Tag: mental-health

The Truth About Motivation: Stop Waiting, Start Doing

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Every time I scroll through my social media feeds, I’m bombarded with posts about motivation. “Find the motivation to chase your dreams!” “Stay motivated to crush your goals!” The word gets thrown around so much that it’s easy to lose sight of what it actually means. So, let’s cut through the noise and get real.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, motivation is “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.” Sounds straightforward, right? But here’s the thing—I’ve been staring at that definition for a while now, and I’m calling it out: Motivation is a liar.

Let me explain. If I’m being brutally honest, my “general desire” is to do as little as possible. I’m human. I gravitate toward the path of least resistance. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s the truth. And my “willingness” to do things? That’s shaky at best. I’ve got big dreams and grand intentions, but let’s face it—it’s easier to not achieve. It’s easier to scroll, binge-watch, or procrastinate than to grind toward something meaningful.

But here’s where I draw the line: I refuse to let that define me. I know myself well enough to understand that my fleeting desires or shaky willingness can’t be trusted to get the job done. My choices, my responsibilities, my word—those are what matter. I can’t sit around waiting for a magical burst of motivation to strike. Sure, those moments of inspiration feel like a shot of adrenaline, but they fizzle out fast. If I’m going to move forward, I need something more reliable than a feeling. I need a plan—and the self-discipline to stick to it.

As the great American poet Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” The same goes for action. The more you push through, the more you build the muscle of discipline. Waiting for motivation is like waiting for permission—it’s not coming unless you decide to act anyway.

I want to be a man of my word. When I say I’m going to do something, I want you to know it’s as good as done. You can take it to the bank. I’ve worked hard to make this true in my relationships with others, and I’m getting better at keeping that promise to myself. It’s not always easy. There are days when the couch calls louder than my goals, but I’m learning to show up anyway.

I was listening to an interview with Kobe Bryant a while back, and he dropped a gem that hit me hard. He talked about signing a contract with himself. He made a deal—willingly—and held himself accountable to follow through. That’s why he was the hardest-working person in any room. He didn’t wait for motivation to show up; he showed up for himself. As Kobe put it, “You have to work hard in the dark to shine in the light.” That’s the kind of commitment I’m striving for.

So, this is my reminder to myself—and maybe to you, too: Motivation is a liar. It’s a fleeting feeling that can’t be trusted to carry you through. There are goals to chase, tasks to tackle, and promises to keep. The deal has been made. It’s time to get to work.

What’s one thing you’re committing to today, no matter how you feel? Let’s hold ourselves accountable and make it happen.

Day 24 of the 7-40 Challenge: Aligning Your Vision with Unwavering Effort

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friend. Welcome to Day 24 of my 7-40 Challenge. We’re knee-deep in this journey now, and honestly, it feels both exhilarating and exhausting. For those just tuning in, this challenge is all about building seven daily habits over extended periods—40-day increments that give me enough time to really grind through the reps and see what sticks.

I’m 64 days in at this point, and for the most part, I’ve held strong. Sure, life has thrown its curveballs these past two months—fast and furious doesn’t even cover it. But amid the chaos, I’m genuinely thankful for the progress I’ve made. There are days when I stare in the mirror and question if anything’s changed at all. Sound familiar? I know I’m not alone in that nagging doubt, and that’s exactly why I keep pushing forward.

Yesterday, I dove into a new audiobook: Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David. Man, this guy’s framework for success as a businessperson, entrepreneur, or really anyone chasing big goals is spot on. He’s all about strategic thinking, and his first “move” hits right at the core: understanding who you are and what you truly want.

One quote from the book really resonated with me, so I wanted to share it:

“If someone is winning at a higher level than you are, you either need to lower your expectations to match your current work ethic, or increase your work ethic to exceed your own expectations. If you do neither, you will be miserable. So one way or the other, you have to have expectations that match your work ethic to achieve the vision that you have set out for yourself.”

Boom. That one really made me think. It’s from his chapter on clarifying your desires, and it ties into another gem: “Your vision must align with who you want to be. Your choices must align with your vision, your effort must align with the size of your vision, and your behavior must align with your values and principles.”

