Austerities create character in a devotee’s Life and Character attracts Heart of God. To the degree the Austerities give you discomfort and you sacrifice to that degree you will progress in your spiritual life of devotion to Sri Hari.
Whatever we make our priority, Krishna will empower us in that. If we make Book distribution our priority in any circumstances Krishna will empower us in that. If priority is chanting or serving devotees, Krishna will empower us with required intelligence and mean. We just have to set our priorities right.
Austerity is all about making the right choice.
The beginning of Spiritual Life happens when we develop interest and taste for things, words and association that are beyond the relativity of this world. Then the “Antaryami” Lord residing in us guides us and directs us depending upon our desire to Guru, Sadhu & Shastra. Then we develop this faith with certainty that I am this spirit soul and who belongs as an eternal servant to Krishna