David Willis Blog

Day 3 of the 7-40 Challenge: Gratitude That Shifts Your World and Choices That Build Your Future

Hey friends!

Welcome to Day 3 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m posting this straight from my gym—sweat still drying, heart still pumping—right after crushing my workout for the day. What a good day it’s been. I’ve got a couple reflections burning in my chest that I have to share with you tonight. Let’s dive in.

The Game-Changer Called Gratitude

Over the last two rounds of this challenge (and now into round three), something wild has happened to my attitude. It’s shifted—big time—because I’ve zeroed in on gratitude.

“It’s one thing to say that you’re thankful for things. It is a very different thing to… tell those things to God. Thank him for what he’s done for you. To share with other people, the way that they have affected your life positively.” – David Willis

That’s me, word for word, because this isn’t fluffy talk—it’s real. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good vibe; I’m mostly convinced that gratitude… is for my betterment, even as it betters the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says it plain: Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I’m so grateful for the life I’ve been given. The opportunities to make a difference. To wake up every day and do better. Who’s with me on that?

The Power of Choices: Lessons from Zig Ziglar

This afternoon, I fired up the audiobook of Zig Ziglar’s See You at the Top. Written 50 years ago, and it’s hitting harder than ever. Sure, some stories feel like flashbacks to my childhood, but they’re poignant. Relevant. Inspiring—maybe more now than the first time I devoured them.

Zig drops this bomb: “For over 20 years of my life, I chose to weigh well over 200 pounds.” The crowd’s like, “What do you mean, Zig? You chose that?”

He grins in that classic Southern drawl: “I have never been forced to eat anything in my life. Me weighing too much was a product of my choices.”

Mic drop.

Then he shares how, for 10 months after deciding to get healthy, he hated joggers. Saw them out there, buzzing with life, loving every stride… and it annoyed him. Until he became one.

Picture this: Running at Portland State University. Road blurring under his feet. Sun shining. Warm breeze. Boom—reality hits. “He wasn’t paying the price for health. He was enjoying the benefits.”

Fast-forward: At 61 years old (just 16 years after that choice), Zig’s resting heart rate? In the 40s. He could blaze five miles faster and easier than guys half his age.

Zig Ziglar said it best: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

Discipline. Choices. Daily grind. That’s the ticket.

Why I’m All In on This Challenge

Zig’s been gone for several years, but his example? Still lighting a fire under me. I never met the man, but I’m chasing that same character. I, too, want to make choices that will lead me into a better future.

A future with a heart full of gratitude. A healthier, more vibrant me. Step by step, through this 7-40 Challenge, daily workouts, and every habit I’m stacking—I’m building it.

Healthy. Happy. Reasonably prosperous. And yeah—inspiring you to run your own race.

Who’s ready for Day 4? Let’s keep choosing better.

See you at the top.

P.S. Grab See You at the Top if you haven’t. Life-changer.

David Willis Blog

Chasing Purpose Over Perfection: Day 36 of the 7-40 Challenge

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 36 of Round 2 of my 7-40 Challenge. Wherever this post finds you today, I hope you’re thriving, crushing your goals, and kicking off the week with a spark. I’ll be real with you—when I glanced at my watch and saw it’s already October 13, 2025, I did a double-take. Time is flying. The older I get, the faster it seems to slip through my fingers. Life’s been a whirlwind lately, and I’ve been wrestling to slow it down and get a grip on the chaos.

That’s exactly why I’m so laser-focused on my daily habits. Without them, time would just flitter away, leaving me at the end of the year wondering, “What the heck happened?” As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.” That hits hard, doesn’t it? My daily to-do list is my anchor, guiding me to make sure I’m steering my days with intention rather than letting them drift.

For those who’ve been following along, you know I’m working on seven core habits in this round of the 7-40 Challenge:

1. Daily Bible study and prayer

2. Tracking calories and drinking 100 ounces of water

3. Exercising for an hour each day

4. Reading or listening to audiobooks for 30 minutes

5. Practicing gratitude

6. Writing daily to capture my journey and thoughts

7. Pursuing my business and entrepreneurial goals

If I’m being honest, I’d give myself a B or maybe a B-minus for Round 2. I’ve been rock-solid on some habits, like my Bible study—I just hit three full years of reading the Bible every morning, which feels like a cornerstone of who I am. I’m also pretty consistent with my water intake (100 ounces daily? Nailed it). Reading has been a win, too—I’ve devoured eight books over the last 75 days, only missing one day. Right now, I’m diving into Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David, Desire by John Eldredge, and Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. Each one’s sparking new ideas and perspectives.

