When I signed up for Steemit, I was unemployed. I was looking for a way to provide for my family so the allure of making money for creating content was very appealing.

I kept imagining making enough money to replace a full-time job. I envisioned spending extra time with my family since I would be able to work from home. I just knew down in my gut that Steemit was the answer to my all of my problems.

Boy, was I wrong! It did not take long for me to realize that my dreams were not realistic. If I had stayed in the "what can I get right now" mentality, I would have fallen to the wayside. Instead, I decided to think forward and develop a future-centric approach to the Steem community and platform.

---

source

---

A "What Can I Get Right Now" Steem Mentality Is Destructive

As I think back to my initial thoughts regarding Steemit, I am reminded that I was looking for a quick buck. Not only that, I was looking for a lot of quick bucks, and I needed them yesterday.

• I was focused on what I would receive instead of what I could give.
• I was focused on myself exclusively, rather than the community collectively.
• I was focused on the desired end-result, but not the steps required to get me there.

If I had stayed on that path, I am afraid I would have ...

Isolated Myself From The Community

A lot of people think that creating content is the primary key to being successful within the Steem community. Although content creation is important, I argue that relationship building and networking is most important.

If I had only focused on the money, I would have neglected the people - my future followers. Some people are powerful when they join our community, so they are able to ride on the waves of their previous success. But most of us start from zero. We have to make people our priority because when no one reads/views/listens to our content, we won't be rewarded.

Destroyed Relationships

If I