Episode 157: Go Big or Go Home? Why Your Writing Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Serve God
Episode summary
Have you ever thought, “If I can’t write a bestseller with a major publisher, why bother?” Or held back your writing until it felt perfect? This week we’re tackling the “go big or go home” mindset, the belief that our writing only has value if it’s flawless and reaches a massive audience.
We look at where this all-or-nothing thinking comes from, why it can be a way of protecting ourselves from failure, and what God actually values. We also talk about how perfectionism can quietly turn into disobedience, and why imperfect writing and imperfect motives can still serve others.
In this episode, we talk about:
Where the “go big or go home” mindset comes from, including our expectations of what a writer is “supposed” to be
How this mindset can protect us from our own definition of failure
Why bigger is not necessarily better in God’s economy
The many ways we can use our gift of writing to serve others, with or without a book
How to “define your terms” so vague mindsets lose their hold on us
Why your writing will never be perfect this side of eternity, and what that means for publishing
Why our motives will never be perfectly pure, and why we can serve anyway
Key takeaways
Writing doesn’t have to become a bestseller to be worthwhile. God values faithfulness and a heart that loves Him.
It’s not wrong to want to grow your audience, but you’re not a failure if you’re content to serve a smaller one.
Vague mindsets hold us captive. Defining them in detail helps us debunk them.
Keep growing in your craft, but don’t wait for perfection before you share your work.
Imperfect writing and imperfect motives can still serve the Body of Christ.
Reflection questions
What level of success would make your time and effort feel worthwhile? Describe it exactly: which publisher, what size of audience, what measure of success?
What does “my writing must be perfect” actually mean to you? How would you know when you’ve reached it?
What does your “all or nothing” mindset sound like? Write it down, then debunk it with what is true.
Mentioned in this episode
Connect with Amy
Website: amylynnsimon.com
Newsletter: Pen Points
The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com