Writing daily has been a game-changer, too. Getting my thoughts on paper (or screen) helps me process what I’m learning and keeps me grounded. It’s like a daily checkpoint to reflect on how I’m doing and what’s on my mind. And gratitude? I’m trying to weave it into the fabric of my days—saying “thank you” for my family, my friends, my job, and the small kindnesses that come my way. As the 17th-century poet George Herbert once wrote, “Thou that hast given so much to me, give one thing more—a grateful heart.” I want gratitude to define me, not just be a box I check.

Now, where I “‘ve stumbled a bit is with my entrepreneurial goals. I haven’t been as consistent as I’d like in chasing those creative and business projects. But here’s the plan: as Round 3 kicks off in a few days, I’m doubling down. I want to get laser-focused and make daily progress on those dreams. The last 2.5 months of 2025 are going to be about clarity and action.

Here’s the thing—I’ve done challenges like this before, whether it’s 75 Hard or ones I’ve cooked up myself. In the past, I’d hit resistance, miss a day, and quit. Then I’d restart, hit another snag, and repeat the cycle. It was exhausting, and honestly, it got me nowhere. Perfectionism was the enemy, leaving me neither perfect nor productive. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

This time, I’m doing it differently. These two rounds of the 7-40 Challenge haven’t been flawless, but they’ve been meaningful. I’ve lost 20 pounds in the last two and a half months. I’ve read more in the past 75 days than I have in years. My mind feels sharper, my days more purposeful. I’m not chasing perfection anymore—I’m chasing purpose and progress. And let me tell you, consistent productivity feels so much better than occasional perfection.

So, how about you? How do you tackle your goals? Do you beat yourself up when things aren’t perfect, or do you give yourself grace and focus on moving forward? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments or shoot me a message.

Thank you for being here, for reading along, and for joining me on this journey. You’re appreciated more than you know. Here’s to winning one day at a time. See you tomorrow for Day 37!

A Quick Note: If you’re curious about the 7-40 Challenge or want to follow along, keep checking in here. I’m documenting the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

David Willis Blog

Embracing Extreme Ownership: A Journey of Personal Growth

Welcome back, friends! Today, I’m diving into my 7-40 Challenge—a personal quest to build seven daily habits over 40 days. We’re well into this journey, and despite my occasional confusion about what day it is (is it day 24 or 25? Day 24.), I’m making solid progress. One of my key habits is dedicating 30 minutes a day to reading or listening to a book, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

The Struggle with Paper Books

I’ll be honest: sitting down with a physical book is tough for me. It’s not that I don’t love a good story or crave knowledge—I do! I once devoured a James Patterson novel and a John Grisham thriller in a single weekend. But holding a book up to my face? It just doesn’t click. Over the years, I’ve realized I’m an auditory learner. Audiobooks let me process information faster and more effectively. Thanks to Audible, I’ve built an extensive collection of audiobooks, and I keep adding to it. They’re my go-to for soaking up stories and ideas while I’m on the move.

For this challenge, I started with Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis, which was inspiring, and dipped into Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller, but it didn’t feel like the right time for it. Then I picked up Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, and wow—this book is hitting all the right notes.

Why Extreme Ownership Resonates

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win is a powerhouse of leadership principles drawn from the authors’ experiences as Navy SEALs in Iraq. Willink and Babin share gripping stories from the battlefield and translate those lessons into practical strategies for business and everyday life. As someone who deeply admires soldiers for their courage, discipline, and fitness, I’m captivated by their ability to take high-stakes lessons from war and apply them to leadership.

The core principle of the book—extreme ownership—has me reflecting hard on my own life. As Willink and Babin write, “On any team, in any organization, all responsibility for success and failure rests with the leader. The leader must own everything in his or her world. There is no one else to blame” (Extreme Ownership, p. 30). This idea challenges leaders to take full responsibility—not just for their own actions but for the outcomes of their entire team. It’s about setting a clear vision, communicating effectively, and guiding your people toward a shared purpose.

A Lesson from the Past

This concept of ownership hits home when I think about a job I had in the mid-2000s. I worked in an office that was, frankly, a tough environment. The owner smoked four to six cigars a day, and stepping into the office was like walking into a smoky bar. By the end of the day, I reeked so badly that my wife wouldn’t kiss me until I showered and ditched my clothes. Beyond the smoke, the workplace was dysfunctional. Expectations were unclear, communication was spotty, and I felt stuck, frustrated, and unnoticed despite my hard work.

