Claim OwnershipAll It Takes Is A Goal
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© 2025 All It Takes Is A Goal
Description
Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including his most recent, All it Takes is a Goal.
Published in dozens of languages, his work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers. When he's not writing, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Range Rover, Microsoft, Chick-fil-A, and Comedy Central. Known for his insights wrapped in humor, Acuff shared the stage with an American Icon when he opened up for Dolly Parton at the Ryman Auditorium.
Jon lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two daughters.
255 Episodes
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I've written 11 books, but I didn't have a 10-year plan. I just got tired of my fearful mindset dictating my entire life. In my mid-30s, I threw my first bottle into the ocean—and it changed everything. In this episode, I'm sharing why you need to throw yours too. Here's the metaphor: You're on an island called "My Life," and the things you create are tiny notes you shove into bottles. When you throw them with courage and conviction, they float away to shores you've never seen—bookshelf, Spot...
A viral tweet recently claimed that 30-year-olds today can't afford what previous generations could—a house they like, a decent car, a $100K salary, and a stay-at-home spouse. Here's the truth: I was 30 in 2006 and only achieved half of that list. We had seafoam green carpet, a purple bedroom, squirrels living in our roof, a 2-door Camry with 150,000 miles, and a two-hour commute. But we were building something. In this episode, I'm breaking down why people procrastinate when they create impo...
81% of Americans want to write a book. Only 2% actually do. What's the difference between wanting and doing? One word: deadline. In this episode, I'm breaking down why deadlines are the secret weapon for finishing any goal—whether you're writing a book, getting in shape, or finally decluttering that garage. Your Peloton is collecting dust, your planner has cobwebs, and that Ninja Creami is just an expensive paperweight because you're missing this crucial element. I'll show you how to create r...
Building a business and building a family both require one thing: being brave enough to be bad at something new. In this episode, Jenny and I talk about the soundtracks that have helped us stay sane through marriage, parenting, and every learning curve in between. From why the honeymoon should come six months in, to how we’ve learned to “not buy tickets” for each other’s anxious train rides, to the soundtrack that reminds us we’re raising adults, not just kids. We also unpack the logic trap o...
2Building a 7-figure business while staying married for 25 years doesn't happen by accident. In this follow-up episode, I'm sharing four more marriage secrets that have helped Jenny and me not just survive but thrive together. You'll discover why "I wouldn't bet against us" became our rallying cry when people doubted our dreams, how playing to our strengths means I handle parking while she handles money (and why we always go to bed at the same time), and what "hit the squirrel" really means wh...
After almost 25 years of marriage, my wife Jenny and I have learned a few things that actually work—not just the clichés you hear everywhere. In this episode, I'm sharing four practical "soundtracks" we use in our marriage and parenting that have made all the difference. From knowing when to pause an argument (hint: we do better with coffee) to understanding that winners actually quit all the time—just the wrong things—these aren't your typical relationship tips. You'll also discover why "eve...
Feeling overwhelmed by all your goals? You're not alone—and that's exactly why we're starting with something different. Instead of brainstorming more things to do, let's celebrate what you've already accomplished. In this episode, I'm sharing the opening lesson from my Greatest Year Ever program, including the simple "I Did That!" exercise that builds the confidence you need for your biggest goals. You've already done hard things—you just haven't given yourself enough credit. Whether you grad...
I recently told someone they should print out these 8 words and carry them in their wallet (which makes me sound ancient because who has a printer anymore?) But seriously, if you only remember 8 words from me in 2025, let it be these: "Big life, small worries. Small life, big worries." Here's the thing—if you want small worries, live a life so big you don't have time to stress over the little stuff. Stress grows in the big open chunks of unclaimed time. When I'm writing a book or planning an ...
What if the formula for a remarkable life was so simple you could write it on a sticky note? In this episode, I share the exact mindset shift that took me from stuck in Atlanta traffic to building a life I love. You’ll hear the story of how I stopped blaming my commute, my boss, and my circumstances, and discovered that the cavalry I'd been waiting for was actually myself. The truth? Your thoughts create your actions, and your actions create your results. Remarkable or average... it’s your ch...
Apparently, hope is controversial now. Who knew? I've been posting about hope lately, and people have been telling me I'm tone deaf because the supply chain is broken and the economy is terrible. One of my friends literally can't be happy until the supply chain is fixed (even though he doesn't work in supply chain). When did we start tying our personal lives to global numbers we don't control? I spent nearly 20 years as an excuse factory—blaming my parents, my boss, the economy, my background...
There are only two words standing between you and the book you've always wanted to write, the business you want to start, and yes, even millions of dollars. Just two words. According to the University of Scranton, 92% of New Year's resolutions fail—and it's because nobody knows about these two powerful words. Here's the thing: nothing is successful on the first attempt. Nothing. Fear isn't afraid of your first try (we're a single-serve culture), but it's terrified you'll take that secon...
I'm going old school today—70s and 80s motivational guru style. You know those thick plastic binders with cassette tapes that made you want to run through walls? That's the energy I'm bringing. This episode is different. It's a short, highly motivational boost designed to be replayed whenever you're discouraged and need that little bit of juice. Because today isn't just another average Monday—there's no such thing as average days when we're guaranteed none and given this one. Today is an adve...
