In an era where external achievements often overshadow internal well-being, a new book aims to shift the focus inward. Josh Wintermute, a pastor, life builder, and author, has announced the release of his latest work, "Winning the Wrong Game," which challenges readers to examine the foundations of their lives. Drawing from over two decades of pastoral ministry and personal trials, Wintermute presents an honest and practical guide to rebuilding what truly matters.
The book addresses a common paradox: individuals may appear successful, stable, and complete from the outside, yet still feel that something is off. Wintermute argues that this dissonance stems from building on faulty foundations. "The problem wasn't simply my circumstances," he says, reflecting on his own hardships. "The problem was the foundation I was building on. Once I began addressing what was happening beneath the surface, everything started to change."
"Winning the Wrong Game" explores three foundational areas: the heart, the home, and the culture. Rather than offering quick fixes, Wintermute encourages readers to identify what is broken, engage in the difficult work of restoration, and construct something more durable. His approach is rooted in vulnerability and personal storytelling, aiming to help readers see themselves as works in progress. "My hope is that readers discover that God is better than they may have thought He is," he explains. "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 book's message is particularly timely in a culture that often prioritizes achievement over the health of the person behind the success. Wintermute believes many are silently carrying burdens that success alone cannot resolve. He offers reassurance: "You are not as stuck as you think. You are not as alone as you feel. And you are going to make it."
Wintermute's journey to authorship was not straightforward. Despite years of encouragement, he initially resisted writing. "Honestly, I never wanted to write a book," he admits. "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." He describes the writing process as one of obedience, surrender, and faith, noting that the biggest challenge was distilling his thoughts into a clear, useful message. "I couldn't do it alone. I needed outside perspective, coaching, and editing to help shape the message into something people could actually use."
Influenced by authors such as Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, and N. T. Wright, Wintermute's work blends practical wisdom with spiritual insight. "What sets this book apart is the honesty," he says. "I talk openly about my failures, shortcomings, and struggles because that's where God did some of His greatest work in my life."
Beyond writing, Wintermute is the founder of Quiet Winters, an organization dedicated to helping leaders, families, and organizations establish healthy foundations. He has walked alongside hundreds of individuals through seasons of grief, transition, disappointment, and renewal. In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his wife of over twenty-five years and their three sons, fishing, golfing, and investing in his coaching clients.
For aspiring authors, Wintermute offers simple advice: "You can do this. 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 cracks at the surface level and instead rebuild from the ground up. Because sometimes the breakthrough people are searching for isn't found in doing more; it's found in building differently.
