How to Stay Motivated in Podcasting | Shara Goswick

Most podcasters get discouraged when the results don't come fast. It causes many to question if podcasting is worth the effort, even though they know it would lead to good things. Thankfully, there's something you can do to stay motivated! In this episode, Shara Goswick shares how knowing your purpose helps you stay consistent, connected, and clear about what matters. Get ready to recenter and realign so you can keep going and make a bigger impact!

MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/356

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Your Why
02:49 Staying Focused on Your Purpose
06:08 Authenticity and Connection
09:00 Embracing Change and Growth

Takeaways

Your why is the lifeline of your show.
Knowing your why keeps you intentional in your content creation.
Your why helps you stay focused on what really matters.
Authenticity resonates more than perfection with your audience.
Your why is a filter for your content decisions.
Staying true to your why builds trust with your listeners.
Your why can evolve as you grow in your podcasting journey.
Reflecting on your why helps you appreciate your progress.
Change can be an opportunity for growth when rooted in your why.
Your podcasting journey is also about personal growth.

MORE FROM THIS EPISODE: HTTPS://PODMATCH.COM/EP/356

Chapters

• 0:00 The Power of Your Why
• 2:49 Staying Focused on Your Purpose
• 6:08 Authenticity and Connection
• 9:00 Embracing Change and Growth

Transcript

Hey everyone, I'm Shara Goswick. And today I want to talk about something that's at the heart of every podcast, the power of your why. Whether you realize it or not, your why is the lifeline of your show. It's so important to get clear on what that is because it's going to matter in ways which I'm going to share with you today. First off, your why is what drives your podcast's success.

It's the foundation that your ideas grow from and the motivation that keeps you going. Your why shapes your content, pushes you forward, and keeps you on track through all the ups and downs. Now you might be thinking, okay, that sounds great, but how exactly does knowing my why help me succeed? Well, let me break it down a bit more. When you know your why, you're not just running on autopilot. You're intentional. You're making decisions based on your purpose, not just what's trendy.

or what someone else is doing. And that intention is powerful because it means every episode, every guest, every topic is chosen for a reason. That's what keeps your content fresh and authentic because it's coming from a place of genuine passion and purpose. Let's dig a little deeper here. When we're only in this for the money or the recognition and you don't see those results right away, it's easy to feel discouraged. I think we've all been there at some point, right?

You're putting in all this effort and it feels like you're shouting into the void. But here's where your why comes into play. If your purpose is to share something you're truly passionate about, whether it's a niche interest, a cause close to your heart, or valuable knowledge you want to spread, then the connection you make with your audience will be more meaningful. And that connection, that impact, is what will keep you going when the road gets tough. It's the reason you'll keep showing up week after week.

even when the results aren't immediate. One reason your why is so critical is that it keeps you motivated, especially when growth feels like it's dragging. I know it's easy to compare yourself to other podcasters who seem to be advancing faster. You see someone else who started around the same time as you, and they're hitting milestones left and right. You're thinking, what am I doing wrong? But that's when you need to take a pause, take a breath, and come back to your why.

Remember why you started in the first place. Let me take you back to sixth grade when I first got glasses. I went to the eye doctor because I couldn't see the blackboard and it was affecting my learning. I would have to move to the front of the class to understand what the teacher was teaching and I'm sure it disrupted not only my learning but others as well. After getting my glasses, everything became clear again and no one's class time was interrupted because I could sit in my seat and see just fine.

Just like those glasses helped me focus on my studies, knowing your why helps you stay focused on what really matters, allowing you to see your path clearly. Think of your why as those glasses that help you see clearly. Without it, everything is blurry. You start second guessing yourself, wondering if you're on the right track or if you should pivot to something else, because it seems like that's what everyone else is doing. But when you stay focused on your why, you realize that your path is unique.

No one else can do what you do in the way that you do it. That's your superpower as a podcaster, and it all starts with knowing your why. Understanding your why also helps you create content that aligns with your purpose. When you're clear on your why, you stay in your lane. You don't feel the need to be like anyone else because you know your unique perspective is what your audience needs.

Your wife serves as a filter, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and cut out the noise of what everyone else is doing. You're not swayed by what's popular or what's getting attention elsewhere because you trust that your audience is drawn to you for who you are and the value you bring. This clarity allows you to tap into your creativity more freely without second guessing yourself or trying to fit into a mold that doesn't suit you. When you stay in your lane, you create content that feels true to you.

and resonates deeply with your listeners. They can sense your passion, your authenticity, and your commitment to your why, and that's what keeps them coming back. You become a trusted voice in their lives, someone they turn to because they know you're speaking from a place of purpose and integrity. Moreover, staying true to your why also helps you maintain consistency. You're not constantly reinventing the wheel or chasing the next big thing. Instead, you're building a strong foundation, brick by brick,

based on what you know and believe in. This consistency not only strengthens your brand, but also deepens the connection with your audience. They know what to expect from you, and that reliability creates loyalty. By staying in your lane, you carve out a space in the podcasting world that's uniquely yours. You're not just another voice in the crowd. You're offering something special that only you can provide, and that's the power of being aligned with your why. It sets you apart, fuels your creativity,

and helps you build lasting relationships with your listeners based on trust, authenticity, and shared purpose. Let me tell you something, I've been there, feeling like I needed to measure up to what everyone else was doing. I've seen podcasters with flashy graphics and perfectly curated social media feeds and sponsorships rolling in, and it's tempting to think, maybe I need to do that too. But here's what I've learned. Authenticity is what resonates. Your audience isn't coming to you for perfection.

