Jonathan McReynolds is speaking out against Hustle Culture. The Gospel recording artist recently sat down with Crosswalk to talk about his new book, Before You Climb Any Higher, which delves into his journey away from being a workaholic.
“I do have a workaholic streak for sure,” McReynolds told the press. “It’s an idea that a day is not productive. A day is not worth it. A day is not complete. A day is not valuable unless something gets done,” he added.
“This may sound noble, but life isn’t and shouldn’t be lived as a work alcoholic,” the recording artist explained. “It’s really about an internal demand that you put on yourself to constantly work, to constantly grind, to constantly pursue success, to constantly pursue and hire more. It sounds like a very noble thing until every day and every moment is defined by it, and you realize it’s a toxic way to live.”
McReynolds came to the crossroads of Hustle Culture before writing Before You Climb Any Higher. What he found was a desire to please people more than God.
“It’s very much a daily crucifixion,” the Gospel singer said of his commitment to steer clear of living for the applause of others. “I have to remind myself that you are not the mountain that you’re climbing.”
As a songwriter, McReynolds aims to be honest with his message. The artist brought the same spirit of transparency to his bookwriting process.
“What I really enjoy is the surgery of writing,” McReynolds told Crosswalk. “I think it’s surgical, both the writing process and what you do to yourself to get the best result. I carry a scalpel around all day and use it on myself the most. It’s fun for me to see what’s in there.”
Before You Climb Any Higher is available in bookstores nationwide.