Reading this chapter (or listening, in my case) was a message I didn’t know I needed. For years, I’ve toyed with the idea of going full entrepreneur mode—starting something from scratch, being my own boss. But if I’m brutally honest, that’s not the path for me right now. I love the thrill of entrepreneurial adventures, but I want them alongside my current career, not instead of it. At least for the foreseeable future.

Beyond that, I’ve always craved more success, more impact, more me. Yet, I’ve skimped on defining what that actually looks like. Who do I want to be? What do I want to achieve? There were times early in my career when I’d get frustrated watching others climb faster. I’d feel competitive, like I’d earned my spot, but things didn’t always move at my pace. Looking back, though, it all lines up with Bet-David’s wisdom: My achievements matched my effort. When I locked in on clear goals and poured in the work, promotions, raises, and recognition followed. When I coasted? Frustration city.

This reminds me of an insight from Thomas Edison, the inventor who embodied relentless hustle: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” It’s a stark reminder that vision without sweat is just daydreaming. Edison didn’t just wish for breakthroughs; he aligned his effort with his ambitions, failing thousands of times before lighting up the world.

Now, in my 40s, I’m at this proverbial crossroads. I’m no longer that wide-eyed 20-something fumbling through. I’ve built a solid career, and I have a decent grasp on my strengths and identity. But it’s time to sharpen that vision—to define the scope of who I want to become in the years ahead. And for me, that’s deeply guided by my faith in God and trusting Jesus Christ to lead the way. As the Bible puts it in Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” That verse has been a anchor for me, reminding me that true alignment comes from surrendering my path to something greater.

It’s wild to think that even now, I’m still essentially asking, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” But here’s the exciting part: I have more tools, experience, and excitement than ever before. I know I can chase those dreams—I just need to get crystal clear, craft a plan, and execute. For too long, fear held me back from that next step. No more. It’s time to move forward with confidence.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” For me, That’s the mindset I’m adopting. Whether it’s habits in this challenge or bigger life moves, it’s about deciding, aligning, and acting.

If you’re reading this and feeling that pull toward clarity or change, join me. What’s one step you can take today to align your vision with your effort? Let’s keep grinding—together.

Until next time, stay strong.

Day 22 of the 7-40 Challenge: Finding Gratitude in the Grind

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 22 of Round 2 of the 7-40 Challenge. Today’s post is inspired by a moment of clarity I stumbled upon during a workshop discussion about overcoming frustrations and unmet expectations. It’s a topic that hits home for so many of us, and I’m excited to share a perspective that not only lifted my spirits but might just spark something in you, too.

Life, as we know it, is a whirlwind of problem-solving, navigating tricky conversations, and tackling challenges that don’t always go as planned. Whether it’s a tough day at work or a moment where reality falls short of our expectations, frustration can creep in like an uninvited guest. As the great philosopher Plato once said, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith.” For me, that faith often takes the form of gratitude—a powerful weapon against the weight of disappointment.

Let me paint you a picture from my past. I once worked for an insurance claims firm, and to call it a “tumultuous” experience would be putting it mildly. The office was a haze of cigarette and cigar smoke—no rules against it in that privately run business. The air was thick, not just with smoke but with colorful language that was part of the daily grind. Days were filled with tense calls from clients demanding money, and I often felt like I was wading through a swamp of frustration. Lunch breaks with friends were my brief escape, like a prisoner tasting freedom for an hour. But even then, I carried the lingering smell of smoke, a reminder of the environment I was desperate to leave behind.

I knew I was meant for more, but in those moments, dejection had a tight grip. It took time—more than I’d like to admit—to break free and find my way. Looking back, I realize those frustrations were shaping me, driving me to be and do more than I ever had…even if I couldn’t see it then.

Fast forward to the workshop I attended today, where a simple exercise shifted my perspective. Picture this: in one hand, hold all your frustrations—the missed deadlines, the difficult coworkers, the moments when life feels like it’s falling short. In the other hand, hold everything you’re grateful for. For me, that’s a fulfilling job (even with its challenges), the freedom of living in the USA where I can chase my dreams, a loving wife and son, and a faith in Jesus that anchors me. As Helen Keller once said, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Gratitude is that open door.

When I weigh both hands, something remarkable happens. The frustrations in one don’t seem so heavy when balanced against the gratitude in the other. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about choosing to see the good alongside it. Gratitude becomes a compass, guiding us through the fog of disappointment toward purpose and clarity.

