YouTube Turned My Life Around. Seriously!
Many years ago, I was just a kid who wanted unlimited coins for phone games. Guess where I found out how to get them?
YouTube.
Yep, it showed me how to root my device and unlock everything I ever wanted. I felt like a hacker!
Fast forward to our last year of high school, my friends and I decided we wanted to study the Bible more deeply and live a genuine Christian life.
Then came the phase where I wanted to sound more articulate, fancied myself a digital minimalist, got curious about lifestyle medicine, wanted to dress better.
Write more effectively, lift heavy weights, perfect my swimming strokes, and even get some dating advice. Where did I turn to?
Yet, YouTube Can Feel Like a Bottomless Pit
One minute you’re searching how to cook pasta, the next you’re three hours deep in cat videos and celebrity gossip.
But if you use it intentionally, YouTube can be your free personal tutor for almost anything.
From learning to cook (and maybe even impress someone special ), to budgeting, boosting grades.
Snapping better photos, speaking Chinese, or baking the perfect cake for Mom’s 60th. It’s all there, waiting.
Let’s turn YouTube from a time-waster into your ultimate self-improvement tool.
Here’s how.
1. Clean Up Your Subscription List and Algorithm
Intentionally subscribe to channels that align with your goals and unsubscribe from those that don’t.
Avoid mindless scrolling, as it can lead to unproductive content being suggested.
Instead, support the videos you enjoy by liking, sharing, and commenting, to get similar recommendations.
Do this consistently for months, and watch as the YouTube algorithm transforms into a personal self-development assistant tailored to your needs.
2. Create Playlists To Organize Content
Whether it’s long-form lectures, tutorials, or videos recommended by friends.
Categorize them into well-labelled playlists for easy access.
This simple habit saves you time and prevents the frustration of searching for that one video you need among a sea of irrelevant content.
3. Set Consistent Time Limits To Plan Your YouTube learning
Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or 1 hour every weekend.
Consistent, shorter sessions are more effective than binge-watching for hours on end, which can turn your active learning into passive viewing.
Remember, the goal is to absorb and apply what you’ve learned, not to turn YouTube into another source of mindless entertainment.
4. Have Specific Daily/Weekly/Monthly Goals
Don’t just watch anything. Dedicate time to a particular theme or subject, and immerse yourself fully.
When a video points you to further resources, follow up with research.
If you encounter something challenging, take the time to understand it thoroughly before moving on.
This approach ensures that you’re consolidating your knowledge and making the most of your watch time.
5. Engage with Content Actively To Learn Deeply
Take notes, pause to reflect, and try out what you’ve learned in real life.
Active participation solidifies your learning.
Use flashcards, share insights with friends, write about your experiences, and apply your new skills in everyday life.
6. Explore New Interests To Meet New Challenges and Opportunities To Grow
Don’t be afraid to dive into topics you’ve been curious about but haven’t yet explored.
That’s how you might discover your interest in exercise and stay consistent for a year plus.
You never know where a new interest might lead—it could even become your next passion or career path.
7. Treat Your YouTube Learning Time Like Class Time
Silence notifications and focus entirely on the content.
The Pomodoro technique is a great way to structure your sessions. Study for 20-30 minutes, then take 5-minute break intervals.
Use breaks to recharge, not to distract yourself.
Whether it’s tidying up your room, doing a quick workout, or cooking.
Make sure your break helps you return to your study session refreshed and ready to learn, not tired and distracted, that you dread your next YouTube session.
The Next Time You Open YouTube, Ask Yourself, “Am I Here To Grow?”
Practice intentionality, seek out content that aligns with your goals, and use this powerful tool to learn, grow, and thrive.
In doing so, you’ll find that YouTube isn’t just a place for entertainment. It’s a platform that can help you become the best version of yourself.
So why not block 20 minutes today to learn about the correlation between Sex & Mental Health?
And I bet this principle can apply to any social media app you use for long hours…
