10. You are going to make things better, for yourself and for others. That's a good thing! A positive thing. So get up. And get (back) to work. The news cycle will keep churning. All we can do is our genuine best. And when we fail, we try, and try again.

3. Ask yourself honestly: is the challenge valid?

4. If you aren't sure, have a chat with someone you know and respect, ideally privately. Be mindful of any emotional labour you are asking someone to do on your behalf-you are not looking for someone to abso...

9. Consider: what one practical change can you make right now? What can you commit to changing in the coming month? In the coming year? If you know what you need to change, commit to doing something now, even if the desired 'change' doesn't feel within your immediate sphere of in...

6. Think about an appropriate response. This will almost certainly include an apology. Identify what you are apologising for. Keep it simple. Don't use evasive language. Don't centre yourself. You don't need to be effusive or self-flagellating but you do need to be clear and uneq...

7. People might not like your apology. They are entitled to that response. Remember this. You do not need to engage with every single voice, or the loudest voices. Only the ones that matter. Think about who these are. And think about the most appropriate format. Is this online, o...

8. This stuff hurts, and you will need to find ways to protect yourself without becoming so insular that you can't hear any of the criticism any more. There can be a desire to only allow the supportive, comforting words in. Be careful about this. You are allowed to feel hurt, but...

So, you have been challenged, now what?

1. Take a breath, and a step back. You do not owe anyone an immediate response, despite the perceived pressure to do so on social media.