How to Move From Consumer to Creator
Why YOU Need to Write That Book, Finish The Project and Launch What You Have Been Carrying.
I often find myself reflecting on the constant pull to consume in our modern world. But what if we shifted our focus from consuming to creating?
As we look ahead, I am challenging myself and you: will this simply be another year of passive consumption, or will it be a breakout year—a year where you unleash the potential God has placed within you?
Recently, on the "Raising the Standard" podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Steve Bremner, an accomplished author and ghostwriter. We talked about the truly transformative power of creation, and specifically, writing a book. This conversation isn't just for those of you who aspire to write; it's for anyone who feels a calling to launch a new project, start a ministry, or pursue an entrepreneurial endeavor that God has laid on their heart.
My Journey: From Consumption to Creation
My own journey didn't start with the intention of writing a book. Back in 2016, I was simply engaged in personal Bible study, as I do every morning. But as I read the Gospels, I started to notice things Jesus was doing that resonated deeply with my experience leading a high-performing team in a Fortune 100 corporate environment. These observations became journal entries, which I eventually organized, realizing they could form a devotional—and ultimately alng my journey I knew this was to be a book. Writing was an outlet I discovered I needed, especially when traditional ministry opportunities weren't immediately available.
Steve, who has been publishing books on Amazon since 2013 and has narrated over 45 audiobooks, shares a similar experience. He started his own podcast in 2007, and from that platform, he was able to identify popular topics and blog posts that sparked his book ideas. This intersection of creation and sharing a message is a powerful thread for many of us who feel called to impact others.
Stepping Through Fear: The Unseen Obstacles to Your Calling
While the idea of writing a book or starting a podcast can feel daunting, I've learned a crucial truth:
"You won't do it in the absence of fear. Fear will still be there."
I admit that I shelved my first book, "The Standard," for a few months after completing it. However, within a couple of months, I clearly heard from the Lord that I was to release it, and that not doing so would have consequences for my calling and delay what I was meant to accomplish.
This journey of overcoming fear has led to significant internal growth for me. Every episode of my podcast felt like conquering a new fear—moving past the discomfort of putting myself 'out there.' This experience has underscored a powerful truth in my life: "Someone's waiting for you to show up."
Steve articulates this perfectly when he talks about creative endeavors like books and podcasts as "sowing seed." Just as a farmer doesn't reap a harvest without planting, we, as individuals with unique messages won't see our impact without taking that crucial step of creation.
Well Planned, Never Done: The Trap of Perfectionism
As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I've had to confront a powerful quote that truly challenged me: "Some of you are not going to hear well done. You're going to hear well planned, never done." This resonated deeply, exposing the trap of perpetual planning and tweaking in the elusive pursuit of "perfect." Steve shared a quote he heard, that cemeteries are "full of unwritten books and unstarted businesses"—a stark reminder that our intentions, however good, don't equate to accomplishment.
The antidote to this trap lies in finishing what you start. I experienced this personally when I recently competed in a bodybuilding show. I just turned 50, and there was an immense internal reward and growth from simply completing something I set out to do. It boosted my confidence in immeasurable ways.
It's the same when you start a project. On my whiteboard, I have a powerful quote that guided me while writing "The Standard": "There is dominion in finishing." I believe that when I finished that book, I took dominion in that area of my life.
Your Call to Action
For those of you who feel a nudge to create, I have two crucial calls to action:
- Prayerfully pick and prioritize what God is calling you to do, then relentlessly finish it. This involves discerning your unique solution to a clear problem within your sphere of influence—be it in ministry, entrepreneurship, or business.
- Consider seeking guidance. Steve Bremner and I have actually partnered up, and we're looking for just a few men—it could be women as well—who are experts, who can identify a clear problem, and have a solution. We believe this is what the Lord is looking for right now: solutions. We've developed a system that can help you structure, write, and offer your book so that people want to read it, leading them to their next step in the journey.
Do You want to personally work with us?
If this resonates with you, and you've been thinking about writing a book but aren't sure how to do it, we offer a "done-for-you" service. We interview you, help you determine if your idea is viable, and actually help you write the book. We want to equip and empower readers, but also set you up to serve them well and help them accomplish the goals they're looking to achieve.
If this sounds like you, or someone you know, head to this quick questionnaire if you want to inquire and learn a little more. We don't have the bandwidth to help the whole world, but we can help a few key people if this is something you want to explore.
As we move forward, the question remains: What is in your hand? What is in your heart? Will you be obedient? I promise you, there's a reward on the other side of your obedience.
LEAD. FIGHT. WIN.
