Dear Writer, I hope you had a beautiful week and took time to consider how you can become available to your readers! This week, we’re going to look at the marketing mindset of pioneering.
You see, writer, sometimes our marketing journey is hindered because of fear of the unknown. Sometimes, we’re waiting for someone else to take the first step toward us, whether that’s to show interest in our book or for the stars to align for us to make time to write. But here’s the thing…
Most things in life begin because some bold soul was willing to take the first step toward an unknown future. In fact, most of us came to salvation that way. Someone else took a bold step toward us. And taking a first step forward doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems…
Pioneering in History
The pilgrims were beautiful examples of those willing to take a bold first step. Though little was known about the New World in 1620, they boldly embarked on a perilous voyage in hopes of establishing a life of freedom for themselves and their future generations. Though they sustained heavy losses along the way, they set their hope on God’s grace for success. He gave it, mercifully helping their survivors through the winter through the kindness of the Native Americans.
The pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest with their Native American allies the following fall. And, their settlement of Plymouth set a high water mark of faith, culture, and exploration for many that followed, and also was one of the beautiful seeds God used to plant America as the free nation it is today. All because of the pilgrims’ faithful, faith-filled first step.
You see, writer, taking the first step toward an unknown future becomes less fearful when we remember Who it is that has called us on this journey and Who is the ultimate overseer of the good works He’s given us to do.
Pioneering in the Bible
Ruth is another wonderful example of pioneering. When Naomi told her daughters in law that she was returning to Israel, Ruth took a bold step forward, insisting she accompany her mother in law. Though the journey was dangerous and the future uncertain, Ruth’s bold first steps led her to the fields of Boaz. Ultimately she pioneered her way into the lineage of Christ, one step at a time. And here’s the thing…
Sometimes, it can feel intimidating to take a first step into an unknown future. But when love for God and for our readers is our motive, it gives us new strength. Strength to face the unknown with confidence and a determination to reach those waiting on the other side of our obedience.
Pioneering in Life
I took one of my first steps forward when I stepped up to help lead my church community of over 80 members, most of whom were older than me by two decades or more. Though I was terrified, I knew God was calling me, and I had to obey. As I took one step after another into a world totally unfamiliar to me, God provided all that I needed. He not only grew my leadership potential. He also unlocked several giftings and expanded me to relate to people of all ages and economic brackets. And here’s the thing…
Pioneering is all about trust. Trust that God knows you better than you know yourself. Trust that the big bold desires in your heart are not oversized for your destiny…or for the impact God intends to make through you.
Pioneering in Your Life
You see, writer, pioneering is about learning to enter into a wild love walk with God, where our steps are ordained, not by what we know is possible, but by our Father who sees beyond the realm of our “impossibles.” Let me show you…
- And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” – Luke 1:45
- Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. – Psalm 37:4-5
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
- Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:45-46
A pioneering mindset allows God to impregnate your mind with His God-sized dreams for you and with His God-sized love for others. Pioneering is about allowing God to enlarge not just our vision but our hearts—as He did with Solomon—so that He can work through us something beyond what a man could conceive. Because here’s the deal…
Those who’ve given God a bold “yes” in life were ones who’ve been capture by a vision of who He is…and of His heart for them and for others.
Where to Start with a Pioneering Mindset
So are you ready to consider what a pioneering mindset might look like in your writing and marketing journey? Here are some points worth noting…
- Capture Your Vision. The ability to take a bold first step forward is rooted in our vision. Set aside time to spend with God and ask Him to reveal Himself and His heart for you and for your readers. Let this be unhurried time, where you can dream freely and journal all the Lord puts on your heart. In fact, if you’ve never done so before, I encourage you to do this regularly for a time. Write down the desire’s He’s put on your heart in these times and the insights He gives. Sometimes, God will remind us of an old desire we’d discounted. But if He’s planted that desire, He also has a plan for it.
- Create a Plan. Once your vision is clear. Prayerfully break that vision into smaller goals. Next, identify which one or two goals is most important to move you toward your vision. Then, break that goal in to bite-sized steps and create a plan of when and how you will take that step. Once you’ve taken that step, plan your next one!
- Feed Your Faith. Once you’ve written down your vision, goals, and next steps, begin to feed your faith daily by dreaming and journaling about your goals. Find scriptures you can pray and speak over your dream. You see, Paul told Timothy to fan into flame his gift of faith. And when pray and speak those things God is peaking to us, it aligns our hearts with His and prepares our minds for action.
- Be Accountable. Though pioneering can be lonely work, we should never attempt it alone! While we don’t necessarily need someone else to walk our exact path, having one or two others, who are willing to partner with us in regular prayer for your journey and you for theirs can be invaluable. I encourage you to prayerfully reach out to one or two friends who would be willing to receive weekly prayer requests from you and to pray with you as you take your next bold step. Because here’s the thing…
Developing a pioneering mindset is about learning to live a life of proactive love. It’s about not waiting for doors to open perfectly, but to recognize moments when those who need God’s love will only be reached if we take that first step. It’s also about learning to accept that those first steps will often be far from perfect. But here’s the other thing…
When we do anything with love for God and others as our motive, we can be assured that we will not fail. Because God’s love never fails. Sometimes, our steps may look like failure in our eyes, just as the pilgrims first year in America. But if we persist toward our God-given goal, trusting His guidance, we can know with confidence that He is working all things together for our good and His glory, including the trials along the way. Because here’s the final thought…
Pioneering always includes breaking up new ground to blaze a new trail for others to follow in. Just like the pilgrims example set a standard for thousands of other immigrants to create the nation of the United States we know today. Just like Ruth’s bold move to Israel was a foreshadowing of the Gentiles ingrafting into the body of Christ. Just like the skills I learned in leading men and women my parents and grandparents age expanded allowed me to equip more leaders—of all ages.
So I encourage you today, writer, if you’ve felt like you’ve been waiting for some big break or sense of outward approval in your writing and marketing journey, prayerfully consider taking a bold first step forward. You have no idea what God may have in store for you or others on the other side of your courageous obedience.
#pioneers #courage #faith #stepout #EveryWriterWriting
