Since releasing his self-titled debut album in 1993—and his 14 subsequent studio albums—Tim McGraw has built himself into one of the most successful country stars in history. From “Don’t Take the Girl” and “Real Good Man” to “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind,” Tim’s 29 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart—not to mention his three Grammys, 16 ACM Awards and 14 CMA Awards—highlight the impact Tim has had on country music over the last three decades.

With his current single, “Thought About You,” cracking the Top 20, Tim told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown that one of the secrets to his success—and longevity—may be his penchant for pushing his limits.

“I do feel like that I try to push myself every time [I record an album],” says Tim. “I try to push the limits of what I’m capable of doing and push the sounds, and [I’m] always trying to lean forward with my music and create something that’s a little different than what I’ve done before. I certainly—although I’ve probably been guilty of it—I certainly don’t ever want to be that artist that’s imitating themselves. I don’t ever want to do that. I always want to try to discover who I am and where I’m going, and I think that the moment as an artist you’ve figured yourself out completely, then you’re probably done.”