All It Takes Is A Goal
Jon Acuff hosts this podcast about achieving goals and personal productivity. Drawing from his New York Times bestselling books, he offers practical advice and humor to help listeners set and reach their ambitions. Each episode explores strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated. The podcast is designed for anyone looking to make progress in their personal or professional life.
Episodes
ATG 303 | New Seasons, New Scorecards
Have you ever felt like you're failing at something you used to be great at? You might be judging yourself with an old scorecard. In this episode, I'm breaking down a soundtrack that came from coaching people in my Remarkable You Community, especially a real estate agent who couldn't figure out why he was struggling until he realized he was now caring for his dad who has early onse
ATG 302 | Awesome Isn’t Accidental
You've never met someone who accidentally got in shape, accidentally achieved financial freedom, or accidentally built an awesome marriage. In this episode, kicking off a new series based on my upcoming book, The Three Minute Mindset, I'm sharing one of my most powerful soundtracks: awesome is never accidental. Whether it's your health, your finances, your marriage, or your career,
ATG 301 | Obstacles Are Features
If you ski, try not to fall near the lift. Yard sales are hard enough without an audience. But from the lift you'll also see snowboarders hunting for trouble on purpose: rails, jumps and half pipes. In terrain parks, they don't call those things obstacles. They call them features. In this episode, I'm sharing the first soundtrack from my brand new book, The Three Minute Mindset: Ob
ATG 300 | Is This a Domino? The Question That Changes How You Prioritize
Some tasks are dead ends. Some are dominos. In this episode, part of my four episode series on prioritization, I'm teaching you the final question to ask when your to do list feels overwhelming: does this task make other tasks possible? A domino task unlocks a chain reaction of other important work, while a dead end task just gets done and stops there. I'll walk you through a real exampl
ATG 299 | Is There an Outside Deadline? The Prioritization Question That Changes Everything
You have too much to do right now. I know because I've never met someone whose biggest problem was too much free time. In this episode, part three of our four part series on prioritization, I'm teaching you a simple question that will help you sort your overwhelming to do list: is there an outside deadline? I'll explain the difference between outside deadlines (like my daughter&apos
ATG 298 | Is There Money Involved? The Prioritization Question That Cuts Through the Noise
You have too much to do. I know because I've never met someone whose biggest problem was too much free time. In this episode, part of a four part series on prioritization, I'm teaching you the second prompt that clarifies your decision making when your to do list feels overwhelming: is there money involved? Money isn't emotional or fuzzy, it's just math, and I'll show you
ATG 297 | Why Your To-Do List Will Always Beat Your Calendar (And What to Do About It)
Your to do list is bursting and it feels impossible to figure out what matters most. Here's the truth: your imagination is bigger than your calendar, so it will always feel that way. In this episode, I'm kicking off a brand new four part series on prioritization, starting with a powerful tool from my book Soundtracks, a good question is a trojan horse for truth. I'll walk you throug
ATG 296 | Your Whole Dashboard: Why Checking Only Your Feelings Is Costing You Your Dreams
Most people only check one thing on their dashboard: feelings. That's like covering every other gauge in your car with a Post it note and driving by only watching the check oil light. Sure, you'd know when to change your oil, but you'd rack up speeding tickets, run out of gas, and probably rear end somebody at the grocery store. In this episode, I'm sharing the other data point
ATG 295 | Find an Hour, Start Selling: How I Trick Myself Into Beating Procrastination
Procrastination loves vagueness. "I'll get to that eventually" means nothing gets done. In this episode, I'm sharing the exact system I use to steal back an hour from my own procrastination, starting with your phone's screen time settings and treating your apps like a restaurant menu. You'll learn why making a list of everything you're procrastinating on actuall
ATG 294 | The Muskrat Incident: Why Simple Beats Complicated Every Time
My favorite one star review calls my books too simple. Guilty as charged, and I did that on purpose. But I wasn't always this way. In this episode I tell you about The Muskrat Incident, the true story of how I chose an impossible taxidermy extra credit project over simply studying for biology class. Spoiler alert, it did not go well. We'll talk about why procrastinators love complicating