While I was there, I blamed my boss, the environment, or the situation for my unhappiness. But reading Extreme Ownership made me realize I was complicit in my misery. I stayed in that job for three and a half years, comfortably miserable, without actively seeking other opportunities. It wasn’t until a friend offered to pass my resume to another company that I saw a way out. That experience taught me a hard truth: my choices, effort, and actions played a huge role in my happiness. I had to take ownership of my situation to change it.

Applying Extreme Ownership Today

It’s been 18 years since I left that smoke-filled office, and I now have a career I love, doing work that feels meaningful and fulfilling. But even now, it’s tempting to point fingers when things don’t go my way—to blame the company, circumstances, or others for my frustrations. Extreme Ownership reminds me that it’s on me to perform, to lead those around me, and to take responsibility for our collective goals. As Willink and Babin put it, “Implementing Extreme Ownership requires checking your ego and operating with a high degree of humility” (Extreme Ownership, p. 76). It’s about owning my decisions, from my work to my fitness to every area of my life.

This mindset shift is transformative. Instead of complaining or feeling stuck, I’m learning to look in the mirror and ask, “What can I do to move forward?” Whether it’s tackling a work challenge, improving my health, or leading my team, extreme ownership has to become a way of life.

Your Turn

I can’t recommend Extreme Ownership enough. It’s a fantastic read (or listen!) for anyone looking to step up as a leader in their work, relationships, or personal growth. But I’m curious—what books are you reading right now? What lessons are sticking with you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and keep the conversation going.

Until tomorrow, keep moving forward!

Reference:

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

David Willis Blog

Day 11 – 7-40 Challenge: Embrace the Suck – The Real Path to Mastering Anything Worth Doing

Hey there, fellow achievers! Welcome to Day 11 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m tackling seven habits over 40 days to supercharge my life, crush my to-do list, and finally propel myself forward. If you’re just tuning in, this is my quest to build momentum through small, consistent actions. And today’s habit? Reading (or in my case, listening) for 30 minutes a day.

Look, 30 minutes might not sound revolutionary, but let’s be real – I’ve gone months without cracking open a book. It’s not that I hate knowledge; I devour it. But sitting still with a physical book? That’s been my kryptonite. Enter audiobooks: my secret weapon. I can be out for a long walk, like I was today, pop in my earbuds, and dive into over a million titles on Audible or wherever. It’s multitasking magic.

Right now, I’m hooked on Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis – a powerhouse book that’s lighting a fire under my creative pursuits. And today, one idea hit me like a ton of bricks: To truly excel at any craft, to master any skill, you’ve got to grind it out.. and then be okay with sucking at it for a bit.

The Hard Truth: Work Hard, Suck Harder (At First)

What do I mean? Success isn’t about natural talent alone. It’s about showing up, putting in the reps, and embracing the awkward phase where you’re just… not great yet.

Take singing, for example. Suppose I want to belt out a tune like a pro. Even with a dash of raw ability, I need to learn the lyrics, nail the melody, build breath control, and hit those notes consistently. Hours of practice later, and boom – that random flat note still sneaks in. Especially brutal when you’re onstage, spotlight glaring, crowd expecting magic… and you flop.

I know this pain intimately. Back in high school, I snagged a solo in our Christmas show: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” I was pumped. Practiced? Sure, but let’s be honest – not nearly as much as I should have. I stepped up, voice cracking on a high note so sour it could’ve curdled milk. Faces in the audience winced. Ouch.

But I powered through, finished the song, and slunk offstage red-faced. Did I learn my lesson right then? Nah. I shrugged it off with a “next time” mentality and blamed puberty for those pesky high notes. Youthful delusion at its finest.

The Lesson That Stuck: No Winging It Allowed

Fast-forward to today, and that memory is a goldmine of wisdom. If I want to crush anything – a performance, a project, a passion – I can’t wing it. Most of us can’t. Preparation is non-negotiable. You’ve got to invest the time, even if it means stumbling publicly.

So, how’s this playing out in my life now? Let’s break it down:

  • Physical Fitness: I’m not the athlete I dream of being. Not as lean as I’d like. Workouts leave me aching. But I show up. I sweat. I improve. Inch by inch, rep by rep – that’s the game.
  • Writing These Blog Posts: Pouring ideas onto the page that actually help you? It takes effort. Honesty. Vulnerability. Sometimes, my drafts suck. But I revise, share the raw stuff, and get better. If I want readers like you to nod along and think, “Wow, that’s spot on,” I have to risk putting out imperfect work.