Have you ever had a day where frustration threatened to derail you? Maybe you’re in a job that feels like a dead end, or perhaps life isn’t matching the vision you had in your head. I get it. But I challenge you to try this: hold your frustrations in one hand and your blessings in the other. Notice how the weight shifts. Let gratitude be your guide, pointing you toward the path you’re meant to walk, even when the road feels rough.

Here’s to finding balance, embracing gratitude, and letting it lead us through the grind. What’s in your hands today? I’d love to hear how gratitude has been your compass—share your thoughts, and let’s keep this journey going together.

Slow Down to See: Day 21 of the 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 21 of the second round of my 7-40 Challenge. What a day! I crushed a bunch of those “honeydoos” (you know, the to-do list that is a must!), and I’m feeling pretty darn good about it. But beyond checking boxes, I had some deep thoughts today, sparked by a line from Austin Kleon’s Keep Going. So, grab a drink, get comfy, and let’s unpack something that hit me like a ton of bricks.

I’m an audiobook junkie—always “reading” with my ears while I mow the lawn or tackle chores. Sometimes, though, a line stops me dead in my tracks, and I’ve gotta pause, rewind, and let it soak in. That happened today. While listening to Keep Going, Austin dropped this gem: “It’s impossible to pay proper attention to your life if you’re hurtling along at lightning speed. When your job is to see things other people don’t, you have to slow down so that you can actually look.”

I was out back, riding my mower, when those words made me slam on the brakes. I killed the engine, rewound, and played it again. It felt like the something was nudging me, saying, “Hey, you’re onto something here.” See, at my job (which I’ll keep vague for these posts), I deal with data. My role is to make sure the numbers we’re working with are rock-solid, so when we talk about them, we’re crystal clear and confident. Sounds straightforward, but it’s not. It takes time, persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to step back and think critically. My job is literally to spot what others miss—but I can’t do that if I’m racing through my day like it’s a speed trial.

This idea of slowing down isn’t just about work, though. It’s about life. We’re obsessed with speed these days. How fast can I finish this? How quick can I jump to the next thing? If I’m not moving at breakneck pace, am I falling behind? But here’s the thing—Henry David Thoreau once said, “It’s not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?” That hits hard. Are we just busy for the sake of speed, or are we busy with purpose? Kleon’s words and Thoreau’s question got me thinking: if I’m hurtling along, I’m not really seeing anything—my work, my relationships, my creativity, my faith.

Picture this: years ago, my wife and I went rafting at the Royal Gorge. That river was life in a nutshell—sometimes calm and peaceful, sometimes a wild ride through rapids. (True story: I got tossed into a rapid called the Wall Slammer, surrounded by rebar-infested waters. Ask me about it over dinner sometime!) In my head, I imagine myself floating down this river on my stomach, head down, barely keeping up. Every now and then, I lift my head just long enough to glimpse my surroundings before plunging back into the current. Months, even years, can pass before I look up again. And when I do, it hits me: time’s flying. Life’s moving so fast, it’s a blur.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re just trying to keep your head above water? I know I have. And I bet you have too. So, what do we do? We slow down. We get intentional. We tune in—to the world, to the people we love, to our work, our creativity, and, for me, my relationship with God. Lao Tzu put it perfectly: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” If nature can take its time and still get it done, why can’t we? Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind—it means steering our own course.

Today, as I mowed and mulled over Kleon’s words, I realized I’m already doing some of this right. At work, when I take the time to dig into the data, to really see what’s there, I’m lifting my head out of the river. I’m checking my direction, making sure I’m headed where I want to go. I’m trying to do the same at home, with my family, my creative projects, my faith. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because if we don’t slow down, we’re just floating along, letting the current drag us wherever it wants. We miss the moments that matter—the beauty, the connections, the purpose.

So, what about you? Are you floating with your head down, letting life pull you along? Or are you lifting your head, taking a good look around, and asking, “Is this where I want to be?”

Thanks for reading, friends. I pray you’re happy, healthy, and well. Let’s keep lifting our heads, slowing down, and steering toward where we truly want to go. See you tomorrow for Day 22 of the 7-40 Challenge!

Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge: How We Spend Our Days is How We Spend Our Lives

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 20 of my 7-40 Challenge. It’s been a whirlwind of a day around our house—life’s been keeping us on our toes—but the challenge marches on, and I’m thrilled to share that we’re making some solid progress. More than that, though, I’ve got some thoughts brewing from this morning’s reflections that I’m excited to dive into with you. First off, let me just say: thank you for being here, for reading these words. It means the world to me to have you along for this journey.

Lately, I’ve been diving deep into Austin Kleon’s work, and let me tell you, it’s been spot on. I tore through Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, and this morning, I cracked open Keep Going. These books are like a masterclass in creativity—packed with ideas on how to tap into your creative spark, nurture it, and actually get stuff done. They’re the kind of reads that make you want to grab a pen, start creating, and never stop.

But today, one particular gem stopped me in my tracks. In Keep Going, Kleon quotes Annie Dillard, who said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” I had to put the book down for a minute just to let that sink in. It’s one of those truths that’s so simple yet so profound, it hits you like a ton of bricks. How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Think about that for a second.

Sure, we all have those standout moments—the vacations, the big wins, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that light up our lives. But those are the exceptions. Most of our lives are made up of the everyday, the routine, the habits we fall into. And those daily choices? They’re the building blocks of who we become.

Let’s paint a picture. Imagine waking up every day, grabbing an oversized breakfast, eating a bit too much, and heading out the door already frustrated with your family. You get to work, grumble about your tasks, half-heartedly engage with your team, and let the day slip by in a haze of complaints. Lunch rolls around, and you overdo it again. You’re late to meetings because, honestly, you’re just not that motivated. By evening, you’re rushing home, still carrying that frustration, maybe pouring a drink or two too many, and zoning out in front of the TV until it’s time to crash. Rinse and repeat.

You can see where this is going, right? If that’s your daily pattern, it’s not just a bad day—it’s a bad habit. Over time, those habits stack up, and suddenly you’re looking at a life where your health is shot from overeating and drinking, your relationships are strained because you haven’t prioritized the people you love, and your work is lackluster because you’ve settled for mediocrity. Years down the line, you might look back and realize you’ve missed opportunities, neglected relationships, and become someone you never wanted to be. All because of how you spent your days.

Now, let’s flip the script. Picture this instead: You wake up, lace up your shoes, and get some exercise in—fresh air filling your lungs. You spend a quiet moment reading your Bible, praying, or listening to something inspiring, like a good audiobook. Before you head out, you take a moment to tell your spouse how much they mean to you. At work, you dive into your tasks with focus, respect your teammates, and look for ways to add value. Maybe you even sneak in a walk at lunch, soaking in the gratitude for where you are and what you get to do.

When you get home, you’re excited to see your family. You pour into your kids—telling them you love them, that you’re proud of them, that you’re there to help them become who they’re meant to be. Dinner is a time to connect, to laugh, to enjoy each other’s company. After everyone’s asleep, you carve out a little time for yourself—reading, working on personal goals, or reflecting on the day. You hit the pillow feeling accomplished, knowing you gave it your all.

Can you imagine what weeks, months, or years of that routine would do? It’s not just a good day—it’s a good life. As Kleon puts it, “The trick is to find a way to make the days add up to something.” And I can tell you from experience, this kind of intentional living changes everything. There was a time when I dreaded going to work, when it was tempting to overeat or overdrink. Those days are long gone, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the life I’ve been given. I want to make the most of every moment, every opportunity.

That’s why Dillard’s quote hit me so hard. It’s a wake-up call to choose wisely, every single day. To build habits that align with the person I want to be—someone who loves well, lives well, and inspires others to do the same. Another line from Kleon’s book stuck with me: “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up and do the work.” It’s not about being flawless; it’s about showing up consistently and choosing the things that matter.

So, here’s my challenge to you: take a look at your days. What habits are you building? Are they leading you toward the life you want, or are they pulling you somewhere else? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this quote—“How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” Drop a comment below and let’s keep this conversation going. What’s one small change you could make to your daily routine that might just change the trajectory of your life?

Thanks for joining me on Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m pumped to see you back here tomorrow for Day 21. Let’s keep choosing the good stuff, the noble stuff, the stuff that makes God smile. Here’s to living with no regrets!