We all want to have some control over ourselves even though many tend to turn over a lot of their power to various authorities. In general though, being able to determine our own direction is something that empowers us and helps us take responsibility. However, for much of our experience we have very little choice over our actions.
There are lots of things I like about writing on Steem but, one thing it 'solves' for me is a problem that has plagued for much of my professional career, I am a nightowl. In fact, this has plagued me for much of my life as school itself did not factor in my own rhythms, they catered for the industrialized world where parents themselves were crushed into time frames.
Not everyone has the same alertness cycles throughout the day yet, all are expected to adhere to the social norms and get to work early and go to bed at an appropriate hour to start the day early again. As said, I am a nightowl which means this early rise idea is not the most suitable for me.
It has been suggested recently (and I have mentioned for about 20 years at least) that children should be starting school later in the day, especially teenagers. There is a reason they sleep a lot and forcing them to be awake when their bodies don't want to be is not conducive to best practice and it is even worse for those like me who have night time rhythms. At some point, I think I will get into some of this deeper.
However, for me, I have observed since I was a child when are the best times for me to do various tasks. For example, I do not perform physically well early in the morning and the most effective time for me to go to the gym is after 8 pm at night and the best time for me to take care of paperwork and emails for my business is in the early afternoons.
However, my most creative times are when everyone else is winding down for the night and climbing into bed. Steem is a gift for me (if I didn't have to get up at 7 am for IRL work) as I am able to work whenever I want and I am not even restricted by weekends or, when other people are working at all. It is the ultimate in freelancing from a schedule perspective because for the most part, the customers aren't the ones to set the deadlines. Customers of course being the audience here.
Since I post with some regularity, I can observe my content somewhat objectively and I can see relatively clear patters (there is overlap) in feel, flow and topic choice depending on the time I write it. For the most part, I do write and post immediately as my content is generally a collection of my thoughts grouped around a topic. On a side note, I recommend more people to experiment writing this way sometimes rather than rewriting the findings of others as it helps with understanding and self-exploration.
It is quite interesting to me how different the change can be in something as arbitrary as writing time. I find that a lot of creative people are more so in the evenings/night and it is often when they have their Eureka! moments.
I am not sure why but perhaps it has a couple of factors for example, maybe there is a little more sense derivation as the darkness takes data out of the system leaving more mental capacity for work. Another potential reason is that the mind is a little more worn, a little looser and relaxed in the evening and without the eyes of society watching, inhibitions are suppressed. Maybe it is a combination of factors that creates a space for creative expression.
Whatever it is, one of the largest benefits of Steem is the complete freedom to work, engage and post whenever one chooses, which in itself is a massive advantage over the generally authoritarian customs of the corporate world.
There are of course other factors that people are only just starting to consider when it comes to earning here as new apps and code opens up new possibilities to create revenue streams in multiple areas. Yes, I enjoy writing but for many, they might prefer streaming or photography or gaming. Steem is changing and although I do think reward itself should be somewhat tied to effort and value to the system, the judgement of this isn't up to me alone.
I work very hard (in my opinion) here because the future I envisage for myself and others is one where people are able to more readily choose the paths they take to earn incomes and although still currently tied to the digital world, this is going to change also as more and more IRL crossover happens with SMTs.
It is also because of these future possibilities I find it insane that so many people are unwilling to build their account/profile/content to support a future where they have more control over what they do and how they earn.
At this point, the platform and the concept in general is in its infancy which is the perfect time to create a garden that has the ability to feed future personal flourishing. There is a lot of opportunity for people if they are willing to invest themselves into it.
I don't like to work tied by schedules but what I find at Steem is that because I have the freedom to do when I choose to do, I want to work and post as I am not obligated to do anything in particular. I am free. This in my opinion is the way earning should and and is why the people going to Steem school are likely to not reach their personal goals or, it is going to feel like work. And not the good kind.
Engineer habits based on social norms is likely to lead right back to the world that people are trying to escape. So, rather than having the freedom to create and earn, it becomes an obligation to produce. It is the same trap reached by a different path.
If a world where you are able to determine for ourselves how we live your lives is our goal, we are on the right path. But, the path is not straight and there are many loops that look attractive but lead back to a familiar point.
Self-determination carries risks and responsibilities and many might not be ready for it but at least for me, each night I take a few more steps through my words to explore wherever it may lead. In this way, everyone is equal at Steem, everyone has the possibility to explore themselves.
