Let’s Talk about Hustle 

The average writer who wants to crack into the world of Christian publishing needs a little hustle—but let’s be honest, you really only need enough to do these things:

• create an inviting website
• build an email list
• write a killer proposal
• nail your elevator pitch
• catch an agent’s eye
• connect with influencers
• start a podcast
• get booked for speaking gigs
• go viral

Oh, and keep your day job. Oh, and don’t forget to post on your social channels. Every day.

I’m exhausted just writing those words. God has not called us to life of burnout, striving, and unsustainable pace. I was just on the phone with a friend just the other day, recalling a time early in my publishing journey when I got pulled into a crazy pattern of go-go-go. “God broke my hustle,” I said, before describing the setting I was in when it happened: The waiting room of a medical office.

If you’re nodding your head knowingly right now, here are some ideas for how to head in a positive direction without heading straight for a nervous breakdown.

Narrow your focus 

No one can do all the things. But everyone can focus on one or two areas that can advance their goals.

Share ideas

In your passion to pursue publishing goals, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You can be generous to others with the knowledge and skills you have acquired along the way. God will place you where you need to be—you are not in a competition. God is big enough to handle everyone’s calling!

Invest in Community

While the Imposter Syndrome is alive and well in writer’s circles, we are not imposters if God has called us. So, lay down the doubt and gather with others. There are  many great resources—such as author masterminds, writer’s conferences, informal groups of writer friends,  this blog! etc.— to help you hone the new skills you want to develop. In community your will find encouragement as well as like-minded fellowship. As you learn and grow, helping others learn and grow in their journeys is not only a way of being generous, but it’s a godly way of living out our biblical call of partnering in the gospel .

Remember:

Focus on just one or two areas at a time that can advance your goals. No one can do all the things.)   You are an important part of the story—God knows your part and will not forget you. Keep looking up and trusting the ONE who called you in the first place.

Do you ever find yourself in a hamster-wheel of hustle and striving? Share your experience to help others.

 

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