We’re great at starting goals but terrible at finishing them. In Finish , Jon Acuff reveals why we quit—and how to stick with your goals until the end. With humor and insight, he shows how to beat perfectionism, power through the middle marathon, and build a life of completed goals. Because finishing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being persistent.
In Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done , bestselling author and motivational speaker Jon Acuff tackles one of the most common struggles people face: starting goals is easy—but finishing them is hard .
Acuff argues that many of us begin projects with excitement and energy, but somewhere along the way, we give up. Whether it’s a fitness goal, creative project, business idea, or personal development plan, most New Year’s resolutions and grand plans fizzle out before reaching completion.
Rather than blaming lack of willpower or motivation, Acuff explores the real reasons we quit—and offers practical, often humorous, strategies for sticking with goals long enough to see them through.
He introduces the concept of the “happiness trap ”—the belief that we should feel motivated and passionate every day—which actually sets us up for failure. In reality, consistency beats passion when it comes to finishing what you start.
One of the central ideas in the book is the “30-Day Minimum” , where Acuff encourages readers to commit not forever, but for just 30 days. This lowers the psychological barrier to starting and increases the chances of continuing past the initial dip in motivation.
Acuff also discusses:
Throughout the book, Acuff blends research, humor, and relatable stories—often drawing from his own experiences with quitting and finishing—to make the process of completing goals both achievable and enjoyable.
He also emphasizes that done is better than perfect . The goal isn’t flawless execution—it’s crossing the finish line with something meaningful, even if it’s imperfect.
Finish is especially valuable for anyone who has struggled with follow-through on personal or professional goals. It’s a roadmap for overcoming self-sabotage, staying consistent, and building a habit of completion.
Whether you’re working on a book, launching a business, learning a new skill, or trying to improve your health, this book gives you the tools to stop starting and start finishing.