2021. A new year. Thank goodness!!

If you worked in a newsroom in 2020—well, scratch that—If you worked in a newsroom, or from your makeshift, pieced together, cramped home studio, you know it was a rough year.

We all had to deal with zoom interview after zoom interview, So 👏🏼 Many 👏🏼 Haters 👏🏼, and “now more than ever” all the “unprecedented” things going on in “these uncertain times.” (Yeah, we never want to hear those words again 🙄) BUT we made it!

In 2021, many in the news industry are predicting a better year for us. (Google it, I promise they are.) However, when it comes to us as individuals, we are still responsible for our own actions, reports, and comments. So, here’s a list of a few things you can do to stay motivated in 2021, and make this a year of growth:

1. Educate Yourself

Continuing education is the key to success! 🔑

Whether you’ve just graduated college, and you’re sick of classes, or you’re a seasoned news veteran, with decades of experience, it’s important to keep your mind sharp. Poynter and the Society for Professional Journalists are two organizations that are well-known, and offer material to expand your knowledge of the industry.

Some of their webinars and online courses are free! They also have an archive of past webinars that are available at any time. The topics include investigative reporting, data interpretation, covering courts and crime, inclusion and diversity, producing, writing, and more. Plus, once you take these courses, you can add the certificates, or proof of completion, to your resume, CV, LinkedIn profile, and so on.

2. Talk to Veterans

Another great way to gain knowledge is by listening to lessons learned by those who came before you.

You can do this by talking to a mentor in your newsroom, reading books by journalists, or listening to podcasts developed by fellow news folks. There are a ton of great podcasts out there that feature big names and local legends. You get to listen to their stories, and hear about the decisions they made along the way that got them where they are today.

3. Find More Sources

Develop sources, and network within your own community. I’ve said it once (or maybe many times), but I’ll say it again: Local journalists need to get plugged in locally!

Yes, it can be difficult, but that’s your job. You have to get out there, and talk to people. This can also help you build your following on social media.

Taking ownership of the community you’re currently living in can help you stay motivated, and get connected to the people in that area. Because after all, journalists should be helping their communities, and reporting on issues that matter to them. You can only learn what those issues are if you ask the people who live there.

4. Be a Leader

Make the decision to be a leader in your newsroom. You may have just been hired, or maybe you’ve been in the same newsroom for 10 years. Either way, you can lead. This means leading by example.

Do you hear someone talking bad about a fellow employee? Step up, and say something to end that negative conversation. Is there someone who complains ALL the time? Try talking about something positive each day around them. Your positivity could rub off on them.

Maybe you’re not a vocal person, and don’t like speaking up. That’s okay too! You can start writing one good thing that happened at work each day, and post it on your desk. There are so many ways you can influence others. It doesn’t always have to be loud.

I hope these suggestions helped you, or at least got you thinking about what you want to accomplish this year. You don’t have to save the world in one day, but learning, growing, and making just one person smile is a great start! Little things add up and can create big ripples… so, go make some waves!

Good luck, stay encouraged, and Happy New Year friends! 💜