Give up, but don’t quit
not teaching,
still THINKING …
Time works against us in a publish-every-second world. But it doesn’t have to get the best of us.
Here are some tested tips to get you through time-sensitive moments:
- Give up perfection but don’t quit on quality. That means do check for accuracy, do write for clarity, do communicate succinctly. But then let the story go. There are other stories in line — whether you are writing or editing — that need your attention.
- Give up idle chatter but don’t quit on personable interactions. That means do keep your head low, do set your mind on high alert, do work with alacrity — cheerful willingness, eagerness, speed. Respect this kind of concentration in your co-workers. There will be plenty of time later to engage in banter with them.
- Give up unhealthy competition but don’t quit on being your best. That means do set goals, do plan your career path, do aim for that next promotion. But don’t neglect the job you’re doing now by letting envy or jealousy distract you. Make strong contributions every moment of every day.
As a journalist, you give up a lot of time to your profession — nights, weekends, holidays — but your sacrifices matter. Don’t quit on your life’s work.
(These two profs are no longer teaching at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, but we are still thinking.)
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