Sustainable Success: The Long Game for Work, Family, and Beyond with Jon Acuff

Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.

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Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including his most recent, All It Takes Is a Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential.

Published in more than twenty 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, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia 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.

For over 20 years he’s also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, and Staples. His fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Reader’s Digest, Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review and Time Magazine.

He lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two teenage daughters.

A Few Quotes From This Episode

• “If you want a kind 16-year-old, give a six-year-old kindness and then 10 years to practice.”
• “Another thing I’m thinking about is how do I be interruptible for a small number of people. I’m highly interruptible for three people: my wife, and my two daughters.”
• “I’m learning to hold two opposite thoughts at once: one is that you’re doing better than you think, and the other is that you’re more capable than you realize.”

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• All It Takes Is a Goal by Jon Acuff
• Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff
• Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff
• The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!

About Scott J. Allen

• Website
• Weekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for Leaders
• Blog

My Approach to Hosting

• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.

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Chapters

1. Family and Leadership Insights (00:00:00)

2. Parenting and Long-Term Financial Planning (00:08:31)

3. Seeking Long-Term Success and Balance (00:21:02)

4. Unique Habits of Successful People (00:25:34)

5. Sustainable Habits for Longevity (00:29:53)

6. Learning From Books and People (00:40:11)