Podcasters are often guilty of obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). It’s okay to intently focus on important things, but here are ten podcasting things not worth the obsession.

1. Launching

Yes, your launch is important. I think it’s good to make a “big splash” when you launch a new podcast. But I think too many people focus too much on the size of the “splash” and not enough on what they’re actually throwing into the “water”!

You’ll see some supposed experts overhype the importance of iTunes “New & Noteworthy,” ratings and reviews, building a launch team, and having a specific launch day. None of these things are bad in themselves and each can help your podcast to some degree. But the amount of work you might put in obsessing over these things could be far better invested in going where your ideal audience is and building rapport.

Stop obsessing over your podcast launch!Click To Tweet

2. Your microphone

“I listen to the podcast only because they have a great microphone,” said no one, ever.

The purpose of a microphone is for people to be able to hear and understand you. “Decent” and understood is better than “perfect” and never launched.

I know you want to sound your best. You may even have certain conditions (personal or environmental) that make finding the right microphone more difficult. But you must remember that you are your worst critic and your audience probably doesn’t care as much as you do. After all, even a cheap microphone can sound good (https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/tap050-how-to-improve-your-voice-from-a-cheap-microphone-with-audacity/) if you know how to use it!

Stop obsessing over your podcasting microphone!Click To Tweet

3. Minor distractions

Outside noise, a microphone bump, a mispronounced word, or a verbal crutch can all be distractions for you or your audience, but they don’t have to be! In fact, your audience will probably notice it less than you do, especially if you don’t even acknowledge it.

I’m referring to the minor distractions. The stuff that doesn’t actually prevent you from being heard and understood. Holding a crying baby in your arms while you’re podcasting is not a minor distraction, but a lawn mower outside might go unnoticed.

Yes, there are plenty of things you can do to improve the quality of your audio, and plenty of ways that you can reduce or completely eliminate distractions. But don’t make your distraction your audience’s distraction. And don’t let minor distractions prevent you from communicating your passion!

Stop obsessing over minor podcasting distractions.Click To Tweet

Don't let minor distractions prevent you from podcasting your passion!Click To Tweet

4. Competition

No matter your niche, you will have competition at some point. But competitive rivalry is based more in your beliefs than in reality.

Competitive rivalry is based more in your beliefs than in reality.Click To Tweet

I’ve struggled with rivalry before, and I sometimes still do! I would sometimes seethe while listening to a “competitor,” being critical about everything they say and how they say it. I would want to attack their success. I would want to write nasty iTunes reviews. I would want to expose their flaws.

Disgusting, isn’t it?

There will always be competition, maybe even copycats, especially if you were first (http://danieljlewis.com/there-will-always-be-copycats/). Obsessing over competition will do nothing to inspire your audience. Instead, look for ways to collaborate with your “competition.” (https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/4-ways-to-create-community-not-competition-with-other-podcasters-tap108/)

Obsessing over podcast competition will do nothing to inspire your audience.Click To Tweet

Stop obsessing over #podcasting competition.Click To Tweet

5. Negative feedback

If you haven’t received negative feedback, wait. You’ll get your chance!

Negative feedback can hurt.