I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their thought life. I particularly liked how he laid it out as an ongoing process, not a switch we should be able to flip.

Jon Acuff has another winner with this book. It has made a difference for me and will continue to make a difference for me. It has changed the way I relate to my daughter.

This book makes you rethink your thinking. The concept seems simple, but the work is strenuous. I love that this isn't just a once and done self help fad, but instead a framework you can use over and over as you literally change the actual away you v think about yourself.

Jon is one of my favorites, and Soundtracks didn't disappoint! I always relate deeply with what he is saying and HOW he says it also resonates with me, so I often feel as though his writing was written just for me. Not a ton of new info, but I very much appreciated the newer way in which it was presented.

What a great book! Jon’s way of writing, where he brings in popular culture to give context of what he’s talking about and his great personal examples really let you to relate to him and know that this book isn’t just research but it’s also from his experience. Anyone who overthinks will get tremendous insight along with actionable items to help with their overthinking in any area that it hinders them from living their life freely. This book is different from a lot of other others that I’ve read in that there’s no pressure. He understands your overthinking he’s been there and it took him a while to deal with it and he gets that. It may take his reader a little while, and that his readers have been overthinking for a long time also and the information in this book is there when you’re ready. I highly recommend Soundtracks.

Jon Acuff once again delivers a book that is practical, hilarious, and full of inspiration (and action steps)! I love that the stories he shares are so relatable that anyone can easily see themself somewhere in the pages of the book! Each chapter has practical advice for knowing how to identify broken soundtracks with easy actions to implement. As a recovering perfectionist who is afraid to fail and ask for help, I didn’t realize how many negative soundtracks I told myself daily until this book helped me tune into them. They had become white noise but once I intentionally listened for those loud ones, I started to see a positive difference in being able to not only recognize them but also being able to use the tips in the book to accurately deal with them. Jon is great at backing up what he says with real research (some of the research studies he revealed were shocking!) and stories from others. Soundtracks showed me that the words, thoughts, and actions that I surround myself with daily really do impact my future success.
If you are ready to break free from the fear and overthinking that stops you from pursuing your goals, grab this book!!

This was a quick and easy read that if applied has the potential to be life-changing. Jon Acuff tackles the problem of overthinking and the analysis paralysis that comes with it, by challenging readers to identify messages we repeat to ourselves that aren’t true, helpful, or kind.
Overthinking, defined by the author as “when what you think gets in the way of what you want”, doesn’t have an off switch, but readers can learn to turn down the volume on overthinking and intentionally choose what to replace those thoughts with. Establishing new messages, or soundtracks as the author calls them, requires answering a few questions like: “Where do I want to win this week? What soundtrack will help? What actions can I take?”
One suggestion to replace a soundtrack is to flip it. Ask what’s the opposite message that this broken record has been playing?
A key to success is repeating these new soundtracks often until they become as natural as the old broken ones.
I admit my skepticism on the spoken out loud twice daily “New Anthem” while also recognizing its value. My immediate thought went to my preference of constructing my own personal anthem... but that looks a lot like overthinking! I realize that in a book designed for overthinkers providing a ready made anthem could be a great solution.
Another interesting chapter addresses our “pocket jury”, that “collection of broken soundtracks that judge your life whenever you dare to be more than you currently are.” For a new soundtrack to hold up against the pocket jury, evidence must be collected and recognized to prove the new soundtrack is true. In developing new soundtracks, readers must ask themselves what they want to be true. Turning this wish into truth requires effort and action on the reader’s part.
This book challenges readers to address overthinking by choosing our thoughts instead of being led by our feelings and allowing these new intentional thoughts to drive us to action instead of spinning in the same overthinking cycle that keeps us stagnant. Jon Acuff has brought real clarity to how damaging overthinking can be. Now it’s up to the readers, to stop listening to music we don’t like and curate our own playlists to change our lives for the better.

Not only does this book belong to the business section of a bookstore, it could also be in the parenting category. So many things I am learning in this book can overflow into my parenting. As a busy mom-- with parenting so "in your face" during Covid and children being ever so present with me--I needed a new way to break the soundtracks that I kept hearing from my children. From ages 5 to 14, I have used parts of this book to help re-shape the way we are seeing and speaking about ourselves and those around us. The entire section about: "Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?" has been the talk of the household for weeks. For me personally, I have learned to cherish every moment and have shifted from Survival Mode to Purpose in Every Day with my kiddos. Thank you Jon Acuff and Baker Books for making this change possible. I am forever grateful.

