Tag: thankful

Day 20 of the 7-40 Challenge: Rediscovering Focus and Embracing Authenticity

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 20 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I’m committing to seven daily habits to sharpen my skills, clarify my priorities, and make real progress on what matters most. We’re at the halfway mark, and I’m going to be real with you: I’m feeling a bit discouraged. But this isn’t a story of defeat—it’s a raw, honest reflection on staying true to my goals and reigniting the fire to keep going. Let’s dive in.

The Struggle Is Real

Life is busy. There’s no sugarcoating it. Between work, family, and the endless stream of notifications, it’s so easy to get sidetracked. I set out on this challenge to focus on what’s important, but 20 days in, I’m realizing how tempting it is to let distractions take the wheel. Some days, I get to the end of the day and see a to-do list that’s still glaring at me, unfinished. It stings. I’ve made progress, don’t get me wrong—but I know I can do better. I want to do better.

The truth is, anything worth doing is worth doing well. I’ve heard that saying my whole life, and it’s hitting home hard right now. So, as I stand at this halfway point, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my seven habits, recommit to my purpose, and sharpen my focus for the next 20 days. Let’s walk through each goal together—not just to hold myself accountable, but to remind myself (and maybe you) why these things matter.

My Seven Habits: Why They’re Worth It

Here’s a breakdown of the seven daily habits I’m working on, why they matter to me, and where I need to step up my game.

1. Bible Study and Prayer
Every morning, I start my day in God’s Word. This habit is my anchor—it sharpens my mind, aligns my heart, and sets me up to be a light to others. I want to live out His will and make a positive impact. This one’s been non-negotiable, and I’m proud to say I’ve stuck with it. It’s not just a task; it’s a lifeline that keeps me grounded.

2. 60 Minutes of Exercise
Here’s where I need to get real. My goal is 60 minutes of intentional exercise daily, but my Apple Watch sometimes gives me credit for “exercise minutes” when I’m just walking or moving around. That’s not what I signed up for. I want focused, purposeful workouts to get stronger and healthier. For the second half of this challenge, I’m recommitting to making exercise a priority, not an afterthought.

3. Drinking 100 Ounces of Water
Okay, why is this so hard? I love my coffee and tea, but hitting 100 ounces of water every day feels like climbing a mountain. I’m struggling to stay consistent, so I’m setting a new mini-goal: 64 ounces by lunch. It’s time to stop making excuses and hydrate like I mean it.

4. Logging My Calories
This one’s been a win. I’ve tracked my calories every day, and it’s giving me a clearer picture of my eating habits. Some days, I’m on point; others, when I’m tired or craving comfort food, my calories creep up. My bigger goal is to get fit and feel good in my body, so I’m going to keep fine-tuning this habit to stay on track.

5. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you”—it’s a call to action. It’s about being so thankful for the blessings in my life—my family, my work, my home, my friends—that I’m moved to do good and love others well. I wrote about this on my blog recently, and it’s a reminder that gratitude should fuel excellence in everything I do. I want to lean into this even more, showing my thankfulness through my actions.

6. Reading or Listening to Audiobooks for 30 Minutes
This habit has been a joy. Whether I’m walking or chilling, I’ve been diving into audiobooks for at least 30 minutes a day. I finished Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis and started Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller (the 2.0 version). These books are sharpening my mind and sparking new ideas. I’m excited to keep this going and see where it takes me.

7. Writing or Creating for My Personal Business
Every day, I’m writing on my blog, recapping my 7-40 Challenge journey. This isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about sharing my story to encourage and motivate others. But I want to get clearer on my message. These habits aren’t random; they’re about becoming a better version of myself so I can inspire others to do the same.

Refocusing for the Finish Line

As I look at these goals, I’m reminded that they’re not just tasks—they’re investments in who I want to be. Distraction only creeps in when I lose sight of that. By walking through each habit, I’m reigniting my motivation and sharpening my focus for the next 20 days. I’m not here to cram these habits into the margins of my day; I’m here to make them the heartbeat of my routine.

