#LitforPR: Enter the New Year Untamed
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle was my second read of 2021 and I think it should be your first of 2022. Doyle recounts her moments of clarity and teaches readers how to find their voices and themselves. While this book is about self-help and not public relations, we produce the best work when we are bringing the best versions of ourselves into the office. This book can teach the future public relations professional within you to find confidence that will not only make you an asset to your future employers but allow you to acknowledge your own abilities and worth. There is no room for imposter syndrome here! Here are some key quotes that we can learn from to become untamed public relations professionals and human beings:
- “Hard work is important. So are play and nonproductivity. My worth is tied not to my productivity but to my existence. I am worthy of rest.”
Work can be an incredible source of pride and even joy when you are passionate about what you do. With that said, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that work is not everything. Taking a break of any kind is not lazy; you can still be a hard worker and take the time that you need for yourself. The most important thing in your life is you. You are worthy of rest and your work will improve once you are well-rested and rejuvenated.
- “Be careful with the stories you tell about yourself.”
As public relations practitioners, we are constantly telling stories. The most important story for us to really tell and sell, however, is our own story. Don’t sell yourself short in the interview or allow yourself to be defined by one mistake. Make sure that you are telling your story accurately yet in a way that embodies the multitudes that you contain.
- “The thing that gets me thinking and questioning most deeply is a leader who warns me not to think or question.”
We cannot grow if we are trapped in an environment that does not encourage growth. Public relations is a field that encourages creativity, boldness and growth as PR constantly evolves. If you find yourself at a company that looks down on questions or new ideas, you’re in the wrong place. You cannot produce respectable work if you do not respect who you are working for.
- “I will not stay, not ever again – in a room or conversation or relationship or institution that requires me to abandon myself.”
As I’ve mentioned, the most important thing in your life is you. Establish your values and boundaries early on in your career so you can be sure to work for and with institutions that you can whole-heartedly support. Never compromise your values or allow someone to cross those boundaries that you set for yourself. No task or job is worth losing pieces of yourself. We all have something to offer the world of public relations and I’m confident that this field is one that values our worth, perspective and push back when it is necessary.
- “WE CAN DO HARD THINGS.”
If there is one thing you take away from this blog post, and “Untamed,” please let it be that YOU can do hard things. We are still transitioning back to in-person classes, club meetings, work and more. And it has been hard. With that being said, the pandemic has showed me that we really can do hard things. In fact, we can excel at them. When you’re doubting your abilities or feeling burnt out, remember that you have it in you to overcome anything.
I hope that you bring these quotes and their lessons into this New Year of new opportunities.
Cat Kalogeros is a communications and public relations double major at the University of Rhode Island. Cat is also pursuing double minors in English and writing and rhetoric. She currently serves as the 2021–2022 vice president of brand engagement for the PRSSA National Committee. Outside of PRSSA, Cat is the director of career and personal development for her chapter of Chi Omega. She aspires to use her public relations skills to tell stories in the entertainment industry. Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
