Tag: health

Gratitude Sunday: My Mom and George Bailey

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

One of my favorite Christmas movies is It’s a Wonderful Life.

When I was younger, I liked it because an angel comes down and helps a guy get through a hard time. You get to see his whole story unfold and figure out who he really is. I didn’t see the deep significance as a young person watching this movie for the first time.

As I’ve gotten older, George Bailey’s story has become far too familiar.

I see it in life all around me. People—many wonderful people—don’t realize the good they do. They don’t understand how their influence has shaped the world around them far more than they know.

One person I can see this to be true about is my mother.

A Life of Selfless Love

My mother is one of the most selfless, wonderful people I have ever met or had the pleasure to know. She is kind and caring and deeply concerned with the well-being of others.

This flows from her relationship with God, which has been solid for as long as I can remember. She loves Jesus dearly. And because of that, she has consistently, over the years, shown people God’s love in countless ways.

I’ve seen her stop in the grocery store and share God with people or stop and pray with them just because she knew they needed it. I’ve seen her give of herself and run herself ragged to make sure that the people she served and the people she loved were taken care of.

But I’m going to tell this story from my perspective, from what I’ve seen in my own life.

Songs and Stories in the Early ’80s

My mother, in the early ’80s, started telling me stories about Jesus. She would sing songs and read the Bible with me. She was very involved in making sure that I knew that Jesus loved me—and also building me up to be a confident and strong young man.

She was consistent in her love.

I reminded her the other day that she’s the reason I know Jesus, just as she’s the reason many other people in this world know Jesus as well. She’s the reason people have found hope when they didn’t have any. She’s the reason people have found kindness when they most needed it.

She has been God’s love to people repeatedly throughout her life.

And just like George Bailey, I don’t think she understands just how far her influence has gone.

The Billy Graham Question

It makes me think.

If I asked you, “Do you know who Billy Graham is?” most of us—whether we are Christians or not—have heard the name. We know he was a very famous minister. We know that he touched countless lives with the love of God and with the message of God’s salvation.

But if I asked you, “What was the name of the man who introduced Billy Graham to Jesus?” I don’t think many of us would know who that is.

You never know the effect you have on someone’s life. You never know the influence. You never know the good that you do. You’ll never see the full picture.

But that shouldn’t stop you from doing good.

My Gratitude

So to say the least, I’m grateful for my mother.

I’m grateful for the way she’s loved me and taken care of me. Even though it’s been many, many years since I’ve lived in their home, she still loves me and prays for me to this day like I’m her baby boy.

Her influence on me has been outstanding.

And I can only imagine the influence she’s had on others—the people whose names I’ll never know, whose stories I’ll never hear, whose lives were changed because she stopped in a grocery store or prayed with someone who was hurting or sang songs about Jesus to a little boy in the early ’80s.

She’ll never know how far her influence has gone.

But I do know this: I wouldn’t be here without her. I wouldn’t know Jesus without her. I wouldn’t be attempting this 7-40 Challenge without the foundation she helped build in my life.

So thank you, Mom.

For being God’s love when I needed it most.

For never giving up on me.

For showing me what it looks like to live a life of purpose.

You’re far more influential than you know.

And I’m forever grateful.

#ThankYouCampaign #GratitudeSunday #ItsAWonderfulLife #GeorgeBailey #MothersLove #Faith #Jesus #Grateful #FamilyLegacy #Influence #740Challenge #Purpose #ChristianLife #Thankful

Day 10: Data First, Theory Second (Why Sherlock Holmes Got It Right)

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

I listened to “Made to Stick” this morning during my walk, and I hit the chapter on credibility. The Heath brothers made a point that stopped me cold:

Don’t make up your mind and then go looking for data to prove you’re right. Look for the data to help you make up your mind.

It reminded me of Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote in “A Study in Scarlet”: “It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

Two different sources, separated by over a century. Same truth.

The Temptation

It would be very easy to say: “By March 15th, I’ll weigh 245 pounds. By April 1st, I’ll have my novel published. By June, I’ll have 10,000 social media followers.”

Make up the goal. Hunt for the data to prove it’s possible. Force yourself into unsustainable practices to hit the deadline.

I’ve done this before. Multiple times in my life, actually. And here’s what happens: I hit the deadline (maybe), but the transformation doesn’t stick. The moment the deadline passes, I’m back where I started. Downward spiral. Rinse, repeat.

