Soundtracks – Book Review

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If I drank a cup of coffee for every time I heard a friend say, “You’re overthinking it,” I’d be extremely sleep deprived and shaking uncontrollably. So I could barely contain my excitement when Jon first announced a few years ago that he was “researching overthinking” for his new book. I wondered; “How long will it take Jon to write the book? Will he come to Lancaster to promote it like he did with Do Over? Would he think it’s weird to meet him a third time? Could I successfully engage in the trademarked side-hug without the awkward waist wraparound I did last time? Will there be a course? A speaking tour?” Do you see why I needed this book in my life? 

So when I had the opportunity to be part of the launch team and a few pre-launch courses, I eagerly signed up for everything. But this was not a typical launch because this is not your typical self-help book. No, it’s far more than that. Along with a team of researchers and a plethora of feedback, Jon has essentially cracked the overthinking code. In fact, he’s rewritten the code by showing us how to rewrite our Soundtracks!

While I have loved Jon Acuff’s work since his early writings, Soundtracks may be the most widely-relatable work he’s ever penned. It doesn’t matter who you are, where are you are in life, or what you are overthinking, Jon easily connects with your mind and your heart on this one. He infuses his signature humor frequently, but it doesn’t distract from the message. In fact, it enhances the truths he provides. I found myself laughing right along with him as he described the uncanny twists and turns life can take and the soundtracks that we play along the journey. I couldn’t help but read excerpts aloud to my wife! Between Jon’s whit and his incredible insight into mindfulness, I just had to share his simple, yet life-changing approach to thinking…and thus, overthinking.

A standout thought caught my attention early on in Soundtracks. Jon says, “Fear does not take work. Doubt does not take work. Insecurity does not take work.” Have you ever stopped to think about that? Me neither! What does take work? Breaking free from fear, doubt and insecurity by playing new soundtracks that are louder than the old broken ones that keep us stuck. Jon shared three questions we must ask our current soundtracks. I didn’t know how much I needed these three questions in my arsenal. I won’t spoil the learning by sharing them, but I believe they have the power to free you from some badly broken soundtracks. In the past two weeks, I’ve used these three questions to help reshape the way our family communicates in the present, ruminates on the past, and dreams about the future!

So if you’d be drinking as much overthinking java as me, Soundtracks is for you. It’s time for me to get back to work on writing my new anthem for life. I truly believe every person still reading this review will be challenged and inspired to do the same. Let’s be like Jon. Let’s change our super problem into a superpower, and take back our time, creativity and productivity in the process. You deserve (new) Soundtracks! 

Question: Do you consider yourself an overthinker or are you still thinking about it? What book on your shelf is a “must read” that I should pick up next? Comment below and help others to grow.

Like what you’ve read today? Sign up to receive future posts! Soundtracks – Book Review first appeared on From Where I Sit.