You’re struggling to find your footing in journalism. How can you use resilience to overcome the challenges?

1 Recognize your strengths

You have unique skills, talents, and passions that make you a valuable journalist. Remind yourself of your achievements, feedback, and impact on your audience. Focus on what you can do well and how you can improve, rather than comparing yourself to others or dwelling on your mistakes. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures.

3 Embrace change and uncertainty

Journalism is a dynamic and evolving field that requires you to adapt to changing situations, technologies, and audiences. Instead of resisting or fearing change, embrace it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and innovate. Be flexible and open-minded about new possibilities and challenges. Experiment with different styles, formats, or platforms. Be curious and seek new information, sources, or angles.

4 Manage your stress and emotions

Journalism can be stressful and emotionally draining, especially when you cover sensitive, complex, or controversial topics. You need to manage your stress and emotions in healthy ways, such as taking breaks, exercising, meditating, or journaling. You also need to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being. Say no to unrealistic expectations or demands. Ask for help when you need it. Seek professional help if you experience anxiety, depression, or trauma.

5 Cultivate a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that you can improve your abilities and overcome challenges through effort, feedback, and learning. A growth mindset helps you to see difficulties as opportunities, not threats. It also helps you to welcome feedback, not avoid it. It also helps you to persist, not give up. To cultivate a growth mindset, you need to adopt positive self-talk, set realistic and achievable goals, and embrace challenges as learning experiences.

6 Find your purpose and passion

Journalism is more than just a job. It's a way of expressing yourself, informing others, and making a difference. To be a resilient journalist, you need to find your purpose and passion in your work. What motivates you to be a journalist? What stories do you want to tell? What impact do you want to have? How can you align your values, interests, and skills with your work? Finding your purpose and passion will help you to stay focused, inspired, and fulfilled.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?