I didn’t live up to my potential in college. That’s true and I can’t change it, but I started to wonder if I could change something even better – my future. Could I change this week? Could I change this month or even the whole year? – Jon Acuff
If you had to identify one writer that consistently addresses topics in and around personal growth and life advancement, who would you pick? There are so many options, but very few focus on our mindset and the voices in our heads. Accordingly, one of my favorites is Jon Acuff.
Acuff has produced books that inspire us to do work that matters and leave jobs that destroy our souls. His humor has allowed us to look at our personal and religious traditions, as well as the soundtracks playing in our heads. Now, in his just released book, All it Takes is a Goal, Acuff challenges readers to face the reality that all of life can be changed by simply identifying what we want and the goals that will get us there.
Most people do just the opposite of making things easier. They make up rules for their goals that guarantee they’ll lose.— Jon Acuff
Perhaps the most valuable part of this book comes before the chapters about identifying our goals. These chapters are impactful and have practical tips for identifying the goals necessary for making long-term change. But, goals must be based on an understanding of where we want to go. Accordingly, Acuff walks his readers through the process of identifying their best moments. From time with the family to success at work to purchasing the car of one’s dreams, readers will build a list of what actually makes them happy. After that, goals can be considered in light of their ability to achieve what provides the greatest fulfillment…for each of us.
Like his previous works, Acuff does not simply provide a checklist or humorous anecdotes. He helps the reader consider what they want out of life, what is holding them back, and how to make progress towards the life God has for them. Readers will want to read this book several times to soak in all that is there and then start setting the goals that will lead to their best moments in life!
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle, or your middle to someone else’s end. Don’t compare the start of your second quarter of life to someone else’s third quarter. ― Jon Acuff