In an era where external success often masks internal turmoil, many individuals find themselves questioning why something still feels off despite achieving their goals. Josh Wintermute, an author, pastor, and life builder, addresses this dilemma in his new book, Winning the Wrong Game. Drawing from over two decades of pastoral ministry and personal struggles, Wintermute provides an honest and practical guide to rebuilding one's life from the ground up.
Wintermute's motivation stems from his own experiences with physical, mental, financial, and spiritual challenges. He realized that the root of his problems was not his circumstances but the foundation he was building on. "Once I began addressing what was happening beneath the surface, everything started to change," he said. The book focuses on three foundational areas: the heart, the home, and the culture. Instead of offering quick fixes, Wintermute encourages readers to identify what is broken and undertake the difficult work of restoration.
The book's message resonates in a culture that often prioritizes achievement over personal well-being. Wintermute believes many people silently carry burdens that success cannot solve. He writes, "You are not as stuck as you think. You are not as alone as you feel. And you are going to make it." His hope is that readers will see themselves as works in progress and understand that growth and healing are possible when built on the right foundation.
Wintermute, founder of Quiet Winters, has dedicated his career to helping leaders and families establish healthy foundations. His path to authorship was unconventional; he never intended to write a book. "For years people encouraged me to do it, and for years I pushed the idea away," he admitted. Eventually, he became open to the possibility and began writing. He describes the journey as one of obedience, surrender, and faith.
The writing process was challenging, particularly in narrowing down his thoughts into a clear, useful message. He sought outside perspective and coaching to shape the book. Influenced by authors like Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, and N. T. Wright, Wintermute blends practical wisdom with spiritual insight and personal vulnerability. "What sets this book apart is the honesty," he said. "I talk openly about my failures because that's where God did some of His greatest work in my life."
When not writing or speaking, Wintermute enjoys time with his wife of over twenty-five years and their three sons, as well as fishing and golfing. For aspiring authors, his advice is simple: "Start dreaming, surround yourself with people who know more than you do, learn from them, and begin writing."
At its core, Winning the Wrong Game is an invitation to stop patching surface-level cracks and instead rebuild from the ground up. Sometimes the breakthrough people seek is not found in doing more but in building differently. The book is published by Lucid Books, a partnership publisher in the Houston area that helps authors bring their visions to life. For more information, visit Lucid Books.
