Ever since hitting 30,000 SP and gaining close to 600 followers on Steemit, I've been asking myself - Why am I having a following? What am I doing here? And what do I hope to achieve here?
Maybe those are not the most pressing of questions. Something is definitely working for me in some ways, and I will be here regardless of what I think I want to achieve. Okay, maybe I want to achieve the following:-
Getting to know myself better
Steemit is really the first time that I'm getting involved with a wider community on a daily basis. It's somewhat different than business networking IRL, in which I'm not a big fan of. It's unspoken but I feel that everyone's here for a better tomorrow, so I guess that perception helps. Having built a considerable following for the past 70+ days has been giving me useful insights about myself as I started interacting with those following my account. At this moment in time I'm still figuring out what makes Steemit special when it comes to creator-consumer relationship.Getting out of my 9-5, embrace my love for learning and writing
Somewhat of a risk, but I've tendered my resignation letter and currently in the midst of my 3-month notice period. Got a little lucky being an early-adopter before July 4th, so I have a decent buffer even if my business ventures do not make much returns. As much as this sounds like a first world problem, my dayjob has been quite a nightmare for me for the past few years. I couldn't relate much to the corporate world, and you may laugh if I say that I'm being discriminated by the mainstream employment regime.. for being nocturnal. Being forced to wake up in the morning is destroying my soul. I would love to keep learning, acquiring new skills, and continuously work on my creative expression.Make the world a better place (give me a cookie)
Steemit seems to be an interesting place for presenting leftfield, offbeat ideas, compared to the complete tameness of my network in Facebook. And there seems to be so many intellectual, if not intelligent individuals here. Curation can be somewhat of a joy too, maybe because of the potential incentives for people to put their thoughts out in long-form. This is great because making the world a better place doesn't only come from one person, it should come from many sources. We're talking about the world, afterall. And let's not discount the fact that Steemit is a convenient, low-barrier mutual-aid society!
I'm grateful that I've made quite some friends here on Steemit. I've had help from others since the early days, namely @rok-sivante for writing better, @andrarchy for focus / simplification, and @donkeypong for online collaboration 101. There are just so many awesome Steemians around that I don't even use Facebook anymore, except for business purposes (and to post Steemit links!).
Came onboard at first just to express myself, only to find out that I'm in the first stages of finding my voice, and perhaps the next stage of my personal growth.
One of the biggest steps toward growth is to stop assuming things, so I have two questions for anyone reading this -
I'd like to point out that this was Derek Jeter's pick-up line for all the ladies that he would meet. His only line.
I took sometime to study him lol , this story here is kinda funny - http://www.patriotsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=39935
Ok i'll start using this as a pick-up line :P thanks!
Thank you for that very awesome post @kevinwong!
All these comments and no one gave you a cookie!! What's wrong with you people?!??! Kidding kidding ...here , for an awesome post:
You got your GIF game in under a minute.. that's something! Thanks :D
@royaltiffany Wow, you have no idea how much I want to eat a whole bunch of chocolate chip cookies right now. thanks for inspiring me. :*)
Yet another follower.
Thanks! And any suggestions on what you wish to read about? I'll try to write about anything under (and beyond) the sun.
Knowing yourself may be the greatest reward you end up with from Steemit. I admire your passion and optimism. I hope the demand for STEEM can sustain the price enough to support you.
As for what I want to read more about? Neuroscience, psychology, futurism, morality... Things that challenge, encourage, and enlighten me.
As for my hopes and dreams: I want to be completely debt free and travel the world with my family while connecting with myself and others at a deeper level.
Definitely an interesting time to be doing some plumbing on Steemit and finding ways to make it better. I like how everyone has a stake in it..
I guess we have pretty similar interests and hopes for the future :) awesome
happy just being free
50 bucks / day is pretty doable (you're talking about steem dollar trading, am i right?) Thanks - i've never considered trading SDs, seems logical to do that. You're happy as happy could be brother, I admire your outlook on things :)
Hey Kevin.
really happy that you reached that milestone ! wow ! but you totally deserve it.
when you come in the channel and told us, damn I wrote that post for 48hours, now i need to sleep. man that is real commitment to provide us with the very best you can do.
Always waiting for your next post !
I'd probably not take that much time when I start to get my sleep in order :) thanks buddy, you too - your blogroll is the work of an energizer bunny!
I'm happy for you being able to take this turn in life. That's awesome.
