You’re in a years-long period of learning to take your own thoughts seriously. In the age of the 24-hour news cycle, it’s easy to be constantly blasted with other people’s opinions. But figuring out what you think requires time, patience, and solitude. Spending hours with your away message on, just you and your journal, can help you clarify your ideas. Allowing your impressions to steadily develop will align them with your integrity and eventually anchor them with your future audience.