Jon Acuff's Blog, page 5

Thanksgiving is practically designed for family debates, especially the kind that get sparked right as you’re reaching for the mashed potatoes. But this year, I’ve got one sentence that will change everything: “Politicians are temporary, family is forever.” In this episode, we’re talking about how to keep things calm, keep your cool, and maybe even enjoy the meal without ducking into the pantry for a pie break. Give it a listen, and let’s make this Thanksgiving one that’s memorable—in a good way!

The post Avoid Thanksgiving Fights with This 1 Sentence appeared first on Jon Acuff.

I had an awesome conversation with my friend, Graham Cochrane, about goal-setting, career pivots, and discovering your unique purpose. We dove into the pressures we face, how to manage overthinking, and why it’s so important to pursue a life that aligns with who you really are. If you’re struggling with work-life balance, thinking about making a business shift, or just need help pushing past self-doubt, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use. Graham also shares some wisdom from his new book and talks about how taking risks can lead to more personal freedom.

The post From Overthinking to Action: Graham Cochrane on Chasing Dreams and Embracing Change appeared first on Jon Acuff.

You’ve probably heard the classic phrase, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” But what does that really mean for your life? In this episode, I’ll break down why your circle isn’t just a group of friends—it’s a blueprint for who you’re becoming. I’ll share personal stories, like how running with friends unexpectedly made me faster and how the right people can level up every area of your life. Plus, I’ll give you three super practical ways to put this concept into action. Want to run a little faster together—literally and figuratively? This episode will show you how!

The post Your Friends Are Your Future appeared first on Jon Acuff.

I have a prediction for you—2025 is going to be your Greatest Year Ever. You’re going to tackle those big goals, beat procrastination, perfectionism, and all the usual roadblocks, and it all starts now. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how you can make that happen with my new 8-week challenge designed to help you start 2025 with a rock-solid mindset, a clear plan, and the tools to make success inevitable.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck or unsure of how to take that next big step in your career, relationships, finances, or health, this episode is for you. I’ll share the powerful strategies behind overcoming overthinking and self-sabotage and lay out why November, not January, is the time to get ahead.

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Head over to jonacuff.com/greatest and register today! Don’t wait until January—start building your greatest year right now.

The post Why 2025 Will Be Your Greatest Year Ever appeared first on Jon Acuff.

It’s the 200th episode of the podcast! I can’t believe we’ve reached this milestone together. In this episode, we’re talking about election stress and how to handle it. You know those anxious soundtracks that play on repeat in your head during election season? They’re exhausting, but they don’t have to control you. Today, I’m sharing 7 practical election soundtracks that will help you survive the stress, get more sleep, and stay focused on what really matters. From looking forward to the future to reducing your news intake, we’ll cover simple strategies that make a big difference in how you handle this season.

The post 7 Ways to Survive Election Stress appeared first on Jon Acuff.

I don’t usually do breaking podcasts, but this story was too incredible not to share. My guest, David Jones, reached out with a story that perfectly ties into Soundtracks. When a hurricane hit western North Carolina, David faced a series of impossible obstacles trying to reach his daughter’s wedding. But he made it—on foot, through the devastation, determined to walk her down the aisle. In this episode, David shares his unbelievable journey and how the soundtracks he used helped him keep going through every challenge. This is a powerful reminder of how the right mindset can carry you through the darkest moments. I can’t wait for you to hear it!

The post A Father, A Hurricane, & The Walk Of A Lifetime! appeared first on Jon Acuff.

Have you ever felt like quitting? I have. And in this episode, we’re going to talk about two powerful ways to change how you feel when you’re at that breaking point. This is a lean-in episode, so I need you to lean in with me. I see something incredible in you—your potential, your joy, your success—even if you don’t see it yet. Together, we’ll explore how to turn those negative thoughts into ones that push you forward, not hold you back.

And if you’re ready to take this mindset shift to the next level, join me for the free Mindset Reboot Challenge on October 16-17. In just two days, we’ll dig into the broken soundtracks holding you back and create new ones that propel you forward. Don’t miss it! Sign up at JonAcuff.com/challenge and start changing your mindset today. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet.

The post 2 Ways to Shift Your Mindset When You Feel Like Quitting appeared first on Jon Acuff.

In this episode, I’m diving into three big lies that I think are putting way too much pressure on Gen Z and Millennials—“Do it while you’re young,” “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap,” and the idea that you have to choose between joy and responsibility. I used to believe some of these myself, but now that I’m in my 40s, I’ve learned something better. You don’t have to choose between making memories and building a life you love. Join me as I share some personal stories, lessons I’ve learned, and why I think every decade can be the best one yet. Whether you’re 22 or 52 or 82, this one’s for you.

The post The Lie of ‘Do It While You’re Young’: Why Every Decade Can Be Your Best appeared first on Jon Acuff.

In this episode, I’m sharing some of the meanest things my kids have ever said to me—and trust me, they’re hilarious. We’ll also dive into a common myth that makes parenting way harder than it has to be. If you’ve ever believed raising teens has to be a nightmare, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t. A simple mindset shift can change everything. And since we’re in the middle of a parenting season on the podcast, don’t forget to check out my brand new book How Teens Win, co-written with my two daughters. It’s available for purchase now!

The post The Meanest Things My Kids Have Said to Me appeared first on Jon Acuff.

Does your teenager barely talk to you anymore? In this episode, I’ll not only explain why that happens, but also how to change it. I’ll share three soundtracks that make starting conversations with your kids easier, plus a personal story about dreaming big with my daughter. 

If you want to build stronger connections with your teens, check out my new book, How Teens Win, that I co-wrote with my daughters. It’s available now wherever books are sold!

The post How to Get Your Teenagers Talking Again appeared first on Jon Acuff.