Episode #012: Jon Acuff, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Start

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jon_acuff Jon Acuff is on my short list of those who helped inspire this podcast. At least now you know who to blame.

Coincidentally, my MasterMind group just finished reading through Jon’s latest book Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters. In it Jon posits that, today, there are only two paths in life: average and awesome.

The former is easy and requires nothing. The latter is more challenging because, among other things, it brings out the haters in droves.

Listen Now

Start will give you practical and actionable insights into how to be more awesome more often.

In today’s episode, Jon helps us understand:

  • Why 99% of us are content with living an average life and what that means for those who desire to be in the 1%
  • The difference between finding your purpose and living with purpose
  • How to deal with the voices of doubt (both real and imagined) and punch fear in the face
  • Why being selfish with your time first thing in the morning is so important to your success
  • What it means to “play for the size of your heart and not the size of your audience.”
  • The dangers of comparing your progress with others
  • And a lot more!

SIDE NOTE – Save $200 on Your Road Trip 2013 Conference Registration!

We’re so grateful to the folks at the Road Trip Conference who have elected to offer you $200 off your registration just for listening to the Read to Lead Podcast.  Simply head over to the Road Trip Conference website and use my name ‘jeffbrown’ as your promo code. You’ll automatically save $200 on any tickets you purchase.

Resources

No More Voices, a community site by Jon Acuff designed to help you punch fear in the face!

It wouldn’t be right not to mention Jon’s employer, the venerable Dave Ramsey

Connecting with Jon

If you enjoyed today’s episode, let Jon know by sending him a tweet to @JonAcuff

You can find Jon on the web at jonacuff.com

You can order Jon’s new book Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters through Amazon.

Books Jon Recommends

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield.

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Finally, thanks for listening and, remember, “Leaders read and readers lead.”

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9 thoughts on “Episode #012: Jon Acuff, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Start”

  1. Hi Jeff and Jon – thanks for a great episode! Fun to listen to and so helpful, what hit most was the “don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle.” Just celebrating (yes, celebrating) 1 year of blogging and while I am really pleased with what has happened I then look at others figures and go” man, is that all i’ve got?” But Jon is so right and it what just what I needed to hear. Also, interestingly both of those book MacDonald and Pressfield are two of my favourites. I have been reading War of Art again this week. I love the opening where he says, “We have two lives. The life we live and the un-lived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” I get up each day now ready to take on the big R….

    Thanks Jeff for the podcast, great quality of content, great quality of sound (and music) and easy going style makes for a good listen! Thanks.

    Your friend in England,

    Pete

  2. Hi Jeff and Jon,

    I second Peter’s sentiments. I’m currently reading Jon’s book and just had to hear what he had to say. I’m facing the big R too. I’m still where I know I’ve got something unique to offer my people but still have to find my unique voice. According to the ThinkTraffic group, that’s natural and will take some time. That means I have to tackle the big P (patience) everyday as well.

    Thoroughly enjoy your interview style and love the way you make your guests feel comfortable. I think that draws out the best for everybody involved. I’ll be working my way through your podcasts for sure and will be dropping in on the comments as well.

    Keep up the great work! I will get out on iTunes and “high five” you as well!

    Jeff

  3. Just days after my interview was published, Jon separated from his employer (The Lampo Group). They own JonAcuff.com and the No More Voices site. I know JonAcuff.com is being given to Jon by his employer eventually, but that hasn’t happened yet.

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