Being part of this initiative has been the most exciting thing about Steemit for me so far. I now see growing my account to minnow status (and beyond) as inevitable, not something I wonder if I might attain. But also, I know I'll have to do the work to get there.
I am sure my opinion is biased, but I believe this is the best community building project out there. @tcpolymath's approach to leveling by creating new initiatives shifted my mindset from waiting for the next level to planning for it. It also encourages collaboration between project members. I know I am interested to see the projects my cohorts come up with!