Prioritize Like a Pro
How Habit 3 Builds Podcasting Consistency Part 3 of 7
Welcome! I’m Brian Colburn, and you’ve opened the door to Digital Brew, the go-to newsletter for creators ready to elevate their craft.
If this was forwarded to you, it’s a sign you belong here! Ready to receive insights and inspiration directly? Tap the button below to subscribe, join our creator community, and make sure you never miss the latest on content mastery.
Consistency is the backbone of any successful podcast. Listeners value dependability, and maintaining a regular release schedule builds trust, loyalty, and momentum. Stephen R. Covey’s third habit, “Put First Things First,” from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, offers a powerful framework for prioritizing your time, energy, and tasks to achieve consistency.
In this article, we explore how Habit 3 can transform your podcasting workflow. It can help you focus on what matters most, avoid burnout, and deliver episodes that resonate with your audience.
Understanding Habit 3: The Power of Prioritization
Covey describes Habit 3 as the practical application of time management principles. It’s about organizing and executing around priorities—what he calls the “Big Rocks”—and distinguishing between what’s urgent and what’s truly important.
For podcasters, the “Big Rocks” could include:
Content creation: Researching, scripting, and recording episodes.
Audience engagement: Responding to listener feedback and building a community.
Marketing: Promoting episodes on social media or through newsletters.
By focusing on these core priorities, podcasters can avoid getting bogged down by distractions or lower-value tasks.
Step 1: Identify Your Big Rocks
The first step in prioritization is identifying your podcast’s most critical activities. According to Narrow Podcasting, podcasters should focus on tasks directly contributing to audience growth, brand authority, or content quality.
Exercise:
List all your podcasting tasks, from writing scripts to checking analytics.
Categorize tasks into:
Essential: Tasks that directly impact podcast quality and growth.
Supportive: Tasks that enhance but don’t directly produce results (e.g., experimenting with new tools).
Nonessential: Tasks that can be delegated or eliminated.
Step 2: Schedule What Matters
Once you’ve identified your priorities, the next step is scheduling them. Covey’s time management matrix is an excellent tool for this. It categorizes tasks into four quadrants:
Urgent and Important: Deadlines, last-minute guest cancellations.
Not Urgent but Important: Planning content, building relationships.
Urgent but Not Important: Interruptions and minor technical issues.
Not Urgent and Not Important: Scrolling through social media aimlessly.
To stay consistent, podcasters should focus on Quadrant 2 activities, which drive long-term success.
Step 3: Create a Content Calendar
A content calendar is a practical manifestation of Habit 3, ensuring episodes are planned and produced on time. According to NPR’s Podcast Start-Up Guide, a clear content plan reduces stress and helps you stay on track, even when life gets busy.
Tips for Building Your Content Calendar:
Set Realistic Goals: Determine how often you can release episodes without compromising quality.
Batch Record Episodes: Record multiple episodes simultaneously to maintain consistency during busy periods.
Include Deadlines: Assign dates for scripting, recording, editing, and publishing.
Step 4: Use Tools to Stay Organized
Covey’s focus on “first things” aligns with using tools to streamline your workflow. Apps like Trello, Asana, or Notion can help podcasters manage tasks and deadlines effectively.
Brian Colburn, founder of Sitch Radio, recommends leveraging tools to centralize podcasting workflows, from episode planning to post-production. This minimizes time spent on administrative tasks and maximizes creative output.
Step 5: Delegate and Automate
Part of prioritization is knowing when to delegate or automate tasks. As Mike Eiman’s Podcasting Made Easy notes, trying to do everything yourself often leads to burnout and inconsistency.
Delegation Tips:
Hire a virtual assistant for administrative tasks like scheduling interviews.
Work with a freelance editor for audio post-production.
Use automation tools like Hootsuite for social media scheduling.
Step 6: Say No to Distractions
Covey emphasizes the importance of saying “no” to nonessential tasks to stay focused on priorities. For podcasters, distractions could include:
Spending excessive time perfecting minor details.
Engaging in unrelated projects that don’t align with your podcast’s goals.
By setting boundaries and maintaining focus, you ensure that your time and energy are spent on tasks that truly matter.
Overcoming Challenges to Consistency
Even with a solid plan, maintaining consistency can be challenging. Here’s how to address common hurdles:
Burnout: Take regular breaks and prioritize self-care to sustain long-term creativity.
Unexpected Delays: Have backup episodes ready to ensure consistent releases.
Lack of Motivation: Revisit your podcast’s mission statement to reignite your passion.
Real-Life Example: Consistency in Action
A prime example of prioritization in podcasting is NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour. The show has built a loyal following by sticking to a consistent release schedule, leveraging a well-planned workflow, and cementing its place in the podcasting world.
What’s Next?
Prioritization ensures your podcast stays consistent, but how can you leverage relationships to grow your reach? The next article, “Collaborative Wins: Habit 4’s Win-Win Approach for Podcasters,” will explore how to build mutually beneficial partnerships with guests, sponsors, and collaborators.
Conclusion
Habit 3, “Put First Things First,” is a cornerstone of podcasting success. By prioritizing your most important tasks, scheduling effectively, and staying organized, you can maintain consistency and create content that resonates with your audience. Remember, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.
Citations & Affiliate Links
Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Simon & Schuster.
NPR. Podcast Start-Up Guide. Ten Speed Press.
Colburn, Brian. Podcast Mastery Minute.
Eiman, Mike. Podcasting Made Easy.
Goodman, Toby. *Narrow Podcasting: Make Profitable Connections and Grow Your Business*.