I love Jon Acuff's books because he provides so much research backed wisdom in a funny relatable way. Soundtracks explains thinking and why/how overthinking occurs and provides ways to adjust thoughts/soundtracks to new soundtracks to overcome overthinking and improve your life. Since our thoughts impact everything we do, learning how to make slight changes in our thoughts leads to amazing positive changes overall.

I became a Jon Acuff fan after reading his book “Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done.” I used to have a chronic problem with finishing tasks and projects, so I figured that book would help. I was surprised in the best possible way when Finish turned out to be about how perfectionism is at the root of all we leave unfinished and what we can do to turn that around. It was a very funny quick read that literally changed my life. I read it thinking “How does this guy know me so well??”

So when I learned through social media that Jon was writing a book about overthinking, I KNEW it was going to be another game-changer for me and signed up for the launch team as soon as the opportunity presented itself. I’d already been telling my friends about it for months by that point! I couldn’t wait to learn how I could stop overthinking and reclaim all that time and energy I spent on a hamster wheel of unhelpful thoughts.

“Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking” definitely lived up to my high expectations. First of all, it’s laugh-out-loud funny. A lot of self-help/productivity books can be heavy, but the last thing this overthinking mom needed after a year of pandemic life and distance learning (with three boys!) was a heavy book. But don’t let the humor fool you! This book is also packed with research and plenty of real-life examples and stories of practical ways we can intentionally change the thoughts, or soundtracks, we listen to. When we do, we use the power of our repetitive thoughts for GOOD. Instead of a hamster wheel of unhelpful thoughts that get me nowhere fast, I can now choose my soundtracks and use them as a slingshot forward toward reaching my goals. You can, too!! Don’t overthink it—buy and read this book!! You’ll be so glad you did.

I wish I could get it out of my head! You know, the story you are telling yourself, the thing that is keeping you awake, the thing that holds you back… You know that thing, right? Well, what if I told you an author actually confronted that monster? Helped you overcome it and take the step forward? Once again, as he did with Do Over and Finish and more, Jon Acuff speaks to an issue that is so human that we all can see ourselves in it. Can hear ourselves in it.

While Jon is hilarious both in his speaking and writing, this book is also *very* practical. It meets you right where you are and is a gift to the reader. It reads easy, quickly, and is very approachable and does not give you guilt (after all, that’s what our default soundtracks are for!). While I read many books, Soundtracks is one I will be buying/recommending/giving away to others and I’d suggest you pick it up now as it is that good and timely for this weird middle of / post / whatever stage of COVID we are in now.

https://rossmnelson.wordpress.com/2021/04/05/soundtracks-by-jon-acuff/

As someone who struggles with overthinking, this book was an amazing tool. People should care about this book because it is a human's natural inclination to overthink and it is a constant battle to overcome it. The author uses humor and wit to get his point across and achieves his goal to share ample amounts of advice on how to get over overthinking and to stop it from destroying your life. As a teenager, I am thankful for the skills that this book has equipped me with to overcome one of my greatest struggles, overthinking. Forever grateful for the truths I gleaned, ten out of ten recommend!

Affirmations with musical flare!
Jon's spin on deep diving into our own cryptid thoughts, some you don't even realize exist...and creating what he calls new soundtracks. Our thoughts that make us literally act and believe things that aren't even true are our broken soundtracks...lies, and beliefs, created over time. Jon takes us a hysterical (love his humor) adventure into our own thoughts and thoughts of others. And arms us with reasonings of how they formed, what they might actually mean when peeling back layers and how to continuously rewrite New Soundtracks every day to replace the broken ones for good.
He also has a Soundtracks course in the works that brings you even deeper, it's fantastic!
I'm so happy I got the chance to pre-read Soundtracks during his launch and I am already eager to re-read the actual hardcopy and audiobook multiple times. The timing of this book is perfect!

No overthinking this one: Add to cart! Buy Now.

Soundtracks set just the right tone for this chapter of my life. Future me is grateful that Jon Acuff cared enough to share his own struggles with overthinking, not to mention some insanely practical methods that he has developed to overcome those negative thoughts that seem to play on repeat. Jon’s vulnerability and humor really made this so easy to read and follow. If you have ever talked yourself out of trying something new or convinced yourself that you can’t possibly do things differently, then, Soundtracks may be just what you need to turn down the dial on those limiting beliefs and replace them with a new approach. This book has helped to reinforce the truth that progress doesn’t have to be monumental at every step to move us forward, and spare change really does add up.

