New York Times best-selling author Jon Acuff is back on the podcast to talk about research he did about why some people finish their goals when most people don’t.
In this wide-ranging interview, Carey also deconstructs some of the rhythms and routines that have made Jon successful. Finally, Jon offers some challenging public speaking advice for preachers.
Welcome to Episode 157 of the podcast.
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Jon on Twitter
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3 Insights from This Episode
1. Anyone can start something, but few people finish
Ever started something only to eventually give up or move on to something else? Me, too. And we’re clearly not alone. After his New York Times bestseller, Start, was published, Jon Acuff noticed a trending question from his readers again and again. It seemed people were feeling great about starting things, but struggling to actually finish them.
This re-occurring question prompted Jon to start (and complete) his latest book, Finish, offering great insights like moving past perfectionism, finding fun in the process, and defeating other stumbling blocks to make the most of your time so you can get the job done.
Jon’s book is practical, funny and filled with loads of research to help you and your team to finish and finish well.
2. When fresh ideas start flooding in, save them for the right time
A big distraction to keep you from finishing can be when a shiny, brand new idea pops into your head. At this time, the voice of procrastination will try convincing you that you’re heading in the wrong direction and need to take a totally different route. Don’t get side tracked when this happens.
If this is a common struggle for you, plan ahead for this moment. Stay the course and save the untimely new ideas for the next big thing you start – once you finish the project at hand.
3. Jon Acuff shares 3 key tips for leaders and pastors
1. Outsourcing > Insourcing: Keep people around you whose livelihoods aren’t based on your employment. It’s definitely important to listen to feedback from those you work with, but make sure to listen to what those closest to you outside of work have to say, too.
2. The internet is still Young: Don’t think you missed the boat on the internet craze. The internet hasn’t come close to reaching its limits and there’s plenty of opportunity left to take advantage of it.
3. The First and Final Minutes: The two most important pieces of any message are found in the first and last minute of your content. Instead of making the first statement a long welcome, start with a story that makes listeners lean in to what you have to say. Save the welcome or short bio for minute three or four. What you could lose in that first minute is way bigger than your why for attempting to make people feel comfortable.
Quotes from This Episode
Amazon has published a million books someone had the courage to finish. Click To Tweet CNLP 157: Jon Acuff on What It Takes for You To Finish What You Start, Finding Your Career Path and The Rhythms and Routines That Make People Successful Click To Tweet CNLP 157: Jon Acuff on What It Takes for You To Finish What You Start, Finding Your Career Path and The Rhythms and Routines That Make People Successful Click To Tweet CNLP 157: Jon Acuff on What It Takes for You To Finish What You Start, Finding Your Career Path and The Rhythms and Routines That Make People Successful Click To Tweet CNLP 157: Jon Acuff on What It Takes for You To Finish What You Start, Finding Your Career Path and The Rhythms and Routines That Make People Successful Click To Tweet CNLP 157: Jon Acuff on What It Takes for You To Finish What You Start, Finding Your Career Path and The Rhythms and Routines That Make People Successful Click To TweetThe podcast releases every Tuesday morning.
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Next Episode: Kara Powell
What does your church need to do connect better with Millennials?
Kara Powell shares insights from research from 250 effective churches on practices that work for any size church in any setting. Plus, she shares how she gets it all done as an academic, mom, church leader, author and speaker.
Subscribe for free now and you won’t miss Episode 158.
