When I first got into the sports talk business, I figured one of the biggest negatives I would have to overcome was the fact that there are only so many spots and the industry would be so competitive it would be difficult to find my footing.

I was wrong. While there can be challenges in certain markets and it's not easy to get to where you're trying to go in the world of sports talk radio, the journey is part of what makes this ride so special. The most difficult part for me and for many is overcoming the negatives.

There are many ways this industry can drag down your spirit if you let it, so we're going to comb through some of those things here and help you identify and combat them. 

Monotony

What we do for a living, talking sports every day, this isn't a job – is it?

Yeah, actually it is.

Like any job, the day-to-day can wear on you. I tell people this all the time who are on the outside of our industry looking in, you may think you can do this for living, and you're probably right to some degree, but can you do it every day? Can you keep your listeners and yourself entertained 5 or more days a week, for several hours a day? Can you come up with new ways to engage your audience on social media? And if you're not in the mood that day, guess what? The show still starts at the same time whether you like it or not.

Our job is incredible, it's a dream, but we still have days where you look at the rundown and say "Deshaun Watson, again?". If you can overcome and push through that, without your listeners sensing your frustration, that can be the difference between a flash in the pan and a good long career. 

Complacency 

This is the cancer of our industry. I see it all the time, whether it's the clock punchers who don't care to get better and reach a new level of their growing careers or those who have convinced themselves they've made it. Being settled into your role with zero interest in moving up or getting better is one of the most negative mindsets you can take on.

The Problem is, it's easy to do that in this profession. The competitiveness I talked about in the open, is there, but if you have a spot, you've really got to screw up to lose it.

Many of us work for corporations, these entities aren't shuffling people out if they lose motivation, they're shuffling people out for budget cuts or egregious behavior. When you don't have someone nipping at your heels for your job or you don't have that internal fire yourself, it's easy to get comfortable, and comfort turns into complacency. 

Other Voices 

Negativity in general is pervasive in our industry. Don't feel bad, it's like that everywhere. In fact, negativity is a human condition. We are actually wired that way, pre-disposed to perceive the negative. Psychologists refer to this as negativity bias.

"Our brains are wired to scout for the bad stuff" and fixate on the threat, says psychologist and author Rick Hanson. So think about this caldron, we as people are hardwired for negativity, every workplace breeds it in general, and we work in a place where people are exceptionally skilled at talking and making their point for a living. We're really screwed from the get-go if you think about it.

That's why it's so important to avoid it at all costs. Avoid talking trash about the sales floor who isn't selling enough for you, or the promotions manager who isn't coming up with better giveaways, whatever it is, it's toxic. You might derive some pleasure from the complaint-fest you find yourself in at the moment, but in the long term, this type of thing will warp your perception of the sports talk radio industry.

There's plenty to complain about, believe me. But complaints without action are more harmful than helpful when it comes to your own career. 

Pay 

I've written about this before. It's the most unfortunate aspect of our business, outside of the few at the top in your particular market, it's hard to make a great living in sports talk radio or radio in general for that matter. That's why I'm so adamant in saying, if you don't have the passion for it, find another line of work.

Do yourself a favor and find an industry that is hungry for talented/driven people. Those jobs are out there, sports talk radio isn't for everyone. If you do decide this is your journey, don't let the pay dissuade you from what could be the job of your dreams. I tell anyone who ever asks, give yourself a deadline, if you're not making 'X' amount of dollars (different for everyone) by a certain time, get out. It's a fun job, it's a great life, but if it's not working financially, it's tough to see it that way. 

Avoid these negativities and watch your career thrive.