In a world that often equates success with outward achievements, many people find themselves asking a troubling question: "Why does something still feel off?" Josh Wintermute, a pastor, life builder, and author, addresses this dilemma in his new book, Winning the Wrong Game, released today. Drawing on over two decades of pastoral ministry and his own journey through physical, mental, financial, and spiritual challenges, Wintermute invites readers to examine the foundation their lives are built upon.
"After walking through some of the hardest seasons of my life, I came to realize that the problem wasn't simply my circumstances," said Wintermute. "The problem was the foundation I was building on. Once I began addressing what was happening beneath the surface, everything started to change." The book's message is particularly relevant in a culture that celebrates achievement while neglecting the health of the person behind the success. Wintermute believes many people are silently carrying burdens that success alone cannot solve.
Through vulnerability and personal stories, Wintermute walks readers through three foundational areas: the heart, the home, and the culture. Rather than offering quick fixes, the book challenges readers to identify what is broken, do the difficult work of restoration, and build something stronger. "My hope is that readers discover that God is better than they may have thought He is," Wintermute explained. "I want people to see themselves as a work in progress and understand that growth, healing, and restoration are possible when we build on the right foundation."
The author's journey to publication was not straightforward. "Honestly, I never wanted to write a book," he admitted. "For years people encouraged me to do it, and for years I pushed the idea away. Eventually I became open to the possibility, started writing down some thoughts, and God began opening doors." Wintermute describes his writing journey in three words: obedience, surrender, and faith. The process required outside perspective and coaching to shape his thoughts into a clear message.
Influenced by authors such as Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, and N. T. Wright, Wintermute's work combines practical wisdom with spiritual insight. What sets this book apart is the honesty. "I talk openly about my failures, shortcomings, and struggles because that's where God did some of His greatest work in my life," he said. The book is an invitation to stop patching cracks at the surface level and instead rebuild from the ground up. As Wintermute writes, "You are not as stuck as you think. You are not as alone as you feel. And you are going to make it."
For those aspiring to write, Wintermute advises: "You can do this. Start dreaming, surround yourself with people who know more than you do, learn from them, and begin writing." His work is published by Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher based in the Houston area that helps authors inspire and enrich readers' lives.