Why the 7-40 Challenge Is Different

The physiology of weight loss doesn’t work on my timeline. Exercise recovery doesn’t care about my deadline. Sustainable habits don’t emerge from forcing performance.

So instead of demanding that the data conform to my goal, I’m letting the goal emerge from the data.

Seven daily habits. That’s my theory.

Bible study. Exercise. Reading. Water. Calories. Gratitude. Creative work.

I’m not promising you specific results by specific dates. I’m collecting data through daily practice. And I’m letting that data tell me where I’m headed.

Weight loss? It’s happening (3.7 pounds in 9 days), but I’m not demanding it hit a certain number by a certain date. The data will tell the story.

Novel revision? I’m at 50 chapters. Not because I promised myself 50 by Day 10, but because the daily habit of creative hour produces consistent output. The data shows up.

Social media strategy? Still figuring it out. No false promises. Just daily attempts and learning.

The Sustainable Difference

By committing to the practices instead of the deadlines, I’m building something that becomes part of who I am. Not a sprint to a finish line. A permanent shift in daily behavior.

Sherlock Holmes didn’t demand the facts bend to his theory. He collected evidence and followed where it led. That’s credibility. That’s how you build real transformation instead of false performance.

I don’t want to hit a goal and bounce back. I want sustainable change that sticks because it’s now my daily rhythm, not an unsustainable forced performance.

Day 10 Scorecard: ✅ Bible study ✅ Exercise ✅ Reading ✅ Gratitude ✅ Water, calories, creative hour

Ten consecutive perfect days. Data collecting. Theory emerging.

The best time to stop making up your mind and start collecting data? Now.

See you tomorrow for Day 11.

Day 8: Why I’m Still Walking (And Why You Should Too)

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Seven days down. One week of perfect execution.

This morning I laced up for my walk thinking about something unexpected: I never saw this coming.

When I was younger, walking was what old people did. Real exercise meant running, lifting, sweating buckets. Walking? That was just… transportation.

At 47, walking is one of my favorite parts of the day.

Not the lifting (though Workout B yesterday destroyed me in the best way). Not the yoga. The walk.

Here’s why that matters for the 7-40 Challenge: Simple works. Sustainable beats intense.

Hippocrates said it 2,000 years ago: “Walking is man’s best medicine.” He was right then. He’s right now.

Three reasons walking wins:

Fresh air. Whether it’s scorching summer or crisp winter, stepping outside and filling my lungs pulls me away from screens and routines. It resets my energy in a way indoor workouts can’t match.

Audiobook time. I’m working through “Made to Stick” while walking. Physical movement + mental input = how I learn best. Double productivity.

My brain needs motion. I’m still that energetic kid who thinks better while moving. At 47, I feel it every time—blood pumping wakes up my brain. Nietzsche nailed it: “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”

The practical magic: Walking is low-impact. Easy on joints. No jarring bounces or overuse injuries. It strengthens your heart, aids weight management, releases endorphins that lift your mood. And it’s accessible—no gym required, no equipment needed.

Just shoes and intention.

I never thought I’d be the guy who loves his daily walk. But here I am, Day 8, proving that the best habits are often the simplest ones.

The best time to start walking? Now. Not when you’re “in better shape.” Not when the weather’s perfect. Now.

Lace up. One mile. See how you feel.

Day 8 Scorecard: ✅ Bible study ✅ Exercise (walk + more today) ✅ Reading ✅ Water, calories, gratitude ✅ Creative hour

Eight consecutive perfect days. The simple habits stack.

What’s your go-to movement? Drop a comment—let’s build a community of people actually doing the work.

See you tomorrow for Day 9.

Day 5: Why I Got Up at 5:00 AM

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

My alarm went off at 5:00 this morning. Not because I’m a morning person—I’m not. But because I made myself a promise: all workouts done by noon during these first rounds of the 7-40 Challenge.

An hour of exercise doesn’t happen by accident.

Eight years ago, I was in a hospital bed with a 13 cm tumor. Chemo. Surgery. Radiation. By God’s grace, I’m cancer-free. But that door? I don’t ever want it to open again.

So I get up. I move. I lift.

Today was my first free weight workout of the year—incline press, standing press, triceps work. My shoulders are already telling me tomorrow’s going to hurt. Good. That means it’s working.

Here’s what daily exercise gives me:

Mobility I can’t take for granted. At 47, I notice how quickly things tighten up. Daily movement keeps me loose and energized.

Strength for real life. Not just gym strength—the kind that lets me help around the house, take long walks, tackle whatever comes without hesitation.

