Tag: mental-health

Day 17 of the 7-40 Challenge: Let Gratitude Light Your Fire

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there! Welcome to day seventeen of my 7-40 challenge, where I’m pouring my heart into sharpening my skills, building unstoppable momentum, and keeping my eyes fixed on what truly matters. Today, I’m sitting here with a heart so full it might just burst—not from anything grand or flashy, but from the quiet, powerful glow of gratitude. And I want to share that warmth with you, because gratitude? It’s not just a feeling. It’s a spark that can set your whole world ablaze in the best way possible.

Let me paint you a picture. Tonight, I’m reflecting on all the blessings in my life—my faith, my family, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the endless love that surrounds me. It’s like a cozy fire in my chest, warming me from the inside out. And it’s got me thinking about something Albert Schweitzer once said: “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person; each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Those words hit me hard because they remind me that gratitude isn’t meant to sit still. It’s not a quiet moment of reflection that fades when the day ends. No, gratitude is a call to action—a nudge to take that spark and pass it on, to light someone else’s flame and keep the cycle going.

Let’s get real for a second. Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you” and moving on. It’s about doing something with it. It’s about taking that warmth in your heart and turning it into movement, into impact. For me, that’s been so clear in this season of change. I recently made a big move—new city, new job, new chapter. My old job? It was good. It had its highs and lows, familiar faces, and steady routines. I was grateful for it, truly. But deep down, I knew I needed a change. I wanted to be closer to family, to step into something that felt like a better fit for who I am and who I’m becoming. And then this new company came along and gave me a chance. A real chance to shine. I’m so thankful for that—not just for the job, but for the opportunity to show up, work hard, and prove that their trust in me wasn’t misplaced.

That gratitude? It didn’t just make me smile on day one and call it a day. It lit a fire under me. It’s pushing me to bring my A-game, to add value, to lift others up as I go. I want to earn every opportunity I’m given and create more for those around me. That’s what gratitude does—it moves you. It’s not about chasing rewards or recognition. It’s about saying “thank you” by doing good with what you’ve been given. It’s about keeping that cycle of thankfulness alive, sparking it in others so they can feel it too.

So, here’s my challenge to you today: pause for a moment and think about what’s filling your heart with gratitude. Maybe it’s the people who’ve believed in you, the small wins that keep you going, or the simple beauty of a sunrise that reminds you life is good. Whatever it is, hold it close. Let it warm you. And then—here’s the important part—do something with it. How can you turn that gratitude into action? Maybe it’s a kind word to someone who needs it, a helping hand, or a bold step toward a dream you’ve been holding back on. Whatever it is, let gratitude be your fuel.

I’d love to hear from you. What’s got your heart glowing with thankfulness today? And how are you turning that gratitude into something real, something that moves the needle for you or someone else? Drop it in the comments below—let’s inspire each other and keep this spark alive.

Here’s to day seventeen, to gratitude that moves us. I’ll see you tomorrow for day eighteen, ready to keep this journey going strong. Keep shining, friends—you’ve got this!

Day 16 of the 7-40 Challenge: Keep Going, Even When You’re Tired

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, dream-chaser! Welcome to Day 16 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I’m committing to seven daily habits to bring my goals to life. Today, I’ve got a confession: I’m exhausted. Bone-tired, ready-to-crawl-back-to-bed kind of tired. But here’s the thing—I’m not giving up. And neither should you. Let’s talk about pushing through, staying focused, and chasing our dreams, even when the going gets tough.

The Comfort Trap: A Familiar Foe

We’ve all been there. When life gets hard, when fatigue sets in, it’s so tempting to slip back into our comfort zones. For me, that used to mean diving under the covers, scrolling endlessly through social media, or reaching for a snack to numb the discomfort. I’ve spent parts of my life as a comfort seeker, dodging the hard stuff in favor of what feels easy. But here’s what I’ve learned: comfort is the enemy of progress. I want progress.

As the great philosopher Plato once said, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith.” Faith in ourselves, in our goals, and in the process—it’s what keeps us moving forward when every fiber of our being screams for rest. The old me would’ve given in to that scream. The new me? I’m choosing to show up, tired or not.

Doing It Tired, Doing It Hurting, Doing It Anyway

Part of building a daily habit set—like my 7-40 Challenge—is being unwavering. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when you’re not at your best. Today, I’m tired. My body’s aching, and my bed is calling my name. But I’m not listening. Why? Because I know that the tiredness will pass, but the regret of giving up won’t.

I’m committing to finishing my seven habits today—my workout, my water intake, my goals—before I let myself rest. And here’s the good news: I will get to rest. I’ll sleep soundly tonight, wake up tomorrow, and go after it again. The fatigue is temporary, but the progress? That’s is non negotiable.

