This is it. Everything in my life has led to this moment in time.

That's the way I think about life. Every morning, waking up in my apartment, running down to the (spartan) weight room, showering, and heading to work, this idea never leaves me.

I've just about settled into my new life in Duluth, Minnesota. I've started a job that I love; everything that my job consists of is just thrilling. I'll begin by (if I happen to be anchoring) building the show—probably the night before, deciding what I'll talk about. I'll write some preliminary scripts, lay out all the graphics I might want...and then the fun begins. I'll pick up my camera (which is the first step if I'm not anchoring), and drive all over the county to film sporting events for highlights. Right now, it's primarily hockey and basketball (with the odd dance competition or bowling tournament). Then, it's back to the station, where I'm under the gun to edit highlights and compile what they're about, and finish preparing the show.

It almost feels like the things a lawyer might do (shadowed one, almost registered for the LSAT some years ago). The glory (courtroom/anchor desk) is there, and you get your shots at it, but you have to put in the work (filing paperwork, reading precedent/shooting highlights, researching team and player stats, online posting)...and managing every surprise that comes your way.

This is the thrill I've been after for most of my life, and I love it. The Duluth DMA is perfect for learning, building the memory of what goes into this job and nurturing the confidence to stride into the office daily and make it happen. You make your missteps (Aaron Rodgers is 6'2", not 5'10"—that was his high school height that caused colleges to not look at him), you find what works (bowties over everything), and you dwell on neither of those things.

If it sounds like something you can do on your own...that's not true at all. You need people at all turns. You need a support system—even for a fiercely independent introvert. You need someone in your corner; the advocate(s) whose desire is to see your success, who will point out your strengths, and the areas where you can improve. It's important at this rookie stage to be surrounded by people who are interested in making you better, and to whom you can turn for assistance and advice. Just as important, you need people with whom you can spend the off hours.

The one word I heard thrown recklessly around throughout school...networking. Hearing it makes me cringe. Just make friends. Honest relationships are mutually beneficial, and the savvy person will see right through "networking."

This is easy to say...I'm a people-person—yes, despite being an introvert. In fact, being that way means I won't make a false effort to "befriend" or "network." That's personal, but it's helped. Having said that, you rally people behind you by simply being. Be professional. Be driven. Be hardworking. Be personable. Be willing to place your ego aside and learn. Be a joy to have around. It's not a series of steps to take; it's a state of being. You can fake it, but the illusion will eventually fail.

How do you get someone into your corner who will back you 100%? Be the kind of person they want to support. For example...in one internship I had, the interns were doing tasks that sound completely counterintuitive to the skills we were searching for. The way you approach, essentially, a data entry task, will often show how you approach everything else. Be relentless. When you're truly dialed in to accomplishing your task, you probably won't see others take notice, but you will have ingratiated yourself without meaning to. Again...you can fake this sort of dedication, but that will eventually be revealed. When you say you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal...mean it.

You might be gifted with the inclination toward whatever your dream is (as in...a musician gifted with perfect pitch, or The Rock with freakish genetics)... but that won't cut it in the long run. James Earl Jones was functionally mute, but through sheer dedication...his voice is now heard in the most iconic of media. If you were born the sharpest knife in the drawer, and you continue to use that cutting edge daily without sharpening it...you become dull. Explore new angles. Explore new options. Continue to define and redefine yourself.

Keep something to motivate and ground yourself. I choose music, and these are some go-to sounds (can't give away all my secrets, now).

• Don Omar: "Pura Vida" (if you know Spanish)
• Earth, Wind & Fire: "In The Stone"
• Avicii: "The Nights"
• Calvin Harris: "Faith"
• Earth, Wind & Fire: "Fantasy"
• Swedish House Mafia: "Don't You Worry Child"
• OneRepublic: "Good Life"
• Avicii: "Wake Me Up"
• Zedd: "Find You"
• Imagine Dragons: "Radioactive"
• Alesso: "Heroes"
• The Magician: "Sunlight"
• Aloe Blacc: "The Man"

Always appreciate thank those who look out for you. Never take your journey for granted.

Learn how to tie a bow tie.

Happy New Year.