The bottom line? Anything worth chasing demands hard work – and a thick skin for the “suck” phase. Embarrassment? It’s part of the package. But keep grinding, and you’ll emerge stronger, sharper, and satisfied.

Your Turn: What Lights Your Fire… and Scares You Silly?

Now, let’s flip the script to you, my awesome reader. What are you pursuing that sets your soul ablaze and gives you the jitters? I hope you’re diving into projects that excite and terrify in equal measure. Push yourself to create, to produce, even if the world doesn’t applaud right away. Keep moving. That’s where the magic happens.

For me, it’s about unleashing ideas – whether they land perfectly or not. They need to escape my head so I can grow, build resilience, and bask in that “job well done” glow.

Thanks for joining me on Day 11. Your support means the world. Catch you on Day 12 – let’s keep this momentum rolling! What’s one thing you’re willing to suck at today to master tomorrow? Drop it in the comments below. 🚀

David Willis Blog

Embarking on the 740 Challenge

A Journey of Transformation and Self-Improvement

Hello, everyone. Today, I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to share something personal with you. I’m starting a new project—a new challenge—that I’m calling the 740 Challenge. This isn’t just another fleeting resolution; it’s a structured plan for self-improvement and betterment that I believe can truly change my life. Let me break it down for you and explain why I’m doing this.

What is the 740 Challenge?

At its core, the 740 Challenge involves seven tasks that I intend to do daily over the next 40 days. Why 40 days? Well, biblically speaking, the number 40 often represents transformation—think of the 40 days of rain during the flood or Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. I’ve seen enough evidence to believe that, with consistent application and persistence, real change can happen in that timeframe. It’s not about overnight miracles; it’s about building habits that stick.

But here’s where the “7” and the bigger picture come in: I plan to complete seven cycles of this 40-day challenge. That adds up to 280 days in total. Between each cycle, I’ll take seven days to pause, revisit my goals, take notes, and assess my progress. Have I achieved what I set out to? Do I need to adjust? This break will keep things pragmatic and ensure I’m not just going through the motions.

The goal? Maximum results through sustained effort. By the end, I hope to have transformed key areas of my life.

Why Now? My Personal Story

I’m 46 years old, and let’s be honest: I’m not in the physical shape I wish I was. I haven’t accomplished many of the objectives I’ve set for myself over the years. Statistically, I might have several decades ahead of me, but the older I get, the more I realize time isn’t always on our side. I’ve learned this the hard way—I’ve gone through cancer twice. I’ve seen how frail human life is, lost people dear to me, and witnessed how quickly everything can change. Those experiences have hammered home a crucial truth: there’s no tomorrow promised. We have today, and we need to make the most of it to avoid regrets.

Like many of us, I have those competing voices in my head. One sits on my shoulder, encouraging me, whispering that these are worthy goals and I can do this. The other reminds me of past failures, insisting I’ll fall short again. Which one will I listen to? The proof will be in my daily actions. It’s time to make a change. It’s time to be better than I’ve been. It’s time to transform.

The Seven Goals

As part of the 740 Challenge, I have seven specific goals that I’ll be focusing on. I’ll cover these goals in detail so you can see what they are, and I’ll report back on my progress, sharing thoughts on each one as I go through the challenge. Why are they important? Because they represent the steps I need to take control and actively pursue a fulfilling life.

Here they are:

  1. Bible study and prayer: Spend 15-20 minutes, maybe this morning, reading a chapter or devotional and praying.
  2. 100+ ounces of water: This may seem basic, but staying hydrated is foundational to being healthy.
  3. Track 2500-2800 calories: Log meals in MyFitnessPal, aiming for balanced, protein-rich foods.
  4. One-hour exercise: A mix of yoga, brisk walking, and/or lifting (bodyweight or weights).
  5. Learning/reading: Dedicate 30 minutes to a book or course—nonfiction or something inspiring.
  6. Gratitude: Write three things you’re thankful for tonight in a journal.
  7. Writing/business activities: Spend 30-60 minutes on writing (journal, blog) and/or working on projects I want to deliver.

Accountability and Looking Ahead

This blog post is my accountability mechanism. By putting this out there, I’m committing publicly to the process. I’ll check in with updates on my progress, especially after the first 40 days, and continue through each cycle. I look forward to sharing the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the road.

If you’re reading this and feeling inspired (or even skeptical), join me in spirit. Maybe start your own version of a challenge. Life’s too short not to pursue transformation.

Thanks for reading. Here’s to day one of the 740 Challenge—let’s make it count.