Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff Summary
Overview of Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done
Ever started a goal only to abandon it halfway? Jon Acuff's "Finish" reveals why 92% of resolutions fail and provides research-backed strategies to overcome perfectionism. INC's Top 100 Leadership Speaker shows how cutting goals in half and adding fun transforms aspirations into achievements.
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Key takeaways
The Perfectionism Paradox: Why 92% of Goals Fail
Have you ever started a new diet, exercise routine, or creative project with enthusiasm, only to abandon it at the first sign of imperfection? You're not alone. According to research, 92% of New Year's resolutions fail-not because people don't start them, but because perfectionism sabotages their ability to complete them. This isn't a coincidence or character flaw; it's the predictable result of perfectionism's most insidious lie: that missing a single day means total failure. Think about the last goal you abandoned. Chances are, you were doing well until life intervened-a busy day, a family emergency, or simple exhaustion-causing you to miss one day. Rather than treating this as a minor setback, perfectionism transformed it into catastrophic failure. The day after perfect becomes the day most goals die. Accomplishing meaningful goals isn't like riding a smooth train but more like driving a bumper car-some days flow perfectly, others slam you sideways. When you make a goal, you make a promise to yourself, and breaking that promise repeatedly leads to self-doubt and a quitter's identity. The most important day of any goal isn't day one-it's the day after perfect. How you respond to that first imperfection determines whether you'll be among the 8% who finish or the 92% who quit.
The Half-Size Revolution: Making Goals Achievable
Strategic Incompetence: The Art of Choosing What to Bomb
The Fun Factor: Enjoyment as Your Secret Weapon
Breaking Free from Hiding Places and Noble Obstacles
The Power of Data: Measuring What Matters
The Gift of Done: Finishing Changes Everything
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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