

All It Takes Is A Goal
Jon Acuff
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

17 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 13min
ATG 254: Throw Your Bottles: Why the World Needs What You're Afraid to Create
Explore how overcoming fear can unlock your creative potential. Discover the powerful 'bottle' metaphor, where your creations reach unknown shores and resonate with unexpected audiences. Learn how making and sharing your work can transform both you and those who discover it. Embrace the call to action to start creating today—small steps can lead to significant changes. Tune in for inspiring stories that illustrate the magic of courage and connection in creativity.

17 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 16min
ATG 253: Be a Rebel: Why Hope is an Act of Open Rebellion in a World Addicted to Fear
The discussion tackles the harsh reality of generational expectations, contrasting viral social media narratives with personal anecdotes about life imperfections. Listeners are encouraged to reject procrastination by breaking down dreams into manageable parts. Hope is presented as a rebellious act against a culture steeped in fear and discouragement. Practical advice includes reassessing what truly matters and prioritizing those aspects while embracing imperfection. The call to action is clear: be a rebel in pursuing goals, no matter the obstacles.

46 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 17min
ATG 252: The One Word That Will Sextuple Your Success (It's Not What You Think)
Discover the one word that could transform your goals: deadline! A staggering 81% of people want to write a book, but only 2% succeed. Learn how to impose real deadlines that spark action, whether it's for writing, fitness, or decluttering. Jon shares strategies like signing up for races or inviting friends over to create that all-important social pressure. Understand how missing these self-promises affects your self-trust and find out how to select achievable deadlines that actually motivate you. Join the ranks of the successful 2%!

13 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 19min
ATG 251: Marriage, Kids, and Snacks: 3 Soundtracks That Keep Us Sane
Dive into the rollercoaster of marriage and parenting where embracing awkwardness is the new norm! Discover why delaying your honeymoon can enhance your travel vibes. Learn about the 'You'll Be Fine' mantra to manage anxiety without fueling each other's fears. There's a humorous take on debating toddlers—snacks are the unexpected saviors! Plus, shift your perspective: you're not just raising kids, but nurturing future adults. These soundtracks create a peaceful home and a strong family bond, even amidst chaos.

26 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 22min
ATG 250: Hit the Squirrel: 4 More Marriage Secrets That Built Our 7-Figure Life
Discover the secrets to a thriving marriage and a successful business! Tune in to learn about the powerful 'I wouldn't bet against us' mantra that fuels teamwork. Unearth the art of playing to each other's strengths, plus why card games serve as the ultimate relationship test. The intriguing concept of 'hit the squirrel' offers insights on keeping focus amidst distractions. These tips are more than just advice; they're the foundation of a fulfilling life built together!

4 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 25min
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!

Sep 22, 2025 • 23min
ATG 248: I Did That! The Confidence-Building Exercise That Changes Everything
Feeling overwhelmed by your goals? Instead of piling on new ones, celebrate your past achievements! Discover the 'I Did That!' exercise designed to boost your confidence and recognize your hard-earned successes. Learn why starting with past accomplishments is vital for moving forward. Get insights into the Greatest Year Ever program, where celebrating your journey sets the stage for future goals. Plus, explore how public acknowledgment can motivate further efforts. Fill your encouragement tank and get ready to tackle your next big challenge!

34 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 14min
ATG 247: Big Life, Small Worries: The 8 Words That Will Change Everything
Discover how embracing a big life can minimize your worries. The discussion highlights the importance of pursuing ambitious goals to keep distractions at bay. It also emphasizes celebrating achievements and setting new objectives to navigate post-project blues. With humor, anecdotes about cash and tattoos provide a fun contrast between generations. Ultimately, a proactive approach to life can transform stress into adventure, reinforcing the mantra: 'Big life, small worries; small life, big worries.'

24 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 21min
ATG 246: Mindset Reboot: The First Step to a Remarkable Life
Discover how limiting beliefs can hold you back from personal growth and success. Dive into strategies for shifting your mindset to tackle and overcome mental barriers. A free two-day Mindset Reboot event is coming up, offering practical tips to help you finally finish what you start. Plus, find out how to grab resources like conversation decks and books that inspire positive change. Tune in to transform your thinking and unlock your true potential!

13 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 14min
ATG 245: Hope Hard, Work Hard: Why Hope Has Become Controversial (And Why You Need It Anyway)
Hope is facing controversy as many feel it clashes with harsh realities. The discussion highlights how blaming external factors leads to stagnation. Emphasis is placed on personal responsibility and taking proactive steps toward change. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant impacts, like improving lives in Vietnam. The core message is clear: you can’t wait for a perfect world to start transforming your life. Embrace hope and work hard to inspire change from within.


