ATG 256: The 4 Books That Changed My Year (And Why I Read 75 Fewer Books)

All It Takes Is A Goal

All It Takes Is A Goal
ATG 256: The 4 Books That Changed My Year (And Why I Read 75 Fewer Books)
Nov 17, 2025 Season 1 Episode 256
Jon Acuff

Last year, I read more than 100 books. This year, I cut that goal down to 25—and actually got more out of them. After realizing I was flying through books without retaining much, I slowed down and found four that earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite reads of 2024: a cutthroat business memoir from the cofounder of CAA (with an amazing 10-minute meeting trick), a beautifully illustrated book about overthinking, a faith book that pulled me beyond my standard understanding, and a weird poet's guide to courting your wild twin back from the forest. Whether you're a business builder, an overthinker, a person of faith, or someone who's played it too safe, there's something here for you. Plus, I'll tell you which of my own books to start with if you're new to my work.

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You can find the 4 books right here:

Who is Michael Ovitz? by Michael Ovitz

(Bonus) Powerhouse by James Andrew Miller

Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge

Thinking About Thinking by Grant Snider

Courting the Wild Twin by Martin Shaw

In This Episode:

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Episode Artwork ATG 256: The 4 Books That Changed My Year (And Why I Read 75 Fewer Books) 19:35 Episode Artwork ATG 255: Stop Being a Success Voyeur 14:52 Episode Artwork ATG 254: Throw Your Bottles: Why the World Needs What You're Afraid to Create 13:09 Episode Artwork ATG 253: Be a Rebel: Why Hope is an Act of Open Rebellion in a World Addicted to Fear 15:36 Episode Artwork ATG 252: The One Word That Will Sextuple Your Success (It's Not What You Think) 16:57 Episode Artwork ATG 251: Marriage, Kids, and Snacks: 3 Soundtracks That Keep Us Sane 18:40 Episode Artwork ATG 250: Hit the Squirrel: 4 More Marriage Secrets That Built Our 7-Figure Life 21:35 Episode Artwork ATG 249: 4 Marriage Secrets That Actually Work (And Changed Our Family) 24:50 Episode Artwork ATG 248: I Did That! The Confidence-Building Exercise That Changes Everything 22:56 Episode Artwork ATG 247: Big Life, Small Worries: The 8 Words That Will Change Everything 13:54 Episode Artwork ATG 246: Mindset Reboot: The First Step to a Remarkable Life 20:33 Episode Artwork ATG 245: Hope Hard, Work Hard: Why Hope Has Become Controversial (And Why You Need It Anyway) 13:59 Episode Artwork ATG 244: Try Again: The Two Words That Stand Between You and Your Biggest Goals 12:22 Episode Artwork ATG 243: Today Is An Adventure 10:26 Episode Artwork ATG 242: Summer Soundtracks Part 6: Throw Shorter Pity Parties 17:48 Episode Artwork ATG 241: Summer Soundtracks Part 5: Growth Is the Goal, Not Comfort 17:02 Episode Artwork ATG 240: Summer Soundtracks Part 4: Win the Way You've Won Before 18:57 Episode Artwork ATG 239: Summer Soundtracks Part 3: Be Your Bodyguard, Not Your Bully 19:35 Episode Artwork ATG 238: Summer Soundtracks Part 2: Surround Yourself with Friends Who Throw Fuel, Not Water 19:41 Episode Artwork ATG 237: Summer Soundtracks Part 1: I Am the CEO of My Actions, Not My Outcomes 18:33 Episode Artwork ATG 236: The "Too Busy" Lie and 2 Systems That Will Change Everything with Mo Bunnell 50:22 Episode Artwork ATG 235: 3 Things I Learned From Simon Sinek That Changed Everything 16:53 Episode Artwork ATG 234: Awesome is Never Accidental 14:02 Episode Artwork ATG 233: 37 Ways to Have the Greatest Summer Ever (Part 2) 20:43 Episode Artwork ATG 232: 37 Ways to Have the Greatest Summer Ever (Part 1) 23:13