Don't waste the opportunity.
Taraz
[ a Steem original ]
Glad to hear that I am not alone. I feel exactly like you do. My creativity always comes at night. I post some of my writing as soon as I write them but most of the time I will write 3 or 4 at a time and save them to post at a later date. This allows me to post while my followers are awake.
I find that after I write I just end up posting. I think it is some kind of OCD thing... :D
Its probably better that way anyways. I get too critical of myself if I go back a few days later and read what I have written. Sometimes I'm like, "what was I thinking?" There have been a few of them that I have deleted because of that. If I would have just posted them, some people may have enjoyed reading them. I only do it because I sometimes write 3 or 4 and I don't want to post them back to back. I think I have like 5 of them prewritten right now but I keep posting as soon as I write, so my prewritten ones are a few weeks old. Lol. My last blog is even a few weeks old because I have been instantly posting.
I do not like to wake up early, really get up early and I do not get along as you say I feel I do not give the best of my early I even have to travel 2 hours to get to work and on the way I just sleep and sleep when I arrive at the office I'm sleepy.
I usually spend the day with sleep and somewhat tired.
A few months ago I went to the gym only now I do not have time but for me the best time to go to the gym is in the afternoon I used to do it after 5pm
When I went to the university I used to study at night was when I could get a lot more
Studying at night before increases the retention rate supposedly.
Thanks so much for a post so good for you that you are working for the development of steemit. I follow your post all the time, for your good post. @tarazkp
I do my best work at night. I suppose you could say that
I too am a night owl. I am definitely not a morning person.
You are right, society is not structured in a way that makes
it easy for everybody based on their individual cycles.
I really struggled to attend the morning (7 and 8 am class)
in university, and when I did attend, I was usually half
asleep, so I didn't get much from being there any way.
If the early bird catches the worm, I am glad I am not a bird,
I would have died of starvation ;-)
Thanks allot @tarazkp I have been following your blog, just to lean more and today you made me understand the largest benefits on Steemit which I have not failed to mention or give attention, my interest on today write-up is.....
Yes and today I really focused on relationship matters, and it makes me happy seeing many marriage or relationship move to the permanent site thanks for sharing I am still that Relationship expert @luckyspark
This is why I'm trying to stay out of this "system" - why I left school and why I so far haven't gotten a regular job. I'm a night owl myself, often reading till 4 in the morning,the idea of getting up at 7 horrifies me, to be honest.
But what can you do, people have to be the same, they have to conform to the same rules, standards and schedules because it keeps them in line. If you allow people to choose their own schedule based on what works best for them, what's next?
You either conform or die (no money, no food and so on).
But yeah, Steem is changing that and it has a huge potential and opportunity.I was really saddened that one of my dearest friends (and a lovely writer) doesn't even try her luck here. She could.
But apparently, could isn't enough. She, like many, chooses the stability of a regular job (far less satisfying) over the gamble that is Steemit.
I agree with you when you say that the school should start much later I always ask myself that question, they are children and they need to sleep, rest their body
As a child it was difficult for me to wake up early, I think that affects us a lot, just like going to work many times it is very early and you leave so late that you do not have time to rest.
I used to be creative, read at night I think it's my best moment only now tiredness takes its toll
I also believe that this is the path of change, I do not like coercive schedules, nor a boss who can be a dictator ... I like the freedom I am living here ... I know that the road is not easy but it is the correct road.
I have had some of my most creative ideas come to me when I was lying in the bed unable to sleep. I even remember a few times when I actually woke up from the sleep (don't ask how...because I don't know) just to write down an idea I had during the sleep and then go back to sleep again.
Not sure these sudden fits of creativity could ever fit into a lifestyle of any choosing :-)
Kidding aside, I feel that people have their own rhythms but I also know that one can train their rhythms for maximum output. I for one had most of my best ideas at nights but on the other hand some of my best engineering work was accomplished in the morning. This has led me to a weird lifestyle where I can go for a month with normal sleeping schedule but only to alter it for the next month by being awake and working most nights in the next month.
With more digital opportunities finding their way into my workload .............. it has actually allowed me to stick to whatever schedule I want to and that is a definite plus.