ATG 293 | You Are in Sales: Why Your Real Mission Is Selling Yourself a Remarkable Life
We can't get coffee together, but we could take a walk. And on that walk, I'd tell you something that might surprise you: your mission in life is sales. Not the kind you're picturing. From the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep, you're selling the most important product that's ever existed, a remarkable life, to the most important person you'll ever meet
ATG 292 | 5 Soundtracks That Will Make You Braver (Nobody Is for Everybody)
What thoughts are running through your mind on repeat? In this episode, I'm sharing five powerful soundtracks that will help you build bravery in your life. You'll discover why nobody is for everybody (vegan restaurants don't care about BBQ fans), how to beat imposter syndrome by being better today than you were yesterday, and why some beats none when perfectionism tries to stop you
ATG 291 | Turn Up the Volume: 5 Bravery Soundtracks That Will Change Your Life
What if the thoughts running through your head on repeat could be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward? In this episode, I'm sharing five powerful soundtracks that help me choose bravery when fear gets loud. You'll discover why "It's just a puddle" changed how I parent and handle everyday stress, how to shift from "Woe is me" to "Wow is me
ATG 290 | Bravery is More Muscle Than Magic: How to Practice Being Brave This Week
You're either practicing bravery or you're practicing fear. There's no neutral when it comes to mindset. In this fourth episode of the Bravest Summer Ever series, I'm breaking down the third key to bravery: practice. Research shows that just 5 minutes of negative news makes people more depressed, less likely to help others, and convinced the world is a negative place. When you
ATG 289 | Bravery is One Size Fits You: Why Curiosity is the Key to Courage
What's brave for me won't be brave for you, and vice versa. I once had a woman share that driving over a bridge was a brave moment for her. I drive over bridges all the time without thinking about it, but paperwork? That sends my heart rate through the roof. In this third episode of our Bravest Summer Ever series, I'm breaking down the second key to bravery: curiosity. Most people a
ATG 288 | The First Key to Bravery (And Why You'll Never Be Brave Without It)
Want to know the secret to bravery? It's not what you think. In this episode, part of my "Bravest Summer Ever" series, I'm revealing the first of three keys to bravery, and it's so obvious you might miss it: goals. Here's the truth: no one is brave "just because." That would be dumb. Bravery is uncomfortable, challenging, and requires sacrifice. So why would
ATG 287 | Bravest Summer Ever: Why Fear Has Had Enough of a Run (Part 1)
Fear had a pretty good run the last few years. It kicked our butts, didn't it? But I'm over it, and I think it's time we take back the territory we lost. That's why I'm starting a new 5 episode series called "Bravest Summer Ever." In this first episode, I'm breaking down three reasons why we need to talk about bravery right now: fear had its moment and it&ap
ATG 286 | What Your Favorite Airline Says About You (And Why It Matters)
After 14 years of travel, I finally achieved Delta Diamond Medallion Status. But here's the thing: it took me over a decade even though I fly 100 times a year. Why? Because time is the currency I care about most. In this episode, I'm breaking down what your airline choice reveals about your priorities and why understanding your real values changes everything. If you live in Atlanta, Delt
ATG 285 | Stop Saying "Late Bloomer": The 4 Words That Will Change Everything
I used to introduce myself as a "late bloomer" on hundreds of podcast episodes. It sounded casual, even humble. But here's what I was really saying: "I should have learned this earlier. Smarter people figured this out years before I did. I'm behind." That broken soundtrack has been quietly wreaking havoc in my life for years. In this episode, I'm exposing one of
ATG 284 | Your Communication Type Is Sabotaging Your Success (And You Don't Even Know It)
Why do some people totally bomb when a conversation really counts? In this episode, therapist and author Jason VanRuler breaks down the five communication types that explain how we connect, where we fail, and why we keep repeating the same patterns. From Peacemakers who avoid conflict to Sparks who struggle to go deep, Jason reveals how childhood shaped your communication style and what happens wh
ATG 283 | The Analyst's Trap: When Reviewing the Past Prevents You From Dreaming the Future
