What Are You Tolerating?
It’s not uncommon for me to edit 40% or more of the raw tape I record for a monologue-format podcast.
When I do broadcast radio work, I have a limited amount of space to work with, so the edits are even more extreme. It’s not uncommon for me to take an hour or more of interviews and other content and edit everything down to create a four-minute segment.
I love this process. Editing like this really forces you to look at the content you must have and the content you can do without.
You can apply the same concept to the business around your podcast.
Here are some things to consider:
The effort outweighs the payoff. - When the work feels exhausting and the results are barely worth it, it may be time to take a step back and rethink.
You’ve lost interest in it. - If the passion or curiosity is gone, it might not be worth continuing.
It’s bringing you down. - If this project or activity makes you feel consistently negative, it might not be healthy to keep going.
No one else seems invested. - If nobody else cares or wants to join in, it could be a sign to reconsider.
It doesn’t help you grow. - If it’s not contributing to your personal improvement or development, it’s probably not worth your energy.
Trusted people advise against it. - If those you respect are warning you about sticking with it, listen.
It’s affecting your physical health. - When something takes a toll on your well-being, it’s time to reevaluate its importance.
It’s affecting your mental health. - If this pursuit is causing stress, anxiety, or emotional strain, letting go could be the best option.
You complain more than you celebrate it. - When frustration is the dominant feeling, it’s a clear sign to reassess.
You believe there’s no room for improvement. - Thinking you’ve hit the ceiling with no chance for better results is a red flag.
You’re ashamed to talk about it. - If you don’t feel proud sharing this part of your life, it’s likely not worth holding onto.
"Decide" literally means to CUT OFF. It doesn't mean, "I'll put this on the back burner and think about it a little while."
But completely dropping something can be scary as hell …
Maybe you need to think about your situation for a minute, but eventually, if you want to move forward, you're going to need to decide.
Two questions to start the process:
What do you think you're ready to drop?
What would giving this up allow you to do that you can't do now?
Here's to moving forward in a big way!
