Jon Acuff American Author, Speaker, and Career Coach

Born: December 19, 1978 Occupation: Author, Speaker, Podcast Host Years active: 2010–present Notable works: Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking, Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done, Do Over: Make Today the First Day of Your New Career

Website: [JonAcuff.com](https://www.jonacuff.com)

Early Life and Education Jon Acuff was born on December 19, 1978, in Nashville, Tennessee. Raised in a family that valued creativity and hard work, Acuff developed an early interest in writing, which would eventually shape his career. He attended college at Middle Tennessee State University, where he majored in Marketing.

Career Acuff first gained prominence through his blog, "Stuff Christians Like," which humorously explored church culture and Christianity. The blog's popularity led to a book deal and the publication of his first book, Stuff Christians Like (2010).

After working in marketing and social media for several large corporations, including The Home Depot and Bose, Acuff made a career shift to focus on writing, public speaking, and personal development coaching. His books, characterized by a blend of humor, motivational advice, and practical tips, have earned him a large following.

Notable Works Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking (2021) One of Acuff's most well-known books, Soundtracks, focuses on how to overcome overthinking by changing the internal "soundtracks" or mental narratives people repeat to themselves. The book provides a framework for identifying and replacing negative or unhelpful thoughts with productive ones. It was inspired by Acuff's own experience with overthinking and his conversations with business professionals and mental health experts. The book emphasizes that by reprogramming these soundtracks, individuals can unlock their potential and achieve their goals more effectively.

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done (2017) Finish is another popular book by Acuff, in which he tackles the topic of perfectionism and its paralyzing effects on goal completion. Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, Acuff offers practical strategies for overcoming the tendency to quit before finishing a project. The book became a bestseller and resonated with audiences looking to boost productivity without falling into perfectionist traps.

Do Over: Make Today the First Day of Your New Career (2015) In Do Over, Acuff addresses career development, offering advice for navigating career changes, building skills, and improving workplace relationships. He explores the importance of grit, relationships, skills, and character in creating successful career "do-overs." This book appeals to anyone seeking to transition to a new career or reinvigorate their current one.

Public Speaking and Podcast In addition to his writing, Acuff is a sought-after public speaker and has delivered talks for companies like FedEx, Microsoft, and Chick-fil-A, as well as at conferences such as Catalyst and SXSW. His engaging style blends humor and motivational insights, making him a favorite among corporate audiences and individuals seeking personal growth.

Acuff also hosts the podcast All It Takes Is a Goal, where he interviews guests and shares insights on productivity, career success, and personal development.

Personal Life Jon Acuff resides in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Jenny, and their two daughters. He often shares about his family life in his books and on social media, giving readers a glimpse into how he balances his professional and personal responsibilities.

Bibliography - Stuff Christians Like (2010) - Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job (2011) - Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average, and Do Work That Matters (2013) - Do Over: Make Today the First Day of Your New Career (2015) - Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done (2017) - Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking (2021)

External Links - [Official website](https://www.jonacuff.com) - [Jon Acuff on Twitter](https://twitter.com/jonacuff)

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