How You Can Continue Growing Through Self-Learning
Plus podcast and newsletter recommendations!
I have a confession to make: I often feel like I’m not enough. Not doing enough, not smart or skilled enough. And if you’ve felt like that at one point or another, instead of wallowing in self-pity and waiting for that “magical moment” when you “feel you are enough”, here’s what you can do:
Know that at this moment, YOU ARE ENOUGH.
Try a bit of self-learning!
While it helps to have a mentor at your job, a best friend, a therapist (or all three), I think there’s already quite a bit you can do on your own, at your own time and pace.
Before I got my big break as a copywriter, I discovered Spotify podcasts! I found a show about creative writing, and though in retrospect it wasn’t that helpful, it gave me a sense of calm knowing that I was actively preparing for my dream job.
Fast-forward to 5 years later, and I still listen to podcasts to help me grow as a copywriter, an advocate, and even a pet owner! Plus, I subscribe to a couple of helpful newsletters to keep myself updated on the industry and to check on some cool new ads or strategies - even if I’m not capable of applying them just yet. (They make great Pinterest collections that I can refer to later on.)
What’s great about these newsletters and podcasts is that they’re all free and I can learn at my own pace. Unlike webinars which might require a fee or are held at a specific date and time, I don’t need to move my entire schedule to make room for some self-learning.
If you’re not sure where to start on your self-learning journey as a creative, here are a couple of recommendations that I love:
Email Newsletters:
Copyblogger - The emails themselves are a mix of short, actionable tips leading to great articles, plus more long-form emails that are like one-on-one conversations - which is what awesome copy is, anyway. There’s a lot of great, actionable tips on here. I keep a bunch of them on my Copywriting Tips Pinterest board and a “Copywriting Master File” document.
Adweek - This keeps me updated on the international scene and I get to watch some pretty cool ads without getting overwhelmed by content - I once tried to go through every video and print ad on Ads of the World - it was not fun. Now that I’m working client-side, I don’t really find Adweek content that relevant, except to see what my Western target market is watching or experiencing.
Social Media Examiner - I subscribed to this back when I was both a copywriter and social media manager. It’s still useful to read nowadays, and at least I know what’s new on the platforms I’m working with.
Later and Planoly - Unlike the other newsletters that can be quite lengthy, these provide short actionable tips. Plus, their layouts are so cute and refreshing to keep in my inbox!
Spotify Podcasts:
Camp Confidence Radio - I love this podcast!!! I admire Ate Ayn for her #proudmorena advocacy and Ms. Rizza for her desire to grow a sustainable, eco-friendly business. It’s like listening to two of your older sisters exchange stories, advice, fun banter, life hacks, and actionable tips!
The Copyblogger Podcast - As awesome as the newsletters! It’s a great way to passively learn more about my craft and covers everything from how to write better headlines, to constructing bulleted lists, to using SEO. I just wish I could take notes while doing chores since I listen to this while cleaning the house!
Paano Ba ‘To?: The Podcast - Ms. Bianca is an inspiration in terms of her principles, the way she communicates, and her energy! This podcast is very relaxing to listen to.
The Psychology of Copywriting - Like the Copyblogger podcast, I wish I could take notes while listening to this! I just add the episodes to my “Your Episodes” playlist, so I can re-listen later on. I like how it proves that strategy and creativity need to work in synergy to get the best results.
The Accidental Creative - Very in-depth! Better if you can sit down and take notes while listening to this podcast. This one’s not just about creative work, but about struggles as a creative/communicator.
Teka Teka - I adore this short, informative, relevant, and PH-based podcast! They do a great job and breaking down pressing news stories without too much jargon. Listening to their episodes on loudspeaker also lets me “broadcast” the well-researched information to my family and neighbors.
Now that you’ve got a couple of websites and podcasts to check out, here are some tips on how to jumpstart your journey and keep it going:
How to Make the Most Out of Your Self-Learning Content:
When you Google stuff for work, check if the website is something you’d find useful long-term. Check if the website creators have social media accounts you can follow, a YouTube channel, a newsletter, or podcasts. People learn through various means, so look for the channels that best suit your style!
Prune your subscription lists every so often. If a certain content creator isn’t relevant to you anymore because you (or they) have changed direction, don’t let them clutter your feed or inbox!
Set aside 1-2 hours per week to browse, read, listen, add stuff to your Pinterest board, and take notes.
Come up with a master file, so you can check your work against the new lessons you want to apply, or you can suggest new stuff to your teammates or boss.
Slowly integrate the new lessons into your everyday workflow!
P.S. I’m on the lookout for PH-based marketing and advertising content, so if you know of any newsletters or podcasts that cover those topics, send a link my way!
Got any self-learning tips or tricks that you want more people to know about? Share your recommendations in the comments!