You're a pro at seeing what went wrong, why it went wrong, and exactly what it will cost if it goes wrong again. If you love a good post mortem and naturally think in terms of evidence and precedent rather than optimism and possibility, you might be an Analyst. In this episode, I'm breaking down the third procrastination profile from my new book Procrastination Proof. Analysts excel at r
ATG 282 | Hustlers: When Moving Fast Means You're Going in the Wrong Direction
If you'd rather jump in without reading the instructions, if paperwork feels like it's slowing you down, if your first inclination is ACTION! ACTION! ACTION!, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the hustler procrastination profile from my new book, Procrastination Proof. Hustlers excel at taking consistent action and turning thoughts into momentum faster than anyone else in t
ATG 281 | Are You a Perfectionist? Why Your Perfect Plans Keep You Stuck
If you have the most detailed, amazing plans but you're always waiting until everything is perfect to get started, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the second of four procrastination profiles: the Perfectionist. You excel at creating detailed roadmaps and speak spreadsheet fluently, but you get stuck moving from planning to execution. The plan feels safe. The first real step do
ATG 280 | Are You a Dreamer? Why 1,000 Ideas and Zero Actions Is Procrastination in Disguise
Do you have a thousand ideas and don't know what to do with them? This episode is for you. I'm breaking down the first of four procrastination profiles: the Dreamer. Dreamers excel at envisioning breakthrough possibilities but get stuck translating vision into actionable plans. You love a blank whiteboard, thrive at kickoff meetings when anything is possible, and can rattle off 10 new id
ATG 279 | The 4 Permissions You Need to Give Yourself a Remarkable Life
Nobody wakes up wanting an average life. We all want remarkable marriages, careers, and relationships. But how do you actually build that? After 15 years of helping over a million people and testing hundreds of ideas, I discovered it comes down to four permissions: permission to dream, permission to plan, permission to do, and permission to review. In this episode, I'm breaking down the DPDR
ATG 278 | Permission: The One Word Solution to Procrastination
What if I told you there's one word that can solve procrastination instantly? A word you haven't thought about in years, but one that used to mean everything to you. In this episode, I'm sharing insights from my new book, Procrastination Proof, and revealing why permission is the pathway out of procrastination and into a remarkable life. Remember the permission slip from childhood?
ATG 277 | The Napkin That Changed My Life: Why You're Living Inside a Postage Stamp
A creative director once drew something on a napkin that completely changed how I saw my own limitations. His name was Ted, and he showed me why I was so unhappy at 26, stuck in my fifth job in six years, and dangerously close to needing a sixth. The illustration he drew explained why it's so difficult to create something remarkable when you're trapped inside such a small, constricted wo
ATG 276 | The Real Reason You Procrastinate (It's Not What You Think)
Ask 100,000 people why they procrastinate and you'll get five common answers: task, time, history, fear, and ego. Maybe the project feels overwhelming. Maybe you don't have enough time. Maybe procrastination paid off in college when you still got an A on that all-nighter paper. Maybe you're afraid it won't be perfect, or maybe your ego says "I shouldn't have to do thi
ATG 275 | What Are You Waiting For? The Question That Changed My Life at 37
I spent two years preparing to write my first book. You know what finally got it done? Writing one terrible page on a Tuesday afternoon in a Burger King. For years, I sang Colin Hay's "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin" hundreds of times while stuck in Nashville traffic, living in complete quicksand. Then in 2013, I started my own company and lost all my support systems overnight. I
ATG 274 | From $250 Tuesday Nights to The Tonight Show: What John Crist Learned in 13 Years of Comedy
What happens when two guys who've known each other for 13 years sit down to talk about the weird journey of chasing dreams? In this conversation with comedian John Crist, we get into the stuff nobody talks about: the Excel spreadsheet he keeps of every show he's ever done (including whether he got a standing ovation), why he still sleeps in his car at gas stations with his handgun in the
ATG 273 | Starting is Fun, But the Future Belongs to Finishers: 3 Soundtracks That Will Change Your Life
This is the grand finale of our five episode arc about soundtracks, and today I'm pulling three random cards from my original Soundtracks deck to break down what they mean and how they can help you. We're talking about why starting is exciting but finishing is where the magic happens (spoiler: 92% of New Year's resolutions fail because everyone starts but only 8% finish), why feelin
