Big fan of audiobooks and podcasts over here. My first love is reading. You know, putting my hands on actual books made of paper and turning pages with my fingers. However, life doesn’t always give me as much time to read as I would like. Also, when I do get to sit down in the quiet and read, I tend to fall asleep… oops. So, I’ve come to love consuming media and stories via my ears.
There are 5 great reasons I listen to audiobooks and podcasts:
1. Something’s gotta stick
Have you ever looked back at a book you read years ago and thought, “Huh? How do I not remember what this book was about…?” Well, unfortunately, the same thing happens with audiobooks, too. I might spend 5 hours listening to an audiobook, and a year later, I only remember a couple key phrases.
However, those key phrases played a role in shaping my life and trajectory. The things I didn’t remember years later? Well, they did leave me feeling motivated and inspired for a time. And what I accomplished during that period of inspiration has made a lasting impact.
Audiobooks I listened to ages ago that shaped me or still inspire me:
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Letters to the Church by Francis Chan
– Reading People by Anne Bogel
– My Morning Routine by Benjamin Spall
– The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
2. Encouragement
Sometimes life is hard. That is a truth we all experience. Some days I just need encouragement and humor.
When I need to be encouraged or uplifted, I enjoy podcasts like:
If I need a reason to laugh, I like audiobooks such as:
– Food by Jim Gaffigan
– Bossypants by Tina Fey
3. Conversation starters
Very few people like small talk, but sometimes it is a necessity! If you listened to something interesting lately, it gives you so much more to chat about! You might find the person you are talking to listens to the same content, and next thing you know, you have a fast friendship. 😊
To be loaded with interesting facts to discuss, try these podcasts:
– Stuff You Missed in History Class
4. Be relevant
Podcasts are full of fresh information and often revolve around current events. I can almost guarantee that any industry you work in or have interest in has a podcast (or, more likely, several). If you listen regularly, you might find yourself becoming the “go to” person in your office for up-to-date news and insights. Don’t you want to be “that girl” or “that guy?”
Some of my favorite investment or finance podcasts are:
– WSJ Secrets of Wealthy Women (the podcast has ended, but there are still loads of great historical topics!)
5. Make mundane tasks go faster
Want to know my routine? I wake up at 5:15 a.m., eat breakfast, wash what seems like 1,000 bottles, shower, get ready for work, pack my daughter’s daycare supplies… It’s pretty much the same thing every single morning. Honestly, the mundane tasks do get old – mostly the washing bottles part. Once lil’ Allison wakes up, it is of course super fun. 😊 Somehow I don’t even have time for a workout in there… I’ll have to fix that one of these days.
The repetitive nature of my morning is sped along and becomes much more enjoyable when listening to something interesting! Try it while doing dishes, exercising, or mowing the lawn; it helps!
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Happy listening everyone!
