If personal growth is your priority this year, then listening to podcasts can help you achieve that in 20 minutes. Forbes reports over 2 million independent podcasts and 400 million podcast subscribers since 2005. While the pandemic influenced the increase in listeners, the number continues to rise as the world opens up again. Before we get into the details of podcasting, here are 5 ways listening to podcasts can help you achieve personal growth.
1. Improve Mental Health
Listening to podcasts had a tremendous impact on my mental well-being. This habit created self-awareness and allowed me to have a different perspective. It helped shift from a closed mindset to an open mindset. The topics of mental health, mindfulness, and psychology help achieve personal growth. My favorites include Adam Grant, How to be a Better Human, and A Very Well Mind.
2. Motivates to Keep Going
Sometimes we need a little push to keep us going. If you need help staying motivated, goal-setting, or finding your WHY, listening to podcasts is a simple way to find your way back. Listen to Jon Acuff in his podcast, All It Takes is a Goal, Simon Sinek on A Bit of Optimism, and there’s The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins. These are just a few on my podcast list.
3. Helps Develop Leadership Skills
Business leaders and church leaders started podcasts to train listeners from a distance. It is beneficial to attend conferences and meetings to grow as a leader. Listening to podcasts anywhere for free can help develop leadership skills too. John Maxwell, Franklin Covey, The Diary of a CEO, and Craig Groeschel are some of the leadership podcasts I listen to.
4. Learn something new
Listening to podcasts is one way to teach yourself new skills. Do you like history, want to be a novelist, or are interested in a plant-based diet? Look for educational podcasts to learn or have fun. The Doctor’s Farmacy and Body Smart Podcast are interesting.
5. Grow your relationships
The person who benefits more from your personal growth is you, and so do the people close to you. If you want to become better at the roles you play, there are inspiring podcasts to tune in to. Let us not forget our relationship with the Lord because we can do nothing apart from him. Some podcasts I tune into are The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman, More than Small Talk, and Pastor Charles Stanely.
Podcast Platforms
You don’t have to be an Apple user to listen to podcasts. Android fans can also get in on the action. Aside from Apple podcasts, there is Spotify, which hosts Filipino podcasters too.
Audible is part of the Amazon company, known for audiobooks, and now has podcasts too.
If you have a Google account, Google podcasts may suit you. It can also suggest podcasts for you, like how Google works.
Conclusion
Listening to podcasts is a simple tool for personal growth. If you are ready to improve your mental health, become a better leader, motivate and educate yourself, or grow in your relationships, there is a specific podcast for you. Start searching and creating your podcast list today!
