Jon Acuff's Blog, page 3

In this episode, I sit down with my younger brother Will—founder of Corner to Corner and author of No Elevator at Everest—for a raw, hilarious, and deeply meaningful conversation about goals, grit, and joy in the midst of real-life challenges. We talk about family dynamics, stolen cars, late-night wake ups, and the kind of leadership that gets built when nobody’s watching. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to lead with purpose when life doesn’t slow down, this episode is for you.

Get a copy of his new book, No Elevator at Everest, wherever books are sold.

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In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite soundtracks: It will be a success or a story. It’s the mindset I use every time I try something new—like hosting a live event or leading a book club that nobody shows up to (yep, that actually happened… to a brave 9-year-old and to me). Whether your next goal works out exactly like you hoped or turns into a story you’ll tell for years, this episode will remind you that both outcomes are worth it.

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Not every friend deserves front-row seats to your dreams. In this episode, I’m unpacking one question that completely changed how I think about relationships—and why some quietly discourage your growth. If you’ve ever wondered why a big idea fizzled or who to trust with your next bold goal, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about finding fuel friends and avoiding the sneaky word that can sink your progress: still.

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Encouragement isn’t just something you give—it’s something you get. When you take the time to lift someone else up, you walk away stronger too. In this episode, I’m sharing why encouragement matters and how it shows up in unexpected ways (including a recent story about my experience at my favorite Wendy’s restaurant). I’ll also share why I’m so excited about my Remarkable You live event coming up in less than two weeks! 

Let’s talk about how to encourage others and refresh ourselves in the process.

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Starting is hard. Whether it’s running, writing a book, or driving home after a big event, the beginning never feels as good as the finish. But here’s the truth—you don’t have to feel awesome to get started. You’ll feel awesome after. In this episode, we’re talking about pushing through the messy middle, why the best dreams start in black and white but end in technicolor, and how action creates momentum. If you’re waiting to feel ready, don’t. Just start.

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Fear loves to run its mouth. It shouts worst-case scenarios, whispers doubts, and reminds you of every past failure. But here’s the deal—fear gets a voice, not a vote. In this episode, we’re talking about how to manage the soundtracks fear plays in your head and how to make sure it doesn’t get a say in your decisions. Because if you’re waiting to feel 100% fearless before you take action, you’ll be waiting forever. Let’s flip the script and move forward anyway.

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I spent 1,000 hours outside in 2024—not because I’m a rugged outdoorsman, but because I realized fresh air and big skies make life better. Along the way, I learned four surprising lessons about goals, marriage, and why keeping things simple is the key to actually finishing. If you’ve ever wanted to try a big goal (or just set up a tent without an argument), this episode is for you.

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Do you ever feel frustrated that you can’t afford something you really want? My nephew Anderson did. He wanted to go duck hunting and buy a dog—but his bank account had other plans. In this episode, I show him (and you) how to turn frustration into fuel, why a “When I have money, I’ll pay for ___” list changes everything, and how small sacrifices lead to big wins. The goals you can’t see are invisible—so let’s make them clear and take action. Your choice: frustration or fuel.

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Do you ever wonder why so many people settle for average? I waited until I was 37 to deal with my procrastination—what was I waiting for? In this episode, I break down the 7 biggest reasons people don’t choose remarkable, why it’s always a choice, and how to stop waiting and start moving. The options are clear: remarkable or average. Let’s talk about how to actually choose remarkable.

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After 14 years of business travel, I finally hit Delta Diamond Medallion Status—but not for the reasons you might think. In this episode, I break down why I still fly Southwest most of the time, how our daily decisions reveal what we truly value, and why matching your actions to your intentions is the key to success. Whether it’s airline choices, career moves, or how you spend your Saturdays, the choices you make, make you. Let’s talk about how to make better ones.

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