Last week, we focused on what we do, while somewhat questioning who we are. This week, let's focus more on the latter.
When thinking of myself as a journalist, or a reporter, or a writer, I tend to focus on the titles and what they mean rather than the weight of the responsibilities attached to each. Do I really inform my readers as best as I can or am I focusing more on finishing an article to collect my paycheck?
If I am focused more on collecting my paycheck, my attention is focused less on informing my readers. The process of writing or reporting becomes less about them and more about me, therefore making me a selfish person, not a journalist, a reporter, or a writer. Likewise, if I am focused on informing my readers instead of collecting my paycheck, I am also no longer a journalist, reporter, or a writer. I am compassionate and "truthseeking," which I interpret as "storyseeking."
Making our titles truly reflect who we are is an ongoing process that I feel begins when we think about the qualities we desire to reveal. Focusing on these qualities and whether our actions are aligned with them will transfer them into our beings and what we do will follow. We can define journalist, reporter, or writer, if not in Websters then at least in our own minds.
What are the responsibilities attached to your title? Does this title reflect who you are? Which qualities make up your being and are they the ones you want?
