“Under promise, over deliver” is advice given by Ms. Mary Alice Basconi. She is a professor of Mass Communications at East Tennessee State University. This has become some of the best advice one has received while in school.
It can be difficult to find ones voice in the media world. Hunter S. Thompson struggled for years. There are movies made about it. “Rum Diaries” when he began and the evolution of Gonzo Reporting in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” demonstrate how hard it can be.
The struggle to produce content and manage time can be a challenge. Trying to pursue other areas of media production can cause distraction. The need to make a living and put food on the table can take one away from writing.
One area that a person may struggle is over promising their ability. It is wonderful to believe that we are all capable of greatness now. The truth however is that it takes more than introductory classes to become just that.
Like Thompson many journalism students struggle to find their voice. It can be discouraging to receive a paper from a teacher without a grade on it. Told only that it needs revision before it can be graded. How do you cover a controversial topic when you do not know how to write about a controversial issue? You do the best you can.
Under promising may be the best way to make oneself shine. It is ok to ensure the completion of a simpler task if the story at hand may be too large. Over delivering is the way to make it and most of the time people only expect what you say you can do.
Remembering to do this is the challenge. Most people want to believe that they are the great one when they are starting. It is easy to run with positive encouragement as well. You should challenge yourself too. If you are not challenging yourself how can you improve?
American Dream: Overland Expedition 