A Lesson from the Past: The Power of Relentless Pursuit

Let me take you back to a moment that still inspires me. Thirty years ago, I was a high school junior with a dream: to make the All-State Choir. I’d tasted defeat the year before as a sophomore, and it stung. But that summer, I decided failure wasn’t an option. The choir clinic I needed to attend cost money—money I didn’t have. So, I got to work. I mowed lawns, hustled, and saved every penny until I could afford it. I practiced relentlessly, poured my heart into every note, and when tryouts came, I made it. I stood on that stage, a member of the All-State Choir, because I refused to let anything stand in my way. I have applied that o other pursuits over the years with similar outcome, but there have been times of the opposite. I have to focus on the good days and let them be my choice.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” That’s the mindset I’m bringing to my 7-40 Challenge. In just 16 days, I’ve lost over 10 pounds by staying consistent—drinking my water, hitting my hour-long workouts, and keeping my eyes on the prize. I’m tired, sure, but I’m also stronger, healthier, and closer to my goals. The principle is the same now as it was back then: when you know what you want, you don’t let obstacles—whether it’s fatigue, doubt, or setbacks—stop you.

Your Turn: What’s Your Goal?

So, let me ask you: What’s your goal? What dream are you chasing? Are you showing up for it every day, even when it’s hard? Are you holding yourself accountable, or are you letting excuses creep in? I want to hear from you. If you’re crushing it, share your story—I could use the inspiration! If you’re struggling, let’s talk about it. Frustrations are part of the journey, but they don’t have to define it.

You, reading this right now, are part of my accountability. Knowing you’re out there, cheering me on, holds me accountable. I’m grateful for you—more than you know.

Keep Going, Keep Growing

Day 16 of the 7/40 Challenge is almost in the books, and I’m not done yet. I’ll finish my habits, push through the tiredness, and wake up tomorrow ready to tackle Day 17. The road to our dreams isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

So, let’s keep going—tired, hurting, or otherwise. Let’s chase our goals with everything we’ve got. Here’s to Day 16, to progress, and to the unstoppable spirit inside us all. I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 17. Keep shining!

What’s your goal? Drop it in the comments, share your wins, or let me know what’s holding you back. Let’s inspire each other!

Day 15 of the 7-40 Challenge: Finding Magic in the Mundane

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to Day 15 of my 740 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I commit to seven daily tasks to build consistency, discipline, and progress toward my goals. Today, I’m diving into a topic that might not sound glamorous but is the backbone of every great achievement: executing through the mundane. Stick with me, because this is where the magic happens.

We all dream of that “overnight success” moment—the spotlight, the recognition, the feeling of finally making it. We imagine waking up one day to find our goals achieved, our names celebrated, and our unique talents shining for the world to see. But here’s the truth: overnight success is a myth. As the Founding Father Thomas Jefferson once said, “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.”  Those who seem to burst onto the scene have often spent years grinding in the shadows, honing their craft, and embracing the mundane tasks that build the foundation for greatness.

The Hidden Work Behind the Spotlight

Think about it: every icon we admire—whether it’s an athlete, an artist, or an entrepreneur—has a story of relentless effort. Take Michael Jordan, for example. He’s celebrated as arguably, the greatest basketball players of all time, but what most people don’t talk about are the countless hours he spent shooting free throws, running drills, and studying game footage. As Jordan himself said, “I’ve failed over and over, and that’s why I succeed.” His success wasn’t a sudden leap; it was the result of showing up, day after day, to do the work most people overlook.

The same applies to us. We might not be aiming for NBA stardom, but we all have goals—whether it’s writing a book, building a business, or simply becoming a better version of ourselves. The path to those goals is paved with repetitive, sometimes boring tasks. And that’s okay. The mundane is where discipline is forged, where skills are sharpened, and where dreams take root.

Embracing the Grind

I’ll be honest: I used to think creativity and success were all about spontaneous bursts of brilliance. As a self-proclaimed “free spirit” (I still have one inside me, even though he doesn’t get to come out very often!), I resisted routine. I thought sticking to the same tasks day in and day out would stifle my creativity. But over time, I’ve learned that true mastery comes from repetition. As the philosopher Aristotle wisely noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

In my 7-40 Challenge, I’m focusing on seven core habits: reading voraciously (or listening to audiobooks), writing daily to capture my thoughts, prioritizing my fitness with single-minded focus, deepening my relationship with God through Bible study and prayer, and practicing genuine gratitude every day. These tasks might sound simple, even mundane, but they’re the building blocks of the life I want to create. They’re the small, consistent steps that will lead me to bigger, more creative goals down the road.

Why the Mundane Matters

The world loves to celebrate the viral moment—the one-hit wonder or the overnight sensation. But here’s the catch: those who achieve fleeting success without a foundation of discipline often can’t sustain it. Virality might come from luck, but lasting impact comes from craft. When you’ve spent years perfecting your skills, those “bursts of creativity” the world sees aren’t random—they’re the result of countless hours of preparation.