They're coming to you for your voice, your story, and your perspective. And that's what your why helps you hold on to. It keeps you grounded in who you are and what you're here to share, rather than chasing after someone else's version of success. With a solid why and a commitment to sticking to it, making decisions like choosing guests or topics becomes easier. You'll have the confidence to pass on opportunities that don't fit your podcast mission. Your listeners will pick up on that authenticity and keep coming back.

because they trust you to stay true to your why. Now let's get back to the glasses story. Eventually I switched to contacts. Even though I was happy to not have to wear glasses anymore, contacts were a lot more work than I realized. There was an adjustment period and it required some extra care, but the benefits were worth it. Podcasting is like that, it takes dedication. If your why is strong enough, the challenges like tracking stats or finding guests become worth the effort. Let's be real here.

Podcasting isn't always glamorous. It's not just about hitting record and talking into a mic. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. Editing, promoting, engaging with your audience, and of course, keeping up with the metrics. But if your why is solid, all of that becomes manageable because you're driven by something bigger than just numbers. You're driven by the impact you want to make, the stories you want to tell, the lives you want to touch, and that makes all the difference.

As you get more comfortable with podcasting, whether it's booking guests or speaking on camera without nerves, it all comes down to staying connected to your why. That sense of purpose will fuel your enthusiasm to keep going. And when you start getting positive feedback, it's a reminder that you're on the right track. Here's another thing to consider. Your why isn't just for you. It's for your audience too. When you're clear on your why, your listeners feel that. They can tell when you're passionate and when you're phoning it in.

They're drawn to your energy, your commitment, and your authenticity. And that's what keeps them coming back for more. As you keep growing, setting and reaching goals becomes more natural. You'll feel more confident asking bolder questions and embracing the freedom to be who you were meant to be when you first started your podcast. Let's go back to my story about glasses and contacts. Even after years of wearing contact lenses, I wasn't fully satisfied.

Eventually, I started thinking about LASIK eye surgery. Now, I'm usually cautious about risks, but after decades of dealing with the routine and care that contacts require, I was ready for something different. So I did all the research, had consultations, and made sure LASIK was the right choice for me. The procedure itself was quick. There was some discomfort afterwards, but I followed the doctor's orders and rested. When I woke up the next day, I was amazed.

I could legally drive without contacts or glasses. After enjoying the benefits of LASIK for a while now, I don't even think about taking my contacts out before bed or struggling to read road signs. It's been life-changing. And while the journey to perfect vision took some time, I don't regret any of it. When I look back on my podcasting journey, it's a lot like my vision journey. In the beginning, even though I understood my why, the slow progress was frustrating.

but I stayed committed to my purpose and now looking back, every bit of effort was worth it. Today I see my podcast as something I get to do, not just for myself, but for my guests and listeners. My why has kept me grounded, helping me stay focused on my own path instead of getting caught up in what others are doing. That progress has fueled my passion to keep going and I'm excited about what lies ahead. Here's the thing, your why can evolve.

You might have started your podcast with one goal in mind, but over time, things have shifted. That happened to me, and I'm sure it's happened to others too. Instead of seeing it as a negative or a reason to start over, I just stayed focused and kept creating new content in this new direction. It's normal to worry about the what-ifs when things change, but don't let that scare you. Let that change be a driving new force. As I mentioned at the start, your why has power.

Maybe you've stayed true to your original reason for starting your podcast, or maybe you've been sidetracked along the way. Either way, it's okay. Wherever you are in your podcasting journey, I hope reflecting on your why helps you refocus, get back on track, or even gives you the inspiration to start. Remember, your why isn't just why you have a podcast. It's your motivation to share your passion with the world. Keep that close as you continue to grow and inspire others with your voice and your message.

Let me leave you with these final thoughts. Your why isn't just about what you do. It's about who you are becoming through the process. Podcasting isn't just about creating content. It's about growing as a person, learning new things, stepping outside your comfort zone, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. As you continue on your podcasting journey, your why will also act as a mirror, reflecting your growth. When you stay connected to your why, you're not just building a show.

You're building yourself. You're refining your voice, honing your skills, and developing resilience. That's why it's so important to revisit your why regularly. As your podcast grows, you will grow too. The person you were when you started isn't the same person you'll be a year from now, or even a few months from now. Take a moment to think back where you are today versus where you were when you first started your podcast. What challenges have you overcome? What fears have you faced?

How have you grown not just as a podcaster, but as a person? That's the power of staying true to your why. It gives you the strength to push through the tough times and the clarity to appreciate your progress along the way. And don't forget, your why also gives you the courage to embrace change when it comes. Maybe your podcast has shifted focus since you started, or maybe you're thinking about expanding into new areas. Change can be intimidating, but when you're rooted in your why, it becomes an opportunity for growth

rather than something to fear. So as you walk away from this talk, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your why. Write it down, revisit it often, and let it guide you as you continue creating, connecting, and growing. And remember, it's not just about how your podcasts can serve others. Your why is also about how this journey can help you grow into the best version of yourself.