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Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff Review

Title: Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done

Author: Jon Acuff

First published September 12, 2017

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Rating: 4.14

Overview

Are you tired of starting things and never finishing them? Do you find yourself setting goals every year but failing to achieve them?

You’re not alone. Studies show that 92 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail.

But what if we told you that the key to achieving your goals isn’t working harder but taking the pressure off? In Jon Acuff’s book, Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done, he shares the most effective exercises for reaching the finish line, even if they seem counterintuitive.

Eliminate your secret rules, have more fun, and even choose something to bomb intentionally. It might seem like cheating, but the data says otherwise.

People who have fun are 43 percent more successful! If you’re ready to stop being a chronic starter and become a consistent finisher, give yourself the gift of done.

About the Author

Meet Jon Acuff, a renowned author and speaker who has written eight books, three of which are Soundtracks, Your New Playlist, and Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done, which became a Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller. Aside from writing, Jon hosts a well-received podcast, All It Takes Is a Goal.

He’s also a top leadership speaker recognized by INC, and has graced the stage at numerous conferences, colleges, and organizations, such as FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia, and Comedy Central, inspiring and engaging audiences worldwide. For over two decades, Jon has also helped some of the biggest brands in the world, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team, tell their stories.

Jon resides in Nashville, TN with his beloved wife Jenny and two teenage daughters.

Editoral Review

Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff is a self-help book that delves into the concept of finishing what you start. Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author, professional speaker, and career coach, uses a humorous and relatable tone to guide readers through the process of setting realistic goals and achieving them.

In the age of constant distractions and overwhelm, Finish offers practical tips and strategies to help readers overcome procrastination and perfectionism. Acuff’s advice is rooted in research and experience, making it applicable to anyone looking to accomplish their goals, whether it be in the workplace, personal life, or creative pursuits.

The book opens with an examination of the misconceptions surrounding goal-setting, such as the idea that goals need to be large and ambitious, and the importance of celebrating small victories. Acuff emphasizes the importance of creating achievable goals and focusing on progress rather than perfection.

Throughout the book, Acuff uses personal anecdotes and humorous examples to illustrate his points. From setting a goal to exercise every day for a month (even if it’s just for five minutes) to the benefits of a “noble obstacle” (something that makes achieving a goal more difficult, but ultimately more rewarding), Acuff’s advice is both practical and entertaining.

One of the strengths of the book is Acuff’s emphasis on the importance of grace and self-compassion. He acknowledges that setbacks are inevitable and encourages readers to be gentle with themselves when they don’t achieve their goals.

This is a refreshing and much-needed perspective in a culture that often prioritizes productivity over well-being. While the book is generally well-written and engaging, it does have some weaknesses.

At times, Acuff’s humor can feel forced, and some of the examples may not resonate with all readers. Additionally, while the principles outlined in the book are valuable, they may not offer anything particularly groundbreaking or new to readers who are already familiar with the self-help genre.

Overall, Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done is a valuable resource for anyone looking to overcome procrastination and achieve their goals. Acuff’s writing style is approachable and humorous, making it an enjoyable read.

While it may not offer anything particularly groundbreaking or new, the principles outlined in the book are rooted in research and experience, making them applicable and useful.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Recommended for: Anyone looking to overcome procrastination and achieve their goals.

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