Starting a podcast isn’t necessarily hard in theory; you pick a show name, buy a mic, record yourself talking, edit, publish, and share. Of course, everything always seems easier than it is — especially when it comes to putting yourself out there on the internet and essentially saying, “I have something to share, and you need to hear it.”

And when you start a podcast, that’s exactly what you’re saying — that you have something valuable and impactful to share, and your audience needs to listen. 

But then you’re faced with the questions like,

• “Why should they listen to me?”
• “Am I truly an industry expert?”
• “Is what I have to say really that valuable?”

This can lead to asking yourself, “Why start a podcast?” and further getting swallowed up by your limiting beliefs and never actually starting your podcast.

What Are Limiting Beliefs?

First, let’s identify a limiting belief: A limiting belief is a thought, conviction, or opinion that we believe to be absolute truths (that are not) that hold us back. Limiting beliefs prevent us from growing, achieving our goals, taking risks, and losing new opportunities.

For example, a limiting belief might sound like…

• “I won’t try because not trying is better than failure.”
• “I’m not successful enough for this.”
• “No one likes me.”

Limiting beliefs keeps us in the “safe” box that our minds have built to spare us from uncomfortable feelings and situations. If you want to know more about limiting beliefs, read this article by Anne Shoemaker.

Limiting Beliefs and Your Podcast

Podcasting falls into the category of a new opportunity and risk, meaning it’s the perfect place for limiting beliefs to show up and leave you in a state of analysis paralysis instead of allowing you to step into the confident business owner you are.

Think about it: 33% of Americans never actually start their business because of fear and limiting beliefs — imagine how many are holding back from podcasting!

Some examples of limiting beliefs around podcasting and starting a podcast sound like this:

• “Nobody will listen to my show anyways.”
• “My audience isn’t big enough to start a podcast.”
• “I don’t know if I’m successful enough in my industry to start a podcast.”
• “What if my podcast fails? I can’t do that.”
• “There’s already so many shows in my niche, and mine isn’t needed.”

I could go on forever, mainly because everyone deals with limiting beliefs and has to choose to push through (and start the thing anyway). 

Why Start a Podcast?

I’m typically always team “start a podcast” if you want to start a podcast. Part of being a successful podcaster with a successful show is passion! But I understand that limiting beliefs might be holding you back.

So, to give you the encouragement you need to start and a reminder that YOU are an amazing business owner, here are some reasons why you should start a podcast:

• Every listener will gain value from your show.
• Your small audience can gain a huge impact from the episodes you create.
• You’re an expert in your industry, and your client results show it.
• Your podcast success is not determined by your downloads or top 10 status.
• Your show is needed (because no one can share your expertise in the same way you can and give the same perspective on the topics you teach)

Podcasting can also help build your confidence and the trust of your audience, leading to more clients and connections.

How to Take Your First Step in Starting a Podcast

Since we’ve determined that limiting beliefs shouldn’t hold you back from starting your podcast, it’s time to take the first official step: planning your podcast and podcast episodes. 

It’s time to get clear on who your audience is, what they need, and the value you can provide (and I know it’s a lot). You should also start thinking about your call to action and how they will stay connected to you. Do you want them to book a discovery call, join your email list, or buy a digital product?

If you need help working out the details of your podcast and getting the support you need to launch, fill out this quick form and see how we can help you achieve your goals and make podcasting easy!