@tarazkp am still finding it difficult viewing steemit as a job. I work hard (I think) but am totally non committal. That needs to change.
I know the future is bright, and belongs to those who invest Today. Although am making an effort, I really feel If I take it too seriously I'll just get frustrated and quit.
For now I just write on my passion topics as a hobby, and try not to pay attention to the earnings
Thank you for the advice it sink well into my brain.
I guess you are a bit busy today, I have been waiting for your post all day long.... Smile
I don't have a specific writing time too, each time I am opportune to sit and think, ideas flows.... Smile
Though, it get better late in the night before I sleep or first thing in the morning when I wake, but I'm not limited with time, I just flow with it any time I feel like writing...
It's your very interesting post, @tarazkp. We tend to write at night perhaps because at those times there is not only silence in our environment, but also within ourselves. The social idea that "The early bird helps the early bird" may work for some people. The same goes for spaces: there are people who can not only read in the metro, but also write. For example, I try to take a little notebook everywhere and make notes. I'm sure those lines will give me light later. What I have read in other posts is how positive it can be to publish on a fixed schedule. I don't know if this is true. It's always good to read to you.
Thanks you @tarazkp for this sense of belonging especially for people like me who are just coming new into this community
I agree with you, Steemit offers diversity of opportunities, you can publish at the time you want, the topic you like, there are many labels, deversity of viewers, in short you have a lot of opportunity on this platform.
I like to work more in the morning, I'm cooler, at night I'm already very exhausted with so many things that there are in the course of the day. Maybe it's because my little girl (1 and a half years old) is very tremendous and is in the exploration stage, so at night I am exhausted. Usually more ideas come to me in the morning and afternoon. I do not imagine in a ginmasio at night hahaha. and the good thing about steemit is that you do not have a schedule like that, that it's okay to publish in the morning, afternoon or evening. There are spectators at all times. :-)
I am very much the same. I love to be out in nature injoying the sun, being in water etc. But, when it comes to creativity it has always been in the night hours for me as well. I also like flexibility, and the moment that something starts to become routine it feels like a task more than creative.
I would never have guessed you are a night owl lol. I am at my best when the house is quiet and they are all sound asleep. It's quiet and I relax more then. I have never been a morning person. I hated the army and getting up at 4.30 am. It is just not natural. If I could do this full time with my own hours that would be heaven. It's not going to happen any time soon so that will have to come in the future. They say that you reap what you sew. I have been sewing for a while and have a hell of a lot more to do. Hard work and little sleep doesn't scare me and obviously you as well. There are plenty of late nights that lay ahead and I can't change my sleep patterns.
*that's very helpful post!!
*thank you ;)
The same happens to me, I also tend to remain awake late at night. Before joining Steem it was just reading stuff, and now it is mostly doing steem related things.
But I don't like to oversleep, so whenever I am close to 2am max, I stop doing what I am doing and go to bed.
I can say that 2am is like my bed time ^^
I also am a night owl and would probably function at my best if I could stay up late and sleep until late morning, but instead I stay up late and am always tired. I do feel a burst of creativity at night, although I frequently write things in my head during the day when I cannot write.
I like how you enjoy your writing - as a reader that is obvious and appealing. I've been treating steemit as a bit of self discovery too. I love to write, but an also a procrastinator, so without a reason to push forward I likely would not develop my love fully. We will see where it takes me.
people are individuals we know this as fact . Yet the norms are to treat everyone the same . Put every into a nice little box . Even though we call being in the box average there is no consideration for the outliers .
The medical field has a huge problem with outliers as with some others fields .
On my 1st cup of coffee and got into a conversation with the wife so my train of thought is gone .
Hows that for proving a point LOL
I might be an exception to the rule because I am a morning person while considering myself being creative. Although that might simply be because I've adapted to the 9-5 (or 8-4 at the moment) rhythm due to necessary.
But I still strongly resonate with having that peace at night and during summer holidays I noticed my sleeping pattern shifted couple hours forward (waking at 9-10 AM) from the usual school schedules. But my body seems to be bio-mechanically strict and it wants to wake me up early and consistently at the same time; I think the times I have woken after noon are countable with fingers only, and those were while in my (early) teens. If I stay up later than usual it almost always results with lack of sleep because I can't sleep long in the morning.
True!!! Indeed everyone has the possibility to explore themselves with the right opportunities. We are all one here!!!