In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham sits down with New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff to explore the profound impact of mindset on both students and educators. Jon unpacks his concept of "broken soundtracks"—the negative, repetitive thoughts that hold us back—and explains why issues like procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome are not physical hurdles, but mindset challenges.

Jon shares practical strategies for identifying and replacing these broken soundtracks, starting with a simple two-step exercise that educators can use in the classroom to uncover limiting beliefs. He also challenges adults to lead by example, arguing that we must be as brave as we ask our students to be. Whether you are an educator trying to inspire a classroom or a leader trying to silence your own inner critic, this conversation offers actionable advice on how to practice positivity and turn overthinking into a superpower.

Visit Jon’s Website to learn more: https://store.jonacuff.com/

Purchase your copy of Jon’s best-selling book, Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking

https://store.jonacuff.com/soundtracks

Host: Dustin Odham (FranklinCovey Education)

Guest: Jon Acuff (New York Times Bestselling Author)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:37) Intro

(02:37 - 07:10) Solving the overthinking problem

(07:10 - 09:46) Mindset as a multiplier

(09:46 - 12:43) The lifecycle of a broken soundtrack

(12:43 - 15:16) A classroom mindset exercise

(15:16 - 18:49) Leading by example

(18:49 - 23:39) Practicing positivity

(23:39 - 28:53) Betting on yourself

(28:53 - 30:47) Idea bankruptcy

(30:47 - 33:17) Empowering the next generation

(33:17 - 35:01) Lean into your one verse

(35:01 - 37:42) Closing