You can't make Steemit succeed, or make Steem rise. You can contribute to both, by posting and commenting substantively.
I hope those aren't the primary goals you have in life.
I suggest you decide what your personal goals are, in terms of your interaction on Steemit, and proceed to achieve them accordingly, while learning as much as is reasonable about how things work.
As you learn new things, adjust your goals accordingly.
@everittdmicky has written a great success story on Steemit, and you can hardly go wrong following his model (if not his advice).
The world isn't fair, and doesn't care what you think. Make of your life what you will. As long as Steemit let's us interact, you'll make my life better, and I'll be grateful =)
Merry Christmas!