Not sure what I want to read more about. Good question. I'm still trying to get my Steemit legs.
Hopes and dreams -
Trying to get out of the US. I had it all planned out a couple of years ago, but it fell apart literally two days before I was supposed to buy our airline tickets. I've been trying to find another way ever since.
Also wanting to make a difference in people's lives. Here I've tried to get involved with promoting underappreciated posts, attempting to set up the Sleeper project. So far it doesn't really have any traction though (in my blog).
I'd really like to help regenerate the Haitian island of La Gonâve and help the people there to not just sustain themselves, but to become abundantly productive. I've just started an article series about that as well.
Followed! Love it and let's see what happens :)
Yeah i'm just trying to gauge what people would love to read more, but of course if you're currently so focused on your mission, it's good that you've expressed it here - thanks :)
I'm reading too, but am not a huge blog reader. Obviously I read yours though. :)
Really, I'm just trying to find folks that are writing good content and follow them. It might vary.
Thanks Kevin.
Not the politics we spoke about but its a fab milestone to set for myself and have an example
There are plenty of awesome steemers that create content everyday non-stop.. and you've a knack for poetry!
On a personal level: growth as a writer. confidence as a content creator. satisfaction as a contributor to a project that could go big.
On a steemit level: entertain, educate and sometimes, challenge your views on a ton of different subjects [ as my interests are all over the place ]
You know what i think of you.
I wonder what'll happen when the blogroll is de-emphasized when steemit switches into its "true form", as seen in the steemit for world domination posts. Posts would probably be still the base of everything around steemit, i just wonder what's it going to be like.. yes we're pretty much all over the place. Thanks man :)
Maybe you are a shape shifting reptilian from the orion galaxy using his otherworldly powers to gather followers or you are a terrific writer who just makes people follow you! But it's good to know you have decided to continue with your "nocturnal " lifestyle and I expect to see further great writing from you . Happy for you coz you are an example of how steemit can change lives. Congratulations!
I'm a sneaky reptilian ;) Been complaining bout my problem with daytime traffic congestion and all that, only to be brushed aside as being a spoiled millennial (i'm not even a millennial). I think going through the motion for so many years is enough, i was too afraid to get out of this because of the possible instability. Thanks man for the kind words - are you busy lately? I think I haven't seen you on steemit chat ever since it switched platforms!
I am on a holiday till the 28th when I shall be back home. Visit chat sometimes but it's a pain on the phone. Till then I am crawling the bars of New Delhi!
I wish to read more people creating content about moral truth, and hope and dream that more people will choose to seek moral truth so that the overall quality of life on the planet can increase towards our truer human potential. Peace.
Thanks @krnel and noted. It wouldn't be an easy subject to write about without sounding harsh and maybe unpleasant, but i'll try to develop a good middle ground for presentation. Thanks again for the suggestion :)
I really want the flexibility of not having a 9-5 and the ability to help out with some charities close to my heart. That's part of the reason I've been building up my reputation and getting to know the community better. Each person I've met that doesn't have a negative reputation has contributed in their own unique way and whether they write incredible posts or thoughtful comments or just read and vote on good content, I've really enjoyed everyone so far
Likewise, feeling the same way as you do. Are you on steemit.chat? It's the complementary half of the platform :)
Always great to hear stories about people getting out of the crazy corporate world. Being stuck there myself for 6 years, I can definitely relate to your feeling. All the non-technical skills and knowledge I picked up during my mind-numbing stay in the political madhouse that is a corporation, have been of no use to me at all in my entrepreneur years that came after it.
As for my hopes and dreams: I'm on a mission to become financially free within 6 years. If everything goes the way it's going now, it should be achievable.
Then there's the real big ones: Getting memory chips implanted in my brain, load up my consciousness to a computer, a resource based economy, and world peace :D
Lol we'll have plenty of materials than we can talk about, thanks for dropping by a good word. And all the best! Lemme know how I can help. I've touched on RBE in my previous post and should have quite a number of articles relating to it coming soon :)
Nice! I've been mind-mapping a post about RBE as well. Maybe we should collaborate somehow? :)
My mind keeps getting blown here...was sitting there at an article in german with exactly the same spirit in my mind and a fellow dolfin sends me your link and I interrupt writing AGAIN and am once AGAIN amazed of the synchronicity of feelings thanks to this first truly SOCIAL network! All the best from Berlin! I feel you!
