

There’s Only So Much Space

Here’s what I’ve discovered over 34 days: When I get frustrated about things—whether at work, at home, or anywhere else—I don’t stay there very long if I say thank you or show appreciation for something.

It’s like there’s only so much space. And gratitude fills up more than anger does.

I had an opportunity to practice this today. There was a miscommunicated topic, and it would have been easy to get frustrated. I didn’t initially react properly. But then I apologized and tried to set the bar for myself higher by choosing a different path.

One of my new favorite things to say at work is: “We have fun jobs.”

One, because I do. But two, because if I look at it as something I get to do, it doesn’t stay something I have to do for very long.

That reframe changes everything.

Odd Things I’m Grateful For

So tonight, I’d like to tell you some odd things that I’m grateful for.

I’m Grateful That I’m Overweight

I know that sounds odd. But what it means is I have had plenty of food and plenty of downtime over the years—of which I should be thankful, because I’ve never missed a meal.

Have I needed to be better and do better with the meals I’ve had? Certainly. But I can say without a shadow of a doubt, I am grateful because I have never gone hungry.

I’m Grateful That I Have a Mess in My Office That Needs to Be Cleaned Up

Because it means I have a space of my own where I get to be creative, think through tough problems, and work on things that are important to me.

Sometimes these messes are just evidence that I’ve been in here trying my best to do something good.

I’ve heard the joke said before that a clean desk is the sign of a sick mind. Well, a messy desk in the reverse must be the sign of a brilliant mind. And I’m looking pretty brilliant right now—but I really need to work on that.

I’m Grateful for an Injured Wrist

Because it’s given me an opportunity to practice persevering when I really haven’t wanted to.

It would have been just as easy to pout, get frustrated, get upset. Let life overwhelm me and derail my goals. I just don’t want to do that.

So if this pain in my wrist or my hand has to serve as a reminder that I have things to do, and that sometimes getting things done means overcoming discomfort—no, all the time that’s what it means—then I’ll take it.

Everything Worth Doing Is Hard

I heard Gary Vaynerchuk say one day: “People get frustrated because things are hard.” And he said, “Everything worth doing in life is hard.”

I really have to agree with him.

It doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. It just means that the good things are most likely going to be difficult. Because if they were easy, I’m not sure they would be the good things.

When We Position Ourselves with Gratitude

When we position ourselves with a grateful heart, when we position ourselves to be thankful, I really feel like we open ourselves up for so much more that can come to us.

We see things with much clearer eyes. We’re not fogged over. We can actually be pragmatic about what’s coming at us.

Take a good long look at where you are right now.

I bet there’s more in front of you to be thankful for than you realize.

Even on a brutal 10.5-hour workday. Even with a messy office. Even with an injured wrist. Even when you’re exhausted.

Gratitude fills more space than anger does.

And when gratitude is your default position, it’s really hard for the negative stuff to take root.

That’s Day 34.

Day 34: Complete ✓

All seven habits executed, even on a mentally taxing day.

Round 1 Progress: 34/40 days (85%)

Six more days until Round 1 is complete.

See you tomorrow for Day 35.

Was It Always This Simple? Day 33 and the Truth About Starting

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Day 33 of the 7-40 Challenge
Monday, February 2, 2026

Welcome to Day 33. I’m still here. Still going. And today, I accomplished all seven of my daily goals.

My hand is finally starting to feel better. My head’s in the right frame of mind. And I’m looking forward to getting after my goals even harder as we finish Round 1, move through Assessment Week (Feb 10-16), and charge into Round 2.

The Checkpoint

I started this year by writing out a goals list—a detailed vision for what I wanted 2026 to be. It’s not usually my forte, but I’ve been reviewing it regularly.

And right now? I’m actually on track.

The milestones I aimed for in Round 1? I’m hitting them:

  • 33 days of perfect execution on all seven habits
  • 8.5 pounds lost (already exceeded the lower target for Round 1)
  • Novel first revision complete (97 chapters, now with beta readers)
  • Daily blog posts (33 consecutive days of content)
  • Social media breakthrough (Day 23 – years of avoidance overcome)
  • Gratitude practice grounding the journey (weekly Thank You Campaign)

Coming up next: the second revision of my novel. My wife and son have been reading the first draft—it’s the first time I’ve ever written something like this and had people actually review it. I’m eager to get through it and keep going.

And as I mentioned yesterday, I’ve also started outlining a new novel (The Light Bearer) that’s been dormant in my head for five years. That’s got me excited too.

My daily habits are keeping my health and fitness on track. Overall? I’m thrilled with the progress.

The Question I Had to Ask

But here’s what I’ve been wondering: Was it really this easy all along?

Could I have just looked myself in the mirror years ago and said, “Alright, buddy, it’s time to achieve some goals. We’re going to sit down, write them out, and get after it”?

The hard truth? Yes. It really was this simple.

Easy? Heck no.

But simple? Absolutely.

Why We Don’t Start

I firmly believe we don’t achieve because we don’t risk. And we don’t risk because we’re afraid we’re going to fail.

It’s so much easier to stay where we are than to deal with failure.

But the hard truth is: everybody fails.

There’s a theory out there that if you’re willing to fail often and fail fast, you’ll find success faster than everyone else. I don’t know if that’s true or not.

But I do know this: If you put all your effort behind something you truly want to do, failure is not defeat. Failure is learning and growing along the path you’ve laid out for yourself.

Which is ultimately what we want to do.

What Writing Down Goals Actually Does

The thing I really appreciate about writing out a very detailed list at the beginning of the year is this: I get to tell myself what it is I want to do.

I get to be my own driver, pushing toward goals that I say are important to me.

