The To-Do List

I’ve created so many lists in my life — grocery lists, gift lists, music lists, chore lists, and even content-creation lists. I make to-do lists for one reason: to get things done in a systematic way. And now, as I begin my newest educational journey, making a to-do list is no different.

At first, I didn’t think I would need a list. After all, I was only enrolling in a master’s program and planning to write articles about video games. Why would I need a list for that? But as I sat and thought through everything I wanted to accomplish, it became clear that there were many other things I’d need to do to reach my goals with the level of quality and expectation I’ve set for myself.

So why write about this to-do list?

Writing is the fundamental ingredient in this new media journalism recipe I’m cooking up. Without writing, I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, consider myself a journalist, and I doubt any established professionals would, either. Writing also allows me to improve my skills. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet, but I’m starting the journey. And since this is my journey, I want to capture as much of it as possible.

Am I going to share every step on the list?

Sharing every step could be one way to approach this, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Instead, I want to share the steps I’ve put the most time and effort into. These steps, I feel, are foundational ones that anyone could apply to their own journey if they choose to.

Find resources to improve my writing

While my focus is new media journalism, and writing is only one part of that, I want to be more than just proficient at it. I want to excel. I want my writing to resonate even more than my videos, podcasts, or commentary, because writing leaves a longer-lasting impression. There’s something powerful about words on a page.

Don’t lose sight of the focus

It’s easy for me to lose sight of what I’m trying to accomplish. I have my job, long hours, and the constant stream of content other journalists and media specialists put out, all of which can make me question whether this is a good idea. But I remind myself that there is a reason to keep going: I genuinely love games. I love talking about them, experiencing them, and hearing others do the same. I want that love to translate into expertise, and into a shared passion with anyone who reads or watches my work.

These are just a couple of the steps I wanted to share, and there are many more. The point is that my to-do list reflects where my focus and drive are right now. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire someone else to pursue their goals and remind them they’re not alone. And for me, this keeps me accountable and driven along the path toward what I want.