ATG 272 | 3 Soundtracks Every Parent with Teens Needs to Hear (Conversation Starters That Actually Work)
Trying to have a conversation with your teenager? You ask how their day was and get "fine." You ask who was at the party and get "no one." You ask what they're doing and get "nothing." Sound familiar? In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful soundtracks from our Parents and Teens card deck that will help you start real conversations with your teenager. Th
ATG 271 | You Don't Have to Be the Smartest Person in the Room, Just the Bravest: 3 Soundtracks for Entrepreneurs
Being an entrepreneur is challenging, which is why you need the right mindset soundtracks. In this episode, I'm sharing three powerful soundtracks from my entrepreneur card deck that will help you build and scale your business. You'll discover why relationships get you the first opportunity but skills get you the second (and why you need both), how to balance the optimism required for dr
ATG 270 | Family Shows Up: 3 Soundtracks Every Parent Needs for Raising Kids
Welcome to part two of our five part series on soundtracks! This episode is specifically for parents with kids. I'm pulling three random soundtracks from our Parents with Kids card deck and breaking down why they matter. You'll discover why you can fast forward childhood but you can't rewind it (and what that means for decisions like when to give your kid a phone), why tired beats r
ATG 269 | Crisis Magnifies Kindness: 3 Soundtracks Every Couple Needs to Hear
What if three simple phrases could transform your relationship? In this episode, I'm kicking off a brand new five part series on soundtracks by diving into the couples deck. I'm pulling three cards at random and breaking down why these soundtracks matter for your marriage or relationship. You'll discover why every good relationship costs the same exact thing (hint: it's not mon
ATG 268 | From Scrap to Steel: How to Turn Wasted Work Into High Value Time
81% of people work after dinner, drowning in back to back Zoom meetings where they doodle under the table, only to do real work at night. Sound familiar? In this episode, I sit down with Juliet Funt, author and consultant who helps companies turn scrap time into steel, transforming low value work into high purpose, innovative time. We dive into the signs of toxic culture, why anxious deference to
ATG 267 | We Wanted to Love Coming to Work Every Day: Building a Business Without Burnout with Patrick Lencioni
Patrick Lencioni built a multimillion-dollar business, sold 10 million books, and became one of the most influential leadership voices in the world. But here's what you might not know: he never had a five-year plan, turned down opportunities to scale, and prioritized loving his work over maximizing revenue. In this episode, Pat shares the behind-the-scenes story of building The Table Group, w
ATG 266 | The Algorithm Is Retraining Your Mind (And Why You Can't Win as a Leader)
Why can't leaders win anymore? No matter what you say, someone's upset. In this conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, host of one of today's most influential leadership podcasts, we unpack why 49 hours a week on our phones has created 100 different experiences in a room of 100 people. From the woman who won't use plastic cutlery to why your weird uncle believes conspiracy theories,
ATG 265 | The Algorithm Doesn't Care If They Love You or Hate You: Building a Coffee Empire with Caitlin Campbell
What happens when you set a goal for 20,000 followers in six months and hit half a million instead? Caitlin Campbell built a seven-figure coffee business in the public eye, navigating viral videos, negative comments, and sudden fame along the way. In this episode, Caitlin shares how she went from youth pastor to coffee entrepreneur, why video 2000 was the one that changed everything, and the minds
ATG 264 | Hope Is an Act of Open Rebellion: Why Optimism Is the Secret Weapon of World-Class Performers
What if everything you thought about optimism was wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Gervais, high-performance psychologist who's worked with the Seattle Seahawks, Felix Baumgartner, and world-class performers across every field. We dive deep into why optimism isn't naive positivity but the ground zero of mental toughness, how Felix overcame crippling claustrophobia to j
ATG 263 | The Hyper-Optimizer's Trap with Dr. James Hewitt
Dr. James Hewitt spent years teaching Fortune 500 companies and Formula One teams how to optimize performance—while ignoring his own advice. Then he found a lump in the shower. In this fascinating conversation, James shares how a late-30s cancer diagnosis forced him to confront a hard truth: he wasn't superhuman. We dive deep into the science of human performance, from why heart rate variabil