And if I don’t work on them? I’ve essentially lied to myself.

So it behooves me to actually tell the truth. To set goals I actually want to accomplish. And I’m excited to say that so far, I’ve been able to do that.

I Don’t Want to Die with My Music Inside

I don’t want to die with my music still inside me. I don’t want to die one day with creativity that could have been something.

I don’t want to be sitting as an old man wondering “what if.”

I don’t want to look in the mirror one day and realize I no longer have the opportunity because I let it slip by.

I don’t want to have to tell my wife we can’t do something because I was unwilling to try.

I don’t want to tell my son he can’t achieve what he wants in his life because I couldn’t achieve it in mine.

I want to take every opportunity God has given me to do good and be good for this world. I want to set goals. I want to achieve them. And I want to make the most of the time I have.

Because God has been so good to me. He’s blessed me so richly.

And I can’t be anything but thankful. And in my thankfulness, it needs to spur me into action and good works.

Day 33: The Truth

So here’s what Day 33 taught me:

It was always this simple. Write down what you want. Show up every day. Do the work.

Not easy. But simple.

The best time to start was 20 years ago when I first started writing “someday I’ll…” notes.

The second best time? Day 1 of this challenge.

The third best time? Right now, wherever you are.

Start getting in the reps. Start working. Before you know it, there’s going to be so much done. You’re going to build so much momentum. You’re going to get so far.

And you won’t have to wonder “what if” anymore.

Day 33: Complete ✓

All seven habits executed. Still on track. Still building.

Round 1 Progress: 33/40 days (82.5%)

Seven more days until Round 1 is complete.

See you tomorrow for Day 34.

Do Not Grow Weary: Day 28 and the Setback That Won’t Stop Me

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Day 28 of the 7-40 Challenge
Wednesday, January 28, 2026

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9

Yesterday, I wrote about the rules that make excellence possible. I laid out my seven daily habits—the clear structure that is helping me become the husband, father, and professional I’m meant to be.

I know what I need to do. I’ve set the rules for myself. The system is working.

And then life threw me a curveball.

The Setback

A few days ago, during the winter storm, I fell. Hard. I landed on my right hand.

To say it’s bruised is an understatement.

I’ve been trying to push through. I modified my workouts. I adjusted my grip. I told myself it would get better if I just kept going.

Today, my chiropractor told me the truth: I need to lay off lifting weights for at least a week to give my hand a chance to heal.

And here’s the question I had to ask myself: Do I let this setback derail me, or do I keep moving forward?

Why Getting Fit Isn’t Optional

I’m 47 years old. Getting fit is a must because getting older is no joke. I don’t move like I used to.

This isn’t about vanity. This isn’t about looking good for summer. This is about being able to show up fully for my wife and son. This is about not being the guy who can’t play with his grandkids someday because he didn’t take care of himself now.

Time is precious. I can’t afford to waste it.

And that’s what makes this setback so frustrating. I know I need this. I know every day counts. And now my body is telling me to stop—temporarily, but still.

So what do I do?

The Wisdom of Having a Plan

Here’s what I’ve learned over 28 days: If we’re smart, we have a plan in place for setbacks because we know setbacks are coming.

That’s what setbacks do. They come.

In my 2026 Vision Doc, I wrote out a crisis management protocol:

  • Family crisis: Full priority override
  • Personal illness or injury: Keep all habits except exercise if rest needed
  • Everything else: Spit out the blood and keep going

Today falls into category two.

My hand needs to heal. My chiropractor gave me professional guidance. Ignoring that isn’t toughness—it’s stupidity.

So I’m resting today. No exercise. No weightlifting. No yoga. Just rest.

But here’s the key: I’m still doing everything else.

✓ Bible study
✓ Calorie tracking
✓ Water
✓ Reading (Talk Like TED is firing me up)
✓ Gratitude
✓ Creative work (writing this post)
✗ Exercise (resting today)

Six out of seven habits completed. The system holds.

Tomorrow: Back to Forward Momentum

Day 29, I’ll pick up with a full hour of walking or walking and yoga. No weights until my hand is healed and my chiropractor clears me.

The weightlifting will wait. The 13-week plan will adjust. The rules I set for myself yesterday? They’re still in place. I’m just applying wisdom to how I execute them.

Because the goal isn’t to prove I’m tough by ignoring my body. The goal is to become the best version of myself for my family—and that requires sustainable health, not reckless pushing through pain.

Do Not Grow Weary

Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9 keep echoing in my head today:

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.”

The setback is frustrating. The pause is annoying. The lost week of lifting feels like wasted time.

But I’m not giving up.

I’m not growing weary.

Because I know the harvest is coming.

Twenty-eight days of consistent execution. Weight loss trending in the right direction. Novel revision progressing. Social media breakthrough in motion. Daily blog posts stacking up.

One week of modified exercise doesn’t erase 28 days of proof.

The rules are still in place. The system is still working. The mission is still clear.

I just have to be wise enough to know when to rest so I can keep going for the long haul.

What Do We Do When Setbacks Come?

We do what we planned to do.

We don’t panic. We don’t quit. We don’t let one obstacle derail the entire mission.

We adjust. We rest when needed. We keep moving forward with what we can do while we heal what we can’t.

And we remember: The harvest is coming if we do not give up.

Day 28 looks different than I wanted it to. But it’s not a failure. It’s wisdom in action.

Tomorrow, I walk. Next week, I lift again. The long game continues.

Do not grow weary of doing good.

The harvest is coming.

Day 28: Complete ✓

Six out of seven habits executed. Resting wisely to fight another day.

Round 1 Progress: 28/40 days (70%)

See you tomorrow for Day 29.