What is “Highly Successful”?

At a writers conference I attended recently, one of the keynote speakers was Bob Hostetler. A wonderful writer, speaker, and encourager, Bob challenged the attendees to define and refine the definition of what “highly successful” meant for them.

My first thoughts included my superficial answer, which is to be a multi-published author who flourishes financially from my writing. The deep-down answer is to write what God wants me to write, regardless of any acclaim others may give or prosperity that may accompany the words.

Bob’s reminder emphasized that the reasons Christian writers strive for success is for higher purposes:

— To be read
— To be used
— To be a worthy vessel and fit instrument in the hand of God

He encouraged us to create a definition that is carefully thought out and prayed over.

Carefully Thought Out and Prayed Over

To carefully think out anything, I have to pray. To ask God to direct my thinking and give me guidance.

Without God directing me, I flitter around and waste my most precious resource: time.

I can also harm others by trying to control them because I think I know best what they need.

My Definition of Highly Successful

I sometimes get frustrated and wish God would let me in on what’s going to happen every moment for the rest of my life.

Then I realize it would overwhelm and paralyze me to know the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’d spend my time dreading the “bad”, believing I couldn’t endure it. And the dread would destroy any “good” and all the things in between.

I’m grateful Bob phrased it as: “define and refine the definition”.

That means it will more than likely change over time.

Just like I pray throughout the day for guidance to do the next thing God wants me to do as life unfolds, I need to continue praying to write what God wants me to write at any given moment.

I don’t think I’ll ever have my complete definition of “highly successful” figured out because it’s a moment-by-moment realization as I live my life moment-by-moment.

Defined and refined as life happens and changes me.

But I’m persevering in the quest.

And as Bob stated, if a writer keeps moving, praying, and writing, they’re already highly successful.

And I agree. When all of the day-to-day details about writing tasks are analyzed and collated and categorized, my deep-down answer is still true:

Real success for me is to write what God wants me to write, regardless of any acclaim others may give, or any financial prosperity that may accompany the words.

I’m praying for you as you define and refine your definition of being highly successful.

What helps you define “highly successful” for you?

What is "Highly Successful"? – What helps you define what that means for you? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.