ATG 262: 50 by 50: The Final 27 Lessons I Learned by Age 50
This is it—the final installment of my 50 by 50 series. I've spent four episodes breaking down 50 lessons I learned in my first half-century on this planet (yes, I said half-century). In this episode, I'm covering the final 27 lessons, from "dream big, start small" to why you need at least one Cajun friend. You'll discover why your richest-looking friends might be your poo
ATG 261: 50 Things That Took Me 50 Years to Learn: Part 3
I just turned 50, and milestone birthdays make me reflective. Here's what I realized: I liked my 40s way more than my 30s. I'm happier, in better shape, more connected relationally, accomplishing more goals, but taking more vacation. Why? What did I do in my 40s that made it the best decade of my life? In this episode, I'm sharing the first 25 lessons from my list of 50 things that
ATG 260: 4 (more) Lessons It Took Me 50 Years to Learn (That Will Change Your Life)
I just turned 50, and I've learned some things the hard way. In this episode, I'm sharing four more life lessons that took me half a century to figure out—lessons I wish I could tell my 30-year-old self. You'll discover why successful people are time machines who can shave years off your journey, why anxiety isn't something to fix but something to redeploy (this one changed eve
ATG 259: 5 Lessons It Took Me 50 Years to Learn (And You Can Steal Right Now)
I'm turning 50 on December 19 (presents welcome), and as I approach the half-century mark, I've been reflecting on the lessons that have meant the most to me. When you're in your 20s, you don't have hard-fought wisdom, but at 50, there's no denying you've been around the block a few times. In this episode, I'm sharing the first five of ten life-changing lessons:
ATG 258: Gift Guide 2025: 11 Hidden Gems You Won't Find Anywhere Else
Don't know what to get for that person who has it all? I've got you covered. This year's Try This Gift Guide features 11 items the Acuff house absolutely loved or made in 2025—from the card game that teaches you everything about a person (SkyJo) to the weighted backpack that's making me look ridiculously in shape (GoRuck), to the brand-new Soundtracks Card Decks that are the pe
ATG 257: Politicians Are Temporary, Family Is Forever: Your Thanksgiving Survival Guide
I am my niece and nephew's favorite uncle—mostly because I'm their only uncle, but a win is a win. Election years turn every family gathering into "squirrely uncle season," and Thanksgiving is ground zero. You've got relatives who think differently, believe differently, and this year, vote differently. Before you get into a political argument that could cost you a decades-
ATG 256: The 4 Books That Changed My Year (And Why I Read 75 Fewer Books)
Last year, I read more than 100 books. This year, I cut that goal down to 25—and actually got more out of them. After realizing I was flying through books without retaining much, I slowed down and found four that earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite reads of 2024: a cutthroat business memoir from the cofounder of CAA (with an amazing 10-minute meet
ATG 255: Stop Being a Success Voyeur
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to binge on other people’s success stories? Podcasts, books, courses—it all feels productive, but sometimes it’s just procrastination in disguise. I call it being a success voyeur. You’re peering through the glass, watching other people build remarkable lives, while your own goals collect dust. I know, because I did it too. In 2024, I read 100 books and didn’t
ATG 254: Throw Your Bottles: Why the World Needs What You're Afraid to Create
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
ATG 253: Be a Rebel: Why Hope is an Act of Open Rebellion in a World Addicted to Fear
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
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 Cr
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 th
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 han
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 qu
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 co
ATG 247: Big Life, Small Worries: The 8 Words That Will Change Everything
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
ATG 246: Mindset Reboot: The First Step to a Remarkable Life
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 thou
ATG 245: Hope Hard, Work Hard: Why Hope Has Become Controversial (And Why You Need It Anyway)
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 w
ATG 244: Try Again: The Two Words That Stand Between You and Your Biggest Goals
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
ATG 243: Today Is An Adventure
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 ju
ATG 242: Summer Soundtracks Part 6: Throw Shorter Pity Parties
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
