Podcasts are super popular, and many self development podcasts are ready to help you on your journey. However, their format may not be the most efficient and beneficial way of receiving the support you need. This post will dig into what’s wrong with them and what to look for.
Listening to podcasts is an awesome way to keep you motivated on your self development journey. It’s such an easy and fun way to remind yourself of what’s important to you.
Nonetheless, if you’re truly on a journey and reaching new heights, you may need something that keeps up with you.
Like everyone else, I’m someone that goes through different phases, and on my journey, I’ve experienced firsthand how self development podcasts can keep me productive, and sometimes they’ve led me to give up. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you stay on course and prepare for the pitfalls.
This post is all about self development podcasts and what you need to know when picking the perfect one to listen to.
Here’s what’s wrong with Self Development Podcasts
Inconsistent Formatting
Now, this may not be relevant for every podcast but it’s pretty mainstream that podcasts experiment with different formats. Sometimes it’s an interview, sometimes it’s the host speaking about a topic, and other times it’s a combination of a few audio clips.
The point is podcasts like to experiment with their content. Which makes sense. Hey, they want to keep their people engaged.
The drawback here is do you know what to expect and does it align with what you need at the moment? Because if not this could leave you hanging and feeling abandoned when you need your pick-me-up.
I have a financial podcast that I love to listen to and I’m used to getting two short clips a day. That is until it comes to Friday. On Fridays, there is an hour-and-a-half-long audio clip of everything that was released during the week.
So what happens? I listened to everything and then I began to only listen to the short clips and then just the long ones and now I only listen when the topic stands out to me.
An inconsistent format makes it difficult to form a daily routine and you end up having multiple routines or just quitting the habit.
Make sure that your preferred format is always available for you.
Self Development is Broad
Self development comes in a variety of topics. It could mean working on your body, mind, spirit, finances, communication skills, or productivity skills. Honestly, it could basically be anything.
When you find a self development podcast that is all-encompassing you will come across topics that do not align with what you need. And if a new episode is released once a week and you don’t like what was released, then you’re missing your weekly dosage.
For example, a lot of financial gurus are moving into vans or out of the country and they start releasing content about their self-care habits. That’s very cool but now I don’t know where I stand on the spectrum.
How are you supposed to work on your journey if you’re not getting what you need when you need it?
It’s better to tune into one thing than follow a jack of all trades. Again nothing wrong with a jack of all trades but you go into these podcasts looking for what you need. Not to hear about ten different things that you’re trying to do at once.
A Straight Path
Everyone talks about it. Progress and development does not follow an upward curve. You go up and down and all around until you reach your goals.
Self Development Podcasts are unable to support you through every step on your journey. It’s not built to provide you with real-time information that will assist you during a specific point in time.
You need to be aware of this and be able to decipher what you need otherwise you’re setting yourself up for frustration when your favorite podcast is unable to support you when you need it most.
For example, if I listen to someone who talks about meditation and every video is geared toward beginners. Well, what happens after I become intermediate? Do I now have to ditch my favorite podcaster because they’re still in the same spot I was at one year ago?
It’s probably best to find someone that is at different levels and change/ upgrade to different podcasters as you develop.
Otherwise, your growth becomes stagnate.
Where’s the Focus
I love listening to other people’s journeys, they suck you in and make you see what’s possible.
The difficulty with listening to other people’s stories is, that it’s other people’s stories. Everyone’s opportunities, experiences, and obstacles are completely different.
When you focus on someone else’s tale and try to live by what worked for them, it’s not taking into account what’s special about you. Also, it’s not taking into consideration the environment you’re living in.
How much time and energy you put into other’s people’s narratives should equal how much time you put into yours.
Constant Ads
Obviously, money is always a factor in literally everything we do. And I get it. I’m a fan of capitalism.
However, ads can be a bit much. It really stinks when you’re getting into a story or trying to figure out when a podcast gives you tangible advice and then a stream of ads play.
I remember listening to a self development podcast and listening to ads for the first ten minutes. I thought ok I get it, you’re selling stuff can I please listen to this later?
It’s very annoying and reminds you that while you’re working on your personal journey, someone is trying to profit off of you. And that leaves you feeling a little bit vulnerable.
Ads are going to be here forever so remember when you’re looking for support, these ads are separate from the content you’re hoping to absorb.
Try to find a podcast that doesn’t go too heavy into the ads or at least shares ads that you find helpful or entertaining to listen to.
Here’s what to look for when selecting a Self Development Podcast
What topic do you want to focus on?
We can’t do everything all at once, so define what you want to take on first. Is there a specific subject you want to learn about?
Find the podcasts that dig deep into that specific interest. This may include finance, relationships, your body, being productive, figuring out what you want, and learning more about your options in the industry you’re interested in. The possibilities are endless. And only you know what’s the most interesting and imperative topic you need to start with first.
Once you know what you want to focus on finding a podcast that focuses specifically on that will be super easy. Don’t go for a broad self development podcast.
Also you could listen to a few podcasts covering different topics but it’ll be very overwhelming to actively try to better your life in multiple arenas at once.
Be patient with yourself and start with one. Everything starts with one.
What format works with your schedule?
Time is money and the beauty of podcasts is that it allows you to multitask. Maybe you can listen to it while you’re commuting or getting ready for work? Whatever the case there’s one that will fit perfectly with your schedule.
Some options may include:
Short clips – The easy bite-size episodes that go from 5 to 15 minutes.
Hour-long – These very long sessions are easier to absorb if you listen to them in one sitting.
Also after you figure out the time frame are you someone who likes to have a visual or prefer to just listen along?
Making these decisions will help you enjoy the experience.
Who’s energy do you like?
Finding the perfect podcast is like dating around. You want to listen to someone who you want to be like or be friends with.
Don’t just stick with the first thing you find. People have different tones and formats and when you find the right one it hooks you in. Which makes it easier for you to include in your routines.
Take your time and find the perfect fit for you.
You Can’t fail
Ultimately you can’t fail. If you’re putting the time and energy into bettering yourself.
It’s important to always remember you have a choice and a ton of options when adding different elements or things into your life. And having awareness is key. It allows you to articulate your thought process and helps you build a strategy.
With patience and as you consistently check in on yourself, then you’ll be able to adapt and change your routines as needed.
Here are my favorite 2
There’s no way we can discuss everything wrong with self development podcasts without mentioning some that go above and beyond.
- Entrepreneur wise – BySophiaLee
- As you can see I’m working on a blog. This chic keeps me motivated. And me working on something I care about is a form of self development for me.
- Mind Wise – On Purpose with Jay Shetty
- I love listening to this man. I get a relaxing calm from listening to him. He has awesome guests and really knows how to lead a conversation.
This post was all about self development podcasts.
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