So, what’s the takeaway? Authenticity and focus go hand in hand. Being honest about my struggles—whether it’s getting distracted or struggling with water intake—helps me realign with my purpose. This challenge isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and choosing to do the work that matters.

Your Turn: What’s Your Focus?

I’m heading into the second half of this challenge with renewed energy, ready to tackle these habits with intention and excellence. But I want to hear from you. What are you working on? Is your focus razor-sharp, or are you wrestling with distractions like me? Drop a comment below and share your journey—I’d love to hear how you’re staying motivated and what’s keeping you going.

Here’s to Day 21 and beyond. Let’s do some good work!

Day 6 of the 7-40 Challenge: Embracing Gratitude in a World That Moves Too Fast

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello there! Welcome to Day 6 of the 7-40 Challenge. If you’re just joining me, this is my journey through 7 daily habits over 40 days of intentional living, growth, and self-reflection. Today, we’re diving deep into something that’s often overlooked in our hustle-filled lives: gratitude.

In a world that’s constantly bombarding us with notifications, deadlines, and distractions, it’s all too easy to take things for granted. We rush through our days without pausing to appreciate the simple miracles around us—the breath in our lungs, the people who light up our lives, or the opportunities that come our way. But here’s the stark truth: it could all vanish in an instant. Life is fragile, and I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

A Brush with the Edge: My Wake-Up Call

I don’t have to dig too far into my past to remember a time when gratitude wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it became my lifeline. Seven years ago, I was struck down by a serious illness that required immediate medical intervention. The doctors were upfront: there was a real  chance I wouldn’t make it through. In those harrowing moments, everything shifted. It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about rebaselining my entire existence.

That experience stripped away the noise and forced me to confront what truly matters. My relationship with God? Non-negotiable. My wife and son? The absolute core of my world. My closest friends? Irreplaceable. The way I spend my time each day, and the work I pour my energy into? Suddenly, the things I spent too much time worrying about didn’t make sense anymore. It was like hitting the reset button on life, and emerging on the other side with clearer priorities.

Fast forward to today, and I’m still riding that wave of profound thankfulness. I’m grateful for my deepened faith, for the unwavering support of my family, for friends who show up in the big and small moments, and for work that challenges me while bringing genuine fulfillment. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling for me—it’s a daily practice that keeps me grounded.

The Obligation of Gratitude: Leading by Example

Here’s where it gets real: feeling grateful comes with a sense of responsibility. I see it as an obligation—and even a personal challenge—to model this mindset for others. In a society that loves to play the victim card, it’s tempting to let life just “happen” to us. We complain about the traffic, the workload, the endless scroll of bad news. We forget to choose a posture of gratefulness, slipping into autopilot and taking everything for granted.

But that’s not the path I want to walk. It’s not who I aspire to be. Instead, I choose to start each day with intention:

  • Gratitude to God: For the gift of another sunrise, another chance to live fully. He saved me, forgave me and breathes life into me every morning, and I refuse to overlook that.
  • Loving my family well: My wife and son are my anchors. I make it a point to remind them daily how much they mean to me—through words, actions, and undivided attention. 
  • Being a true friend: Not the surface-level kind, but one who listens deeply, cares genuinely, and shows up when it counts. Life’s too short for shallow connections.
  • Doing work that matters: I strive to tackle projects that challenge me, inspire growth, and make a positive impact. And I aim to do it with excellence, because why settle for less?

Gratitude isn’t passive—it’s active. It’s a choice that transforms how we navigate the world, turning potential pitfalls into opportunities for appreciation.

Your Turn: What Lights Up Your Gratitude List?

So, I turn the spotlight to you. In the midst of your own chaos, what are you truly grateful for today? Maybe it’s the coffee that kickstarts your morning, a supportive partner, a healthy body, or a dream you’re chasing. Whatever it is, big or small, let’s celebrate it.

Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Sharing our gratitude not only amplifies it but inspires others to pause and reflect. Who knows? Your story might be the spark someone else needs.

Thanks for joining me on this leg of the 7-40 Challenge. Let’s keep pushing forward with hearts full of thanks. Tomorrow brings a new day—stay tuned!

What are you grateful for? Let’s build a community of appreciation right here.