ATG 241: Summer Soundtracks Part 5: Growth Is the Goal, Not Comfort
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
ATG 240: Summer Soundtracks Part 4: Win the Way You've Won Before
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
ATG 239: Summer Soundtracks Part 3: Be Your Bodyguard, Not Your Bully
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
ATG 238: Summer Soundtracks Part 2: Surround Yourself with Friends Who Throw Fuel, Not Water
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. Tun
ATG 237: Summer Soundtracks Part 1: I Am the CEO of My Actions, Not My Outcomes
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 remark
ATG 236: The "Too Busy" Lie and 2 Systems That Will Change Everything with Mo Bunnell
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 pl
ATG 235: 3 Things I Learned From Simon Sinek That Changed Everything
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 un
ATG 234: Awesome is Never Accidental
I've never met someone who accidentally got in shape. Or accidentally had a great marriage. Or accidentally built a million-dollar business. You know why? Because awesome is never accidental.In this episode, I'm sharing how this simple 4-word soundtrack will change how you think about achievement. After interacting with hundreds of thousands of people online and learning from CEOs across
ATG 233: 37 Ways to Have the Greatest Summer Ever (Part 2)
Ready to continue making this your most intentional summer? In this episode, I'm sharing the final 19 ways to elevate your summer from average to extraordinary. From buying the weirdest thing at your local farmer's market, to exploring your dream neighborhood, to committing to reading with your kids—these actionable ideas will inspire you to make the most of the season. No need to have h
ATG 232: 37 Ways to Have the Greatest Summer Ever (Part 1)
Summer is here, and in this episode, I'm sharing the first 18 of 37 incredible ways to make this your most remarkable summer yet. Why wait for January to set meaningful goals? From catching up with friends you've been meaning to see, to visiting quirky local attractions you've never explored, this list (created with help from my Guaranteed Goals Community) is packed with ideas that
ATG 231: Turning Complicated into Collaborative with Ryan Leak
In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Leak to talk about his new book, How to Work with Complicated People. Ryan shares insights from coaching everyone from CEOs to NBA stars, explaining why talented people are often mislabeled as difficult, and how to maintain boundaries when success accelerates. We explore the warning signs of leaders going off the rails, Ryan's Mount Rushmore of books, and
ATG 230: Leaders Who Can't Be Questioned End Up Doing Questionable Things
Want to know the simplest leadership principle that makes people elbow each other when I share it on stage? "Leaders who can't be questioned end up doing questionable things." In this episode, I'll share how the gap between the boardroom and the break room creates problems, why your team might be editing their feedback by 15%, and my embarrassing story about a CEO with terrible
ATG 229: The Commencement Speech No One Has the Guts to Give
In this episode, I'm delivering the graduation speech I've never been asked to give. I've packed it with seven brutally honest pieces of advice for Gen Z graduates that you won't hear from those boring traditional speakers droning on about "wings" and "moxie." Whether you're 18 or 48, you'll find something in this graduation manifesto that might ju
ATG 228: The 11-Minute Rule
In this episode, I share my revelation about accepting who you are instead of constantly trying to transform into someone else. I'll also tell you about my Phoenix epiphany, where I discovered that pushing through just 11 minutes of resistance unlocks flow in the work you're meant to do. Life gets easier when you stop swimming against your current.In This Episode:Make sure to follow me o
ATG 227: Fear Comes Free, Hope Takes Work
In this episode, I'm sharing six powerful words that completely changed my perspective on fear and hope. I'll tell you some embarrassing stories about my brain's automatic negativity (including how I ruined a surprise party and why I'd be terrible at running a popsicle stand), plus give you the practical hope-building strategies I use every single day. Because remember—fear sho
ATG 226: No Elevator at Everest: A Candid Conversation with my brother, Will Acuff
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 wond
ATG 225: Success or a Story: The Mindset That Helped Me Survive an Empty Room
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 w
ATG 224: Fuel vs. Water: How to Protect Your Dreams
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 si
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