Have you ever felt that quiet tension between your ambition and your faith?
You love Jesus.
You’re grateful for the gifts and opportunities He’s given you.
And yet… the pace feels relentless.
The meetings, the deadlines, the expectations, the invisible pressure to keep achieving and proving. Even when things are going well, there can still be a restlessness underneath it all.
That’s why I’m so grateful for this week’s conversation on The Love Offering Podcast with Erin Harrigan about her book, Redefining Hustle: Navigating Success with Jesus.
Erin speaks directly to high-achieving Christian women—women who care deeply about excellence in their work but don’t want success to come at the cost of their peace, their families, or their intimacy with God.
In our conversation, we talk about:
- The subtle ways self-reliance sneaks into our work
- Why hustle culture can quietly shape our identity
- How to pursue ambition without striving for worth
- Practical rhythms that anchor your workday in Christ
- What it looks like to measure success differently
What I love most is that Erin doesn’t tell women to abandon ambition. Instead, she invites us to surrender it—to bring our goals, businesses, and careers under the lordship of Jesus so that our work becomes an offering rather than an idol.
As someone who understands the tension of building a platform, stewarding opportunities, and caring for family at the same time, this message felt especially timely. We can work diligently and faithfully without carrying the crushing weight of proving ourselves.
You were never meant to hustle for your value.
You already have it in Christ.
If you’re feeling stretched thin, quietly burned out, or simply hungry for a healthier rhythm, I think this episode will encourage you deeply.
Praying this conversation helps you release striving and receive the steady, sustaining presence of the Lord in your work.
With love,
Rachael
Takeaways
Redefining hustle involves intention and purpose, not chaos.
Success in God’s eyes is about our relationship with Him.
The hidden costs of hustle can affect our physical and mental health.
Not all good opportunities are God opportunities; discernment is key.
Self-reliance can lead to burnout and stress; we must rely on God.
Ambition is a gift from God, but it must be aligned with His will.
Rest is essential for productivity and spiritual growth.
Asking ‘why’ can help clarify our motivations and goals.
We are not defined by our work or achievements; our identity is in Christ.
The four keys to redefining hustle are define, direct, discipline, and develop.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Love and Hustle
04:55 Redefining Hustle and Success
10:04 The Hidden Costs of Hustle
14:37 Capacity and Self-Reliance
17:58 Ambition and Working with God
23:33 Transforming Work and Identity
28:51 Keys to Redefining Hustle
31:17 Biblical Love and Its Application
Episode Summary:
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The Journey to Redefining Hustle
Erin Harrigan describes herself as a “recovering driver’s driver and achievement chaser.” For years, she sought fulfillment in outward success, yet she found herself waking up anxious and unfulfilled. It wasn’t until a mentor introduced her to Jesus that she began to understand her true identity and purpose. This transformation led her to explore the concept of hustle, realizing that the world had twisted its meaning.
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The True Nature of Work
As Erin explains, work is a biblical concept, modeled by God from the very beginning. However, we often idolize our work, believing that constant productivity will yield success. Erin emphasizes that while ambition can be a gift, it must be aligned with God’s will. She encourages us to work with intentionality and purpose, just as Jesus did, rather than falling into the trap of frantic busyness.
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Success: A Different Perspective
The podcast delves into the contrast between worldly success and success in God’s eyes. While society measures success by achievements, revenue, and followers, Erin reminds us that true success lies in our relationship with God. She shares how chasing after worldly definitions of success can lead to disappointment and a constant sense of inadequacy. Instead, she advocates for surrendering to God, allowing Him to define success in our lives.
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The Hidden Costs of Hustle
Erin discusses the hidden costs of a relentless hustle, which often affects our physical and mental well-being. The mental load of constantly thinking about tasks can be overwhelming. Moreover, the pressure to maintain an active online presence leads to unhealthy comparisons and self-imposed deadlines. Erin reflects on her own experiences, sharing how her ambition impacted her relationships and the importance of being present with loved ones.
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Capacity and Realistic Expectations
The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing our limitations and understanding our capacity. Erin warns against the fear of missing out (FOMO) and encourages listeners to seek God’s guidance when faced with opportunities. She shares her practice of taking time to pray and journal before making decisions, highlighting how surrendering to God leads to clarity and peace.
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The Importance of Rest
Erin emphasizes that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. She challenges the misconception that rest equates to laziness, explaining that it is essential for productivity and creativity. Drawing from her own journey, Erin illustrates how resting allows God to work through us and brings unexpected blessings. She reminds us of the importance of leaving space in our schedules for rest and reflection.
Key Takeaways
Erin Harrigan’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that hustle does not have to be frantic, and success can be redefined through a lens of faith. By prioritizing our relationship with God, understanding the true nature of work, and embracing rest, we can navigate ambition with purpose and peace. Remember, it’s not about doing more but about being aligned with God’s will.
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https://rachaelkadams.com/free/