Lemme guess, that'll be @knozaki2015? That is a good way of describing steemit i guess. Thanks brother! feel u too!
Bingo! 😀
Healthy milestone @kevinwong. Congrats and keep up the great work.
Thanks buddy, appreciate it! :)
I´d love to read more about science. Hope and dreams? I guess keep beeing happier and happier and of course use horizontal breaks in all my posts :-)
Yup more sciencey awesomeness on the way soon :D
Probably the fact that the creator gets paid good money (it might be different in 6 months or 2 years - we are talking about the current state of affairs) and the consumer doesn't have to do anything for it except click an upvote (he doesn't need to pay and he doesn't need to see ads). It's a pretty unique or special arrangement.
Hmm yeah you're right.. it may be as simple as that.. I wanna bring my music production on steemit soon i'm just wondering how to do it well :)
Be a minimalist and store your value wisely, perhaps i haven't put enough thought in it, but i don't know for how long steemit can give liveable payouts.
And being a wasteful polluting spender is not everything either.
The more you own, the less you own it and the more it starts to own you
While the payout is a huge bonus.. i personally think the friends and connections made on the platform can be brought forward in so many ways.. Worst case scenario, just suck it up and go back to the dayjob.. :)
I'm really sorry to hear about you not being happy with your day job and reckon you getting out now is a good move. Health before money, right? You have built up a phenomenal account on here by having the foresight to get in early, which I really commend you for. So use this to your advantage.
I'm noticing Steemit is becoming more than money, it's now turning into creating meaningful online friendships, with people looking out for each other and supporting one another. Basically bringing out the best in us which can only be a good thing.
I just hope and pray that this platform continues it's ascent into the stars and we all can benefit in all respects from this thrilling ride! I wish you nothing but the best of luck going forward. Build on what you have already built and keep pushing forward!
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement @rea . I've been stalling that move for years now because my circle of family of friends wanted me to stay safe financially - and i've outgrown being a frivolous spender to somewhat of a minimalist. I wish you the same too, hope you enjoy your stay here and drop by steemit chat some time :)
@kevinwong, looking forward to chatting sometime. You speak your mind!
Follow your heart!
thanks man
Cheers buddy @fast2future come over to steemit.chat :)
Great post Kevin! I hope you find writing as fulfilling as I have. People want to know the real person and it seems you are giving them exactly that. I have been following you for a little while and you never disappoint!
Thanks, that's a good insight! I'm not sure if i'm gonna bring 100% of myself onboard though, i have too many memes stored in my pc waiting to dilute my blogroll :P.. thanks for the follow! Appreciate it :)
Youre a good inspiration @kevinwong, and hope I will reach that point and together share the message to lots of people. Writing is an art, the best way to express our feelings and thoughts to something and even share experiences.
Thanks @juvyjabian! Keep at it!
cheers from your 600 follower :)
thank you @sisters! :)
Great story @kevinwong , is very motivating to know people slowly grew with steemit , I hope to continue getting friends, definitely here are extraordinary people my dream is to someday be able to be a dolphin or at least something like a tuna. :-)
Many things can happen in a year or two.. i think it's just a matter of staying in the game and grow with the platform :) thanks for dropping by a good word, appreciate it @oecp85 :)
the penis mightier than the sword :P
Its good that you are getting to take a chance and get out of the early morning rat race. Personally I wonder if any of us are truly made for it, it kills me too.
Well my parents went through it for decades, I don't think i'd like to continue that for too long :) - wish you the best too, it's really not easy to make a decision.. much easier for me because i've made the choice to minimise my commitments..
Keep doing what you believe in Kevinwong! I support you!
Thanks @sweetsssj :)!
Great job Kevin, you've accomplished something great. Keep up the great work ad you'll end up rich as hell👍🏼👌🏼
This story is another aspect of Steemit that i love ,it is not just an outward focus. So many stories here are about introspection and sharing the journey of knowledge and enlightenment.
What a great achievement to gain the freedom through Steemit to spend more time doing what you love. I hope I'm not too far behind you :)
Best of luck to you in your new business ventures, looking forward to hearing your stories on steemit!
I wish to read unique topics. Anything really.
As far as dreams go I wish to make an impact in this community.
I'm on Steemit mainly to try it out. I'm pretty new. I enjoy writing, and I do enjoy reading the different ideas and viepoints expressed here. Congratulations on quitting your job. I hope your other gentures succeed. I would enjoy reading your story of striking out on your own as it unfolds.
