Tag: self-care

Day 26 of the 7–40 Challenge: Who Are You Becoming?

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good morning, friends! It’s Saturday, October 4, 2025, and I’m fired up for Day 26 of my 7–40 Challenge. I hope you’re waking up today feeling strong, inspired, and ready to chase after the person you’re meant to become. Let’s dive into a quick thought for this beautiful morning: Are your goals leading you where you truly want to be? Are they YOUR goals?

Take a moment to ask yourself: Who do I desire to become? Who am I, really? For me, the answer starts with this truth: I am a child of God. Jesus is my Savior, and my deepest desire is to live in a way that makes God smile. How do I do that? By knowing Him, loving Him, and spending time with Him. That’s why my daily Bible study is non-negotiable—it’s the foundation of my goals. I want to grow closer to God every single day and shine His love to everyone around me. As it says in John 15:4 (NLT), “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” Staying connected to God is how I bear fruit in my life.

Next, I want to be a fit and healthy man. That’s why I’m chugging my water, logging my calories (okay, I’ve missed a day or two, but I’m keeping my eyes on the prize), and exercising daily. These habits pull me closer to the strong, vibrant person I want to be and further from health struggles or frustration. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.

I also want to be a wise and capable man, someone who’s ready with the right words when they’re needed. So, I read every day—good, positive, uplifting stuff that builds me up and sharpens my mind. I steer clear of the negative noise that drags me down. Proverbs 4:7 (NLT) reminds me, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” I’m committed to growing, refining how I think, and handling my business with integrity so I can take care of those who matter most.

And speaking of what matters, I want to be a thoughtful person. That’s why I journal daily, reflecting on my thoughts and experiences. Writing helps me process, share, and stay grounded in my “why.” There’s so much more I want to become, so many practices I want to add, but I’m making sure these goals are worth leaping out of bed for. They’re my goals—not someone else’s, not forced, but chosen because they light a fire in my soul to be more and do more than ever before.

And let’s bookend this with what matters most: family. I started with God, and I’ll end with my wife and son—the joys of my life. Everything I do—striving to be godly, healthy, wise, and thoughtful—is so I can love and provide for them well. They’re my reason, my motivation, and my greatest blessing. I thank God for them every single day.

So, what about you? What are your goals? What’s the “why” behind what you’re chasing? Drop it in the comments, send me a message, or tag me—let’s inspire each other to keep pushing forward. Here’s to Day 26 of the 7–40 Challenge—let’s make it count and become the people we’re called to be!

Dreams vs. Plans: Knowing What You Truly Want

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

There’s a fine line between dreaming and planning, between wishing for something and actually achieving it. Dreams can spark inspiration, but without action, they often remain just that—dreams. Too often, we get stuck in the wishing phase, never crossing the bridge to making things happen. This distinction has been on my mind lately, and it’s reshaping how I think about my goals and desires.

I came across a quote from James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, that made me pause: “You don’t need to keep wanting something you’re not willing to work for.” It’s a simple but powerful truth. If you’re not ready to put in the effort, is it really a goal—or just a fleeting wish? This got me reflecting on my own life and the things I’ve said I wanted, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t ready to chase.

Take six-pack abs, for example. It’s a nice thought—picturing myself with a chiseled, swimsuit-model physique. But if I’m honest, am I willing to commit to the grueling workouts and strict diet it takes to get there? Anyone who knows me would laugh and say, “Nope.” So, what do I do with a dream like that? Do I keep it on a pedestal, pretending it’s a goal, or do I get real with myself about what I actually want?

This idea of aligning desires with effort reminds me of a story from Patrick Bet-David’s book, Your Next Five Moves. In it, he talks about a conversation with a former coworker early in his career in the insurance industry. Bet-David had big dreams—world domination, in his words. He wanted to build an empire with thousands of employees, a company so influential that “everyone would know and respect the name Bet-David.” It was a promise to his parents, who had emigrated from Iran and endured immense hardship, that their sacrifices wouldn’t be in vain.

His coworker, however, had a different vision. Sitting on the same opportunity, he didn’t dream of empires. He wanted a comfortable life, earning $500,000 a year, with time to be present for his kids. Bet-David’s takeaway? That’s perfectly okay. Not everyone needs to chase the same dreams. The key is knowing who you are and what you want. That clarity lets you set goals that are authentic to you, not just what society—or even you—think your dreams should be.

This resonates deeply with me. I don’t need a six-pack to feel good about myself; a trim waistline and a healthy lifestyle are enough. I don’t need to be a multimillionaire entrepreneur;I want to provide for my family, live with purpose, and make God smile. As Bet-David emphasizes, it’s about defining your own version of success. Another great perspective comes from philosopher Seneca, who said, “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” Without a clear destination, no amount of effort will get you where you want to go.

I also found inspiration in a video clip of Michael Bublé. Some critics say he hasn’t achieved enough in his career—fewer albums, fewer tours than expected. But Bublé shared a different measure of success. Smiling, he said his children won’t remember the bedtime stories he tells them or the moments he carries them to bed. They’ll simply know they grew up in a happy home. For him, that’s the ultimate achievement. His words hit home because my family is my greatest joy, too. Success, for me, is less about external accolades and more about the love and stability I create for those closest to me.

As I’ve been reflecting, I’m learning that desires can evolve. What I wanted ten years ago isn’t the same as what I want now, and that’s okay. The journey is about refining the answer to the question, “Who am I, and what do I truly want?” Each day, I’m getting closer to understanding the person in the mirror. And with that clarity comes hope—a belief that with a clear purpose, amazing things are possible.

To anyone reading this, thank you for taking the time to share in this reflection. I’m grateful for you. My hope for you is that you find clarity in your own desires, that you pursue goals that light you up, and that you achieve what you’ve set out to do. As the poet Rumi once said, “What you seek is seeking you.” So, get clear on what you’re seeking—and then go after it with everything you’ve got.

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 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!