The 24/7, go-go-go world around us makes it easy to think we have to live in a constant state of action, always handling “all the things” and feeling guilty when we take a break.
But what if we didn’t?
What if we looked at the things filling our days — from church involvement to our workplace to our personal to-do lists — and approached them like Jesus did His own ministry on Earth?
That’s what Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success with Jesus by Erin Harrigan encourages us to do. And although it’s written with Christian entrepreneurs in mind, the advice applies to anyone.
As she writes, “God made you ambitious. But He didn’t make you to live under the pressure of overachievement and self-reliance.”
In other words, there’s nothing wrong with being ambitious or setting high goals for ourselves. Those can actually be good things. Where we tend to get off track is when we get caught up in the world’s view of hustle and success and overlook God’s role in the equation.
Harrigan invites us to focus on four keys to redefine how we view “hustle”:
- Define: Allow only God to define us, our purpose, and what “success” means for us
- Direct: Give God the reins to direct us in our business (or other areas)
- Discipline: Put God’s definition and direction into action with discipline
- Develop: Apply the wisdom gained to develop into the person God made us to be
Then she boils it down even further:
- Worship God for who He is and who He says we are (to help us stop defining ourselves by our achievements, failures, job titles, etc.)
- Ask for His direction (so we can have clarity in knowing what to do or not do, and stop wracking our brains over decisions)
- Listen and obey His direction (to help us be intentional in what we do versus trying whatever pops up as options — and, yes, this can sometimes be much harder than it seems)
- Let Him develop us (because the more we learn to trust and follow Him, the more we grow and the closer we move toward being who He wants us to be)
She dedicates a chapter to each of these keys, sharing stories from her own experience, giving examples of how handling that key while focusing on God might look, and incorporating related Scriptures along the way.
She also asks some questions to help us stop and think:
- What could happen if you let Jesus direct you? What are you afraid of?
- Where are you following your own direction instead of God’s?
- Are you willing to believe and trust that you are fully equipped and qualified for the assignment God has given you?
One of her biggest “hit home” points for me was that Jesus didn’t hustle like we often do, trying to finish everything before day’s end and always focused on the next goal. Instead, He was intentional. He knew His purpose in being here and everything He did — or didn’t do — was because of that purpose.
As imperfect as my attempts often are, that’s what I want, too.
If you’re the same way, Redefining Hustle might be a great book for you, too.
Learn more about Erin Harrigan on her website and check out Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success with Jesus on her website or Amazon.
Your turn: What helps you when you’re trying to stay focused on what God wants you to do, or where He wants you to go? I have a copy of Redefining Hustle to gift someone, so leave a comment for your chance to win!
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This sounds like a book we all need. Thanks for sharing this information, Leigh!
I enjoyed it very much! It’s a short read but not what I would consider a quick read because it’s full of things to consider! Thanks for stopping by, my friend.