Hey thanks for dropping by :) If you need any pointers or help feel free to come over to https://steemit.chat, there are many of us over there and I'm sure you'll enjoy the lively community over in chat :)
I'm on Steemit mainly to try it out. I'm pretty new. I enjoy writing, and I do enjoy reading the different ideas and viepoints expressed here. Congratulations on quitting your job. I hope your other gentures succeed. I would enjoy reading your story of striking out on your own as it unfolds.
Thanks @wiser! Come over to steemit.chat if you ever need to have some pointers or even have your stuff exposed and circulated within the lively community :)
Thanks for the invite. I logged on to the chat once, and have been meaning to come back and at least put up my introduceyourself post in the promote your post channel... but life (with five kids) keeps getting in the way LOL.
I'll keep trying, and I can definitely benefit from pointers and exposure :)
Congratulations on reaching the milestone Kevin! :)
Thank you buddy @firepower ! :D
Great @kevinwong
thanks! @tito-baron :)
I'm here because the Universe makes me make myself be here. That way it's still voluntary:)
My head is spinning trying to understand that :D #goodvibes
"World peace and an end to global hunger"
Seriously though, I think steemit could change the world. I'd be happy to be apart of it, even just watching, although I'd like to write more, and find an audience for my ramblings!
That's a good thought :) Come over to steemit.chat if you ever need help getting some exposure or tips on just about anything
Congrats on getting out of your 9-5! I am really sympathetic to your issues with being nocturnal. The 9-5 schedule is bullshit. Why do we all have to go to work at the same time? Why not have more shifts?
Similarly, why force teenagers to go to school early when it has been shown that their circadian rhythms don't fit with early rising?
I guess it's just the way the world works - concentration of workforce happened to have organized itself into the 9-5 timeslot for mainstream convenience. Oh there are studies showing the incompatibility with the circadian rhythms of teenagers? That's interesting :)
Thanks for dropping by a word @edgeland - what are your hopes and dreams? :)
I'm trying to diversify my writing and content - could use some opinions!
I guess so. Yes, and the CDC finally started recommending later school times. Here's one article: https://news.brown.edu/articles/2014/11/sleep
Oh sorry, I forgot to answer the questions you asked in your post! I hope to be able to work for myself (not join the rat race) and to help advance blockchain technology and anarchy/voluntarism. I dream about changing the world so that people are more free, and I think the only way to really change is to somehow transform our consciousness. Using innovative technology and changing the outer structure of society are only parts of the equation.
Your post on consciousness was fascinating. :-)
I'm also interested in the scientific study of consciousness and how to combine space, time and consciousness into one theory. We act like living beings are "observers" studying the rest of the universe, but it's all one structure.
Woops, so sorry that I just saw this reply :)
I think it's okay to join the rat race.. well for awhile until you know everything that's wrong with it lol. Well it's really not that bad if you're working on projects that you can relate to. I think the bigger frustration is limited job scope and almost zero-feedback loop - you don't get to see if you're really making things better.
I think what you're saying is social design / engineering, personally I think this is key in transforming our consciousness, at least by a "system" that rewards good samaritans (other than the usual selfishness, etc which works in our current systems). I follow Jacque Fresco for these kind of talks.
Thanks, that means a lot lol (i had a phase thinking bout freewill and consciousness a lot, although i never got myself formally educated on it).
Ah that'll be a very interesting science to look into, and i agree that it's all in one structure. Now I'm currrently working hard on a new article, been days - it's about identity and civilization :). Can't wait for your next piece too!
Yeah, if you're working on a project you care about, working for someone else and having prescribed hours can be fine.
I'm hesitant to call it social engineering because I don't want to replace the current situation with another form of centralized government. Controlling people through planning and conditioning isn't the same as setting them free, no matter how good the affects are.
I'll have to read more about Jacque Fresco! It looks like he has good ideas on technology but I'm skeptical of "The Venus Project" on a global scale. Thanks!
Can't wait to see what you wrote. I finally finished getting married and have time to write again.
My main hope is that the platform doesn't get drowned in spam and bs. As long as people making original posts and comments are rewarded, more than plagiarism, I feel like I will have a positive experience here, regardless of the actual amount of rewards.
sweet !!!
Congratulations on reaching the milestone @kevinwong
Thanks @bloggingtrendz :) cya around!
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