Love the book! Jon has a great way of simplifying the things most of us struggle with. Soundtracks is full of examples of how we listen to the little voice in our head, and then gives advice on how to make sure those voices are productive. Jon is. both funny and full of great insight to help his readers get more out of their talents.

When I first saw that Jon was going to write a book about overthinking, I knew it was one I had to read. The only problem is that when it came to preordering, I left the book in my cart for over a week before finally purchasing it. Why? You guessed it, I had to think about it for longer than some people think about buying a house. This is such a ridiculous statement but it’s 100% true and I do that with way too many things in my life. I go to rent a car that I know I need, leave it in the cart for a few days, go back to finally book it, and see that I’ve lost the deal. Then I get mad at myself to overthinking, yet again, another simple task. Thank God I decided to finally preorder this book (with the helpful push from my wife) and I had the opportunity to read it prior to public release. I knew my problems were bad but didn’t realize just how many aspects of my life were are being negatively affected by overthinking. There was one particular chapter that felt like Jon knew my entire life story and was speaking directly to me. One of my favorite quotes that really hit home is, “Broken soundtracks like to traffic in absolutes. Everything, nothing, none, and forever are sure signs that you’re overthinking.” If you’re reading this review you probably experience some of the same issues I have. So do yourself a favor, stop thinking if you should buy this book, and just get it. You won’t regret this decision at all!

I have been following Jon Acuff since his blog "Stuff Christians like" and read his book "Finish" so of course I needed to read his latest book, "Soundtracks" and become part of the launch team. I was completely floored by this book. I highlighted so many nuggets and even took notes on my phone so I could easily refer back to. I have not done that with any other book! The truths that Jon throws in this book had me really dissecting the overthinking in my life. I never really considered myself an over thinker but I realized, through this book, that there were a few areas in my life in which I was overthinking a situation. I have had so many conversations in my head with people that have hurt me in the past. I have had a whole half hour pass by of a conversation and words I should have said that never actually happened. I never realized I was actually overthinking! And Jon's books gives me the tools I need to stop doing that.

His thoughts were easy to digest and follow. The tips were practical and could easily be implemented in my life. He even lists examples you could use if you feel stuck. The book isn't very long which makes it even better to read. It was just simple and easy and I loved every word I read. Plus he throws in his signature sarcasm and comedy and it makes the book even more enjoyable. I'm even ordering a hardcover book instead of a kindle edition because I just need to refer to this book again and again!

So here's to learning to turn down the dial; to asking if my thoughts are true, helpful and kind; to retire, replace and repeat my new soundtrack; and to take action to defeat my overthinking. Why? Because "my life is dope and I do dope @#$%"!

Go read Jon's book! The above will make a lot of sense once you do. ;)

Overthinking is not necessarily our Kryptonite. It's what we think. And some of those thoughts may not be true. If we said them put loud, we might even wonder WHY we think them! Or maybe they are true, but they aren't kind. Like -we hit someone with a wet pool noodle if they said that to our friend (even if it is KINDA true). Finally we might be listening to thoughts that are true (KINDA) and they came from places/people intending to be kind -- but they are SOOOO not helpful. So, now what? Jon has many ideas that are true, kind and helpful. And funny and real life. He's both humble about how he handles his "old" soundtracks and eager to share what he learned from others and discovered. A book I looked forward to reading and will probably read again each year, for a mental "spring cleaning."

Jon Acuff helped me make friends with the gremlin in my brain. Soundtracks taught me how to think. I now have the tools to direct my thoughts and use that running commentary for my benefit. This book will be well worn as I go back to it again and again.

I have read hundreds of self help/personal growth/leadership books but I believe that Soundtracks is the one that has impacted me the most. Every chapter is filled with humor and goodness that caused me to stop and rethink how I view myself and those around me.

The analogy of a music soundtrack is perfectly simple and because of that it is easy to remember and ponder throughout the day. I am constantly finding myself assessing my thoughts and feelings. When I find negative or unkind feelings I start to pull the thread to find the root cause.

If you read this book, work through the exercises, and put in a little bit of effort, you will become a different person. It won’t happen overnight, and I still have a long way to go, but Soundtracks has provided me the tools and confidence to say that I will be a different person 3 months from now because of what Jon has taught.