What if the only thing holding you back was the story you’ve been telling yourself?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The InPowered Life Podcast, Rudi sits down with New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and podcast host Jon Acuff to explore the soundtracks that shape our lives—our inner dialogue, our relationship with success, and the beliefs that either propel us forward or keep us stuck.

Jon shares the exact frameworks he’s used to write 10 bestselling books, transform his mindset, and help thousands of high performers replace overthinking with action. Together, Rudi and Jon unpack how to identify broken soundtracks, rewire your mental patterns, and step into the full potential you know you were meant for—with humor, heart, and tactical clarity.

More from Don & Evonne:

Buy Jon’s book Soundtracks: https://jonacuff.com/soundtracks

More from Jon Acuff: Website

Follow on IG: @jonacuff

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 3-part framework Jon uses to write bestselling books—and how you can apply it to your own big idea
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• What a “soundtrack” is and how it silently shapes your life
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• How to identify the broken thoughts that hold you back (in just 60 seconds)
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• The 3 questions to ask about any thought: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?
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• Why mindset is the most powerful tool you use every moment of your life
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• How to shift from performance to purpose and find joy in the process
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• Why being kind to yourself is the foundation of lasting transformation

💬 Key Quotes

• “A brain that can worry can wonder. A brain that can doubt can dare. A brain that can spin can soar.”
• “The rest of the day is gravy. I already started full.”
• “You’re not burned out—you’re bored. You’re overstimulated and under-challenged.”
• “Never hold a grudge against yourself.”
• “The scars you share become lighthouses for people headed toward the same rocks.”

Resources & Links:

• Join The InPowered Life Community - https://rudiriekstins.com/community
• Buy your copy of "The Universe is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill" - https://a.co/d/cJpXKCE
• Connect on IG: @rudiriekstins @annistonblairriekstins
• Find Rudi and Anniston online @ www.rudiriekstins.com and www.annistonriekstins.com

Chapters:

[00:00] Intro & Jon’s Origin Story

[02:40] The Framework Behind 10 Bestselling Books

[06:00] Soundtracks: Repetitive Thoughts That Shape Reality

[10:00] Identifying Negative Self-Talk Through Goals

[17:00] Is It True, Helpful, and Kind? Rewriting Mental Scripts

[22:00] Childhood Wounds, Self-Protection & Healing

[26:00] Money Soundtracks & Breaking Generational Patterns

[30:00] Success Without Sacrifice: Marriage, Family & Meaning

[35:00] Performing vs. Serving & Becoming the Lighthouse

[40:00] Living Up to Your Potential—What the Data Shows

[44:30] Why Yelling at Yourself Doesn’t Work

[48:00] Where to Start: Soundtracks, Joy, and Momentum