ATG 252: The One Word That Will Sextuple Your Success (It's Not What You Think)
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 real deadlines (not fake ones) for any goal, why a goal is actually a promise you make to yourself, and how to join the 2% who actually finish what they start. Because books don't finish themselves, weight doesn't lose itself, and garages don't clean themselves. That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.In This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!My new book All It Takes Is a Goal is available! You can grab a copy from your favorite bookstore or at atgbook.com.Grab my books, Soundtracks and Finish, today!Episode Artwork Photos Photo by Jeremy Bishop and Photo by Road Ahead on UnsplashHave me speak at your next event!
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ATG 251: Marriage, Kids, and Snacks: 3 Soundtracks That Keep Us Sane
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 of arguing with toddlers (spoiler: snacks solve more than you think) and why drawing hard lines out of frustration never works. These mindsets have kept our home peaceful, our marriage strong, and our family grounded - even in airport meltdowns.In This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!My new book All It Takes Is a Goal is available! You can grab a copy from your favorite bookstore or at atgbook.com.Grab my books, Soundtracks and Finish, today!Episode Artwork Photo by Christophe Meyer on UnsplashHave me speak at your next event!
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ATG 250: Hit the Squirrel: 4 More Marriage Secrets That Built Our 7-Figure Life
Building 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 when you're trying to see the big picture. Plus, I'll tell you why the best way to learn about someone isn't dinner—it's card games. These aren't just relationship tips; they're the soundtracks that helped us build a business, raise kids, and create a life we never thought possible.In This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!My new book All It Takes Is a Goal is available! You can grab a copy from your favorite bookstore or at atgbook.com.Grab my books, Soundtracks and Finish, today!Episode Artwork Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on UnsplashHave me speak at your next event!
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21:35
ATG 249: 4 Marriage Secrets That Actually Work (And Changed Our Family)
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 "everything is always working out for us" isn't toxic positivity but a powerful mindset shift, and how "family shows up" became our guide for being present when it matters most. These secrets work so well, our kids have started saying them too.In This Episode:Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!My new book All It Takes Is a Goal is available! You can grab a copy from your favorite bookstore or at atgbook.com.Grab my books, Soundtracks and Finish, today!Episode Artwork Photos by Christopher Jolly and Katie Harp on UnsplashHave me speak at your next event!
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ATG 248: I Did That! The Confidence-Building Exercise That Changes Everything
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 graduated from school, traveled somewhere new, survived a challenge, or helped someone else, it all counts. Let's fill up your encouragement tank before we tackle what's next.In This Episode:Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!My new book All It Takes Is a Goal is available! You can grab a copy from your favorite bookstore or at atgbook.com.Grab my books, Soundtracks and Finish, today!Episode Artwork Photo by Nicolas I. on UnsplashHave me speak at your next event!
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.