Your New Playlist: The Student's Guide to Tapping into the Superpower of Mindset

by Jon Acuff, L.E. Acuff, McRae Acuff

When Jon Acuff's book Soundtracks, came out, one reaction surprised him. Parents across the country all said the same "Do you have a version for teenagers? If I knew how to change my mindset when I was that age, my entire life would have been different." Why did they say that? Because truth grows like compound interest. Saving money when you're young has a bigger impact than it does when you save in your 40s. A single new soundtrack--Acuff's phrase for a repetitive thought--believed when you're 14 or 18 can change your whole life in the same way. In response, Acuff tagged his two daughters to help him create an honest, actionable guide to mindset for teenagers.

Your thoughts can work for you or against you, but the good news is you get a choice. The even better news is when you're young, your entire world is made of new. You're a movie that's barely started, a notebook with blank pages to fill, a song that hasn't hit the chorus. You have your whole life ahead of you. When you learn to create new thoughts, those thoughts lead to actions, and those actions lead to new results. Are you ready to tap into the superpower of mindset? Just hit play.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

About the author

Jon Acuff is the New York Times Bestselling author of eight books, including Soundtracks, Your New Playlist, and the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done.

When he’s not writing or recording his popular podcast, All It Takes Is a Goal, Acuff can be found on a stage, as one of INC's Top 100 Leadership Speakers. He's spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia and Comedy Central.

For over 20 years he's also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team.

Jon lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife Jenny and two teenage daughters.

Reviews

[Bret Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read. I read while listening to the audiobook and got through this one in about an hour and a half.

I loved Soundtracks and this is and excellent complement and even a refresher. Most of all, thought, this is a book a young person in your life needs.

Buy a couple copies and give them to some teens/early-twenties that you know and care about. This book begs to be given out as a birthday, graduation, or holiday gift. It could make a huge difference for someone’s future.

[Karen Mutnansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the practical tips provided for young people on mindset. Love the perspective of the 2 Acuff Sisters.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a teenager or know one, this book would be a good suggestion. I will definitely recommend to some of the teens I encounter in my life. I listened to the audiobook which I enjoyed because you hear the positive statements which may be easier to remember.

[Jaleigh White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful tool and resource for anyone.  It is written for and from teenagers.  Teenagers are a valuable resource in the ever-changing world because they are the next generation that will shaping our future. As an adult we should do our best to shape them.  This book is great guide to do that.  In reading it, I related to it in so many ways. This is one of my favorite lines from the book, "I think sometime the reason we students don't trust motivational hype from parents, teachers, or guidance counselors is because it's just that --hype".  I can relate because I don't trust others especially in the "hype".  I do like to hear it which is why I give it. This book teaches you how to play and replay a better mindset. The authors spoke of lies or soundtracks that are played over and over in their minds, which I am sure we as readers can relate.  In each chapter, it teaches how to replace the lies with truths and encouragement.  We all need truths, positivity, and encouragement.  As a parent, I will continue to give the "hype" but I will also use what I learned to guide others how to develop their own encouragement and truths.  We all need to know "You're capable of more than you think", another great quote from the book.  I have given a copy of this book to my oldest daughter, who is a freshman in college.  My younger daughter, who is a sophomore in high school, is waiting patiently or rather impatiently for her sister to finish reading so she can have her turn.  McRae and L.E. you are both wise beyond your years and have shared that with the world in this book, thank you!  Keep on doing you!  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, 1 Timothy 4:12.

[Hadden Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was as much a lesson for me as I hope it is to my teenage children when they read it. It's been about a year since I read Soundtracks, but this book refreshed my memory Soundtracks. I loved the way it uses modern pop culture to relate to good and bad soundtracks being made and what to do with them. The chapters are short but they do a great job of presenting the encouraging techniques without going down a rabbit hole of reasoning. The girls do a great job of offering advice without getting preachy. I especially liked the part where they discuss the myth of "enough. "Enough isn't a finish line, it's a hamster wheel." That needs to be a bumper sticker if they still make those. Solid advice for kids and adults. I highly recommend this book for teens, especially 15-19 year olds. Adults might want to give it a read over too as it really offers a fresh perspective of what teens are going through. I am actually looking forward to reading it again with my kids.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shorter version of Soundtracks written for teens. It was a nice reenforcement of the other book without being an abridged version. I actually like the “new soundtrack” suggestions in this version better than the original version, they are less hokey to me and I wouldn’t feel as silly saying them to myself.

[Seth Vore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paid my teen $20 to read this and it's the best investment I've ever made. If I had known these truths in my teens, my adult life would have been a lot less painful and a lot more productive. Thanks Jon!

[Robin Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked my kids to read this for my birthday (as a gift)-it is an excellent read and love that it is based off Soundtracks but co written with his daughters, fantastic and realistic examples of power of overthinking/

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was delectable! It helped me so much to read it during the beginning of the school year and I’ll definitely use what I learned. It brought a lot of clarity and saved me a lot of stress! Highly recommended if you’re looking to better your mindset. 💕

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by my therapist. A good book about rewriting your internal narrative and dealing with intrusive thoughts. This was written specifically for teenagers, but the ideas are transferable. Looking forward to checking out the adult version.

[Kara Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Really good for teens and even for parents of teens. Listening to this as a parent helped me is ways I didn't know I needed. The daughters do the audio and they did a really good job.

[Joseph Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Absolutely wonderful book to read as a parent and Jr High and High School youth leader. Lots of good soundtracks to implement even in my adult life. Look forward to more books by all 3 authors.

[April Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to my teen friends!!!!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me SO MUCH and it - as well as God - really gave me the courage to change my mindset. I highly recommend this book to people who are struggling with their inner voices. 😊

[Danielle Lynn]

Helpful information to help guide not only my student’s thoughts, but also my own

[Jen Monjack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great easy read for a student! I’m going to recommend it to all of my high school clients.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Your New Playlist! The authors did a great job in sharing practical tools that support mental health with real world examples. I think that many young people and parents may relate to the stories shared and connect to the need to turn down the volume of our worries (soundtracks). I also loved the summary of the strategies because I love visual reminders as I learn new ideas.