In my own journey, I’m not chasing likes or followers. My goal isn’t for the world to notice this challenge (though if you’re reading this, hi!). My aim is to weave these habits into the fabric of my life, to become proficient in the small things so I can tackle the big ones. As author James Clear puts it in Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” The mundane tasks we commit to are the systems that carry us forward.

Your Turn: Find Power in the Mundane

So, what about you? What mundane tasks do you do every day that are quietly building your path to success? Maybe it’s the early morning workout you never skip, the journal you write in each night, or the emails you send to nurture your professional relationships. These small acts might not feel exciting, but they’re the threads that weave the tapestry of your achievements.

I’d love to hear from you! Share in the comments one mundane task you do consistently that’s helping you move toward your goals. Let’s inspire each other to keep showing up, even when the work feels ordinary. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Let’s keep taking those steps, together.

Here’s to Day 15 of the 740 Challenge—and to the power of the mundane! Keep grinding, keep growing, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 16.

What’s your mundane task that’s paving the way to your success? Drop it in the comments below and let’s celebrate the small steps that lead to big wins!

Day 14 of the 7-40 Challenge: Becoming Who I’m Meant to Be

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good evening, my friends! As the sun sets on week two of the 7-40 Challenge—that’s 14 days straight of committing to seven daily habits over 40 days—I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude and excitement. This isn’t just a checklist of tasks; it’s a bold pursuit of personal growth, a relentless chase after my goals, and a test of how far I can push myself when I truly set my mind to it. If you’ve been following along, you know this challenge is about more than achievement—it’s about transformation. And today, I want to inspire you to join me in that transformation, because every small step today shapes the extraordinary person you’ll become tomorrow.

Picture this: It was a fantastic weekend, capped off by a powerful sermon at Life.Church that hit me right in the soul. The pastor’s words echoed like a clarion call: “It’s not as much about what you do in the future as who you are becoming today.” Wow. In that moment, everything clicked. For years, I’ve known the “right” things to do—heck, most of us do. But knowledge alone doesn’t build empires or change lives. It’s discipline, that quiet, daily grind, that forges us into something different than we could have ever imagined.

Let me be real with you: I’ve never struggled with understanding what needs to be done. My Achilles’ heel? Actually doing it. Sound familiar? You know the drill—losing weight seems straightforward on paper. Track your calories, burn more than you consume, lace up those sneakers for an hour of exercise, and steer clear of those late-night temptations. The math is simple, but execution? That’s where the battle rages. For me, food has been a crutch during stress, a comforting escape that’s led to too many high-calorie slip-ups at the worst times. It’s a classic story, one shared by so many of us.

But here’s the game-changer: Committing to this daily practice—counting calories, hitting that workout, and sharing my progress here for accountability—has shifted everything. It’s not about the distant finish line; it’s about the person I’m sculpting right now, in these small, consistent moments. As Aristotle wisely said centuries ago, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Those words from ancient Greece resonate deeply, reminding us that true greatness isn’t born from grand gestures but from the habits we nurture day in and day out.

Now, don’t get me wrong—the pastor wasn’t dismissing big dreams. Far from it! Life is fleeting; tomorrow isn’t promised, as I’ve learned through my own brushes with mortality. Yet, in acknowledging our fragility, we’re also awakened to our immense potential. We’re crafted in the image of the ultimate Creator—God Himself. Genesis 1:27 declares, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” And Psalm 139:13-14 beautifully affirms, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

If we’re made in the likeness of the One who spoke the universe into existence, then we’re wired to dream, to innovate, to build beauty from chaos. We’re born creators! But with that comes a sacred balance: chasing audacious goals while cultivating the character that sustains them. The Bible is rich with guidance on this. The Ten Commandments outline boundaries to protect our integrity and to honor God, while Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 calls us to be the light of the world—merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, holy. And in his letters, the Apostle Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:32 to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” And so much more. 

So, who are we becoming? Are we trustworthy people that others can lean on? Dependable friends who show up in the storms? Uplifting voices that inspire rather than tear down? These are the qualities my 7-40 Challenge is honing in me, rooted in daily Bible study and prayer. I want God’s Word to mold me to make me more like Jesus. As Proverbs 4:25-27 instructs, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

You might be reading this and thinking, “That’s great for you, but faith isn’t my thing.” I get it. Yet, I think we can agree on this: Small, intentional actions, repeated daily, propel us toward the best version of ourselves, whatever that looks like for you. Whether it’s conquering a fitness goal, advancing your career, or nurturing relationships, consistency is the secret sauce. As the great inventor Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” It’s that daily sweat equity that turns dreams into reality. It is doing what needs to be done every day to become who we are supposed to be.

What are you working on right now? Who are you becoming in these everyday moments? How will the habits you’re building today carry you into a brighter future? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your stories, your struggles, and your victories. Let’s motivate each other, inspire one another, and remember: The masterpiece you’re creating isn’t just what you achieve—it’s who you become along the way.

Keep pushing, keep growing. You’ve got this!

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!