I just turned 50, and I've learned some things the hard way. In this episode, I'm sharing four more life lessons that took me half a century to figure out—lessons I wish I could tell my 30-year-old self. You'll discover why successful people are time machines who can shave years off your journey, why anxiety isn't something to fix but something to redeploy (this one changed everything for me), and why there's money on the ground everywhere if you're willing to pick it up. I'll also tell you why you should have kids before you're ready—because if you wait until you have enough money or the perfect career, you'll miss out on years with them. Ready is a myth. My 40s were better than my 30s, my 30s were better than my 20s, and I'm genuinely excited about my 50s because I know they're going to be even better. Here's to 50 and beyond.

You can pre-order my NEWEST book, Procrastination Proof, right now!

In This Episode:

Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card Deck

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!

Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!

Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!

Book me to speak at your event or to your team!

You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!

Episode Artwork Photo by Maud Bocquillod on Unsplash

Have me speak at your next event!

I'm turning 50 on December 19 (presents welcome), and as I approach the half-century mark, I've been reflecting on the lessons that have meant the most to me. When you're in your 20s, you don't have hard-fought wisdom, but at 50, there's no denying you've been around the block a few times. In this episode, I'm sharing the first five of ten life-changing lessons: how your thought life becomes your life life, why you reap what you sow (and how that's made me write 12 books), why a naturally negative person like me discovered that positivity has a better ROI, why you are the cavalry you've been waiting for, and the truth about having enough time. These aren't just philosophical musings—they're the practical principles that turned my life around at 34 and have shaped everything since. If you only steal one lesson from this list, make it the first one about soundtracks. Stay tuned for the final four lessons next week.

You can pre-order my NEWEST book, Procrastination Proof, right now!

In This Episode:

Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card Deck

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!

Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!

Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!

Book me to speak at your event or to your team!

You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!

Episode Artwork Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash

Have me speak at your next event!

Don't know what to get for that person who has it all? I've got you covered. This year's Try This Gift Guide features 11 items the Acuff house absolutely loved or made in 2025—from the card game that teaches you everything about a person (SkyJo) to the weighted backpack that's making me look ridiculously in shape (GoRuck), to the brand-new Soundtracks Card Decks that are the perfect stocking stuffer. You'll also discover the best calendar ever made (yes, I'm biased), customized luggage tags that will save you at the airport, a book about bookstores that will restore your faith in humanity, and the greatest running shoes I've ever owned. Most of these are pulled straight from our Amazon order list, so they're easy to get and quick to ship. Get ready to surprise and delight everyone you know—from travelers to runners to book lovers to that spunky aunt in Santa Fe. Merry Christmas!

My Gift Guide:

SkyJo Card Game

GoRuck Backpack

Soundtracks Card Deck

The Heart Aroused by David Whyte

Galaga Handheld Arcade

150 Bookstores You Need To Visit Before You Die by Elizabeth Stamp

Tom Bihn Bags, I personally use the Pilot bag, our family has loved the Large Tote bag this year

The Greatest Year Ever Calendar

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 running shoes

Pomodoro Timer

Customized luggage tags

As a bonus gift to yourself, you can pre-order my NEWEST book, Procrastination Proof, right now!

In This Episode:

Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card Deck

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!

Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!

Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!

Book me to speak at your event or to your team!

You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!

Episode Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash

Have me speak at your next event!