A fighting chance. Exercise strengthens my body and acts as a defense against the illness I’ve already beaten. It’s a tool to help me fulfill my purpose: caring for my family and making a difference in the world.

Thomas Jefferson wrote to his nephew: “Give about two hours every day to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong.”

I’ll be honest—I’m carrying more weight than I should be…over 40 pounds more. That’s exactly why I’m committing to an hour daily right now. Once I’ve made progress, I’ll ease back to 30 minutes for maintenance.

For some, exercise is already solid and other areas need work. For me, this is a focal point.

The best time to start? Not Monday. Not next month. Today. The best time to start is NOW.

What’s your focal point in your own challenge? Drop a comment—let’s keep each other moving.

See you tomorrow for Day 6.

Embarking on the 7-40 Challenge: Welcome to 2026

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello, friends. Welcome to 2026!

It’s January 1st, and I’m thrilled to kick off Round One of the 7-40 Challenge. This year, I’ve decided to make 2026 the most purposeful year of my life. To do that, I’m using my 7-40 framework: seven core habits practiced in 40-day cycles to build sustainable transformation.

As Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” This year isn’t about perfection. It’s about purposeful, consistent change that compounds over time.

Some of you followed my 7-40 posts in 2025. You’ll recognize many of the same foundational habits, but with fresh additions and a deeper commitment. Here’s what the seven habits look like for 2026.

My Seven Foundational Habits

1. Daily Bible Study and Prayer

I’ve signed up for a one-year Bible reading plan and started strong this morning. As it has been for years, this remains my core habit—everything else flows from it. Charles Spurgeon put it well: “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

2. Exercise: One Hour Daily

During each 40-day sprint, I’ll exercise for at least one hour a day. I’ll keep moving during reflection weeks too. This isn’t a rigid regime—it’s purposeful. I’ll listen to my body, take occasional rest days when needed, and focus on what serves my goals. My mix: weightlifting, daily walking, and yoga. I’m following DDP Yoga (more on why I love it in a future post).

3. Daily Calorie Tracking

I love food—sometimes too much. To stay honest, I’ll track calories and macros every day. My aim isn’t just weight loss; it’s giving my body the balanced nutrition it needs to thrive.

4. Water Intake: 100 Ounces Daily

Water and I have a complicated relationship. Some days I’m great at it; others, not so much. But it’s essential. My goal: at least 100 ounces daily—roughly three 32-ounce bottles or twelve 8-ounce glasses.

5. Reading: 30 Minutes Daily

I’ll read or listen to books for at least 30 minutes each day. In 2025, this habit brought fresh ideas and new perspectives—even on books I’d read before. It was one of the most rewarding parts of the challenge.

6. Creative Projects: Daily Progress

This year I’m opening up more about my creative work.

  • I’ve finished the first draft of a novel and will revise it with the goal of pitching to agents or publishers—or self-publishing via Amazon KDP.
  • I’m starting a personal memoir to capture and share stories from my life.
  • I’ll continue posting here and on social channels about the 7-40 journey.

But here’s the real experiment: I’m using myself as the lab rat. No more theory—just real results, authentic experience, and personal testimony.

7. Gratitude: Weekly Practice

Each week I’ll pause to express deep gratitude for:

  • God, who loves and saved me
  • My wife, who has walked with me through 27 years of marriage
  • My son, now a remarkable young man
  • Dear friends, parents, and in-laws
  • My job and the wonderful people I work with

Throughout the year, I’ll also reflect on the moments that shaped me—times when God’s grace or others’ help carried me through. Gratitude changes everything, and I have so much to be thankful for.

My Big Audacious Goal for 2026

I want to positively impact at least 1,000 people.

I may never know all their names or meet them in person. That’s okay. My hope is to brighten days, spark hope, and show what’s possible.

If a 47-year-old guy who’s 50 pounds overweight, who has wasted time dreaming instead of doing, who has beaten cancer twice by God’s grace—if I can look in the mirror and commit to real change, to achieving long-held goals, to loving people more intentionally—then anyone can.

That’s the message I want to live out and share.

Join Me

The 7-40 Challenge runs all year: seven 40-day habit cycles, woven with reflection weeks, celebrations, and (hopefully) a growing community supporting one another.

If this resonates, come along for the ride. Share your own habits in the comments, follow along on social, or simply cheer from the sidelines—every bit helps.

See you tomorrow for Day 2. Let’s make 2026 count.