Let’s end this series with one of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve learned: Throw shorter pity parties. In the final episode of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m sharing why it’s okay to feel the sting of failure—but not okay to camp out in it forever. I’ll unpack the difference between processing and pity, and challenge you to stop RSVPing to every pity party you throw for yourself. Let’s talk about what it looks like to feel it, process it, and then move forward. In This Episode: Grab ...
This one hit me right between the eyes. In Part 5 of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m talking about a mindset I’m still learning to believe: Growth is the goal, not comfort. It’s easy to quit when things get awkward, inconvenient, or uncomfortable. I’ve done it with goals like YouTube, and I’ve pushed through it with goals like writing my first book. Today I’ll show you why discomfort isn’t a sign something’s going wrong—it’s a sign something’s going right. In This Episode: Grab a Soundtrack...
In Part 4 of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m unpacking a simple but powerful mindset shift: Win the way you’ve won before. You’ve already succeeded at something in your life—and that win left clues. Today I’ll show you how to find them, repeat them, and bring that momentum into your next goal. Whether it’s a health goal, a career goal, or a personal one, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to remember what worked—and do it again. In This Episode: Grab a Soundtrack Conversati...
In Part 3 of my Summer Soundtracks Series, I’m talking about one of the most important mindset shifts I’ve ever made: Be your bodyguard, not your bully. How you talk to yourself matters. A lot. In this episode, I’ll walk you through why being kind to yourself isn’t soft—it’s actually one of the strongest things you can do. We’ll talk about hidden ways you might be beating yourself up, what positive aggression looks like, and how to finally have your own back this summer. In This Episode: Grab...
This is Part 2 of my Summer Soundtracks Series, and I’ve got another soundtrack for you: “Surround yourself with friends who throw fuel, not water.” We’re talking about the kind of people who help your dreams grow—and the kind who quietly shrink them. I’ll walk you through three questions that will change how you think about your friendships and your mindset. Let’s make this the best summer yet. Tune in today! In This Episode: Grab a Soundtrack Conversation Deck for that overthinker in your l...
Have you ever felt frustrated trying to control things that are completely out of your hands? In this episode, I'm kicking off a new summer series where I randomly pick cards from my Soundtracks Conversation Deck and share the mindset shifts that can change everything. Today's soundtrack: "I am the CEO of my actions, not the CEO of my outcomes." We'll talk about why remarkable people focus on what they can control while accepting what they can't, plus I'll share how this one shift helped me s...
Do you ever catch yourself saying "I'm too busy" when someone asks you to connect? Mo Bunnell, author of Give to Grow, says that's one of five lies keeping us stuck—and he's got the research to prove it. In this episode, Mo breaks down his "Cut to Climb" process (30 minutes quarterly to find 50 hours you'll never waste again) and his MIT system for weekly planning that actually works. Plus, you'll hear about his genius ChatGPT setups for family, work, and decision-making that sound like somet...
A few years ago, Simon Sinek and I had the same editor. Since then, I've had the chance to learn from him, and let me tell you—it's been a game changer. In this episode, I'm sharing three lessons Simon taught me: why you should be able to draw your idea on a napkin, why short beats long every time, and the power of being kind to people behind you. Plus, I'll tell you about an unexpected birthday surprise that perfectly illustrates why the encouragement you put out comes back to you in ways yo...
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Excellent episode! The How and Wow is brilliant. Will implement immediately.🙂
succinct, easily implement able guides to forming resolutions that one can fulfill
Ian't wait for each Monday to listen to this podcast on my morning runs! BUT, (CAPITALISED FOR ATTENTION) you know what would be fabtaticoulsly and woderrificully full of the sauce that is awesomeness....??? That if there was a book list somewhere we can get our hands on that lists all the mount Rushmore Books recommended by each guest on the podcast. i always hear some great recommendations but by the time I'm done with my run I'm on to other things and before you know it all is lost..lol... I know I could go back and look at the details of each podcast but I always forget who it was that had it or which one recommend which book. I would be eternally and extrinsically full of the greatfull sauce if this mysteriously and wonderfully made an appearance in this world of existence of which we are currently undertaking it's conundrums. Thanks for your thoughtful considerations of these brain thingies I have delivered to you this day. spread the sauce...be the sauce.... :D Ed B
This is gold! If you have a dream you need some goals. If you don't know about goals...this is the podcast to listen to! Thanks Jon for sharing!
this is my favorite episode so far!
this is by far and amazing and amazing podcast. The words of wisdom just exceed anything I thought about. Thank you so much Jon!
I have a challenge for you! You the person reading this. Listen to one episode a day for 30 days and apply the practical knowledge. It will change your life I know this because it has changed mine.
Blue Bell is totally the best ice cream, period.
Big fan fan of Jon Acuff. So glad he decided to do a podcast.
love this podcast!
Love this podcast.
the principles in this podcast are awesome!
Thank you Jon for this wonderful podcast! A great way to start the day while heading to work in the morning
love this PODCAST! JON YOU ROCK!
So funny...my husband is a custom knife maker!
I'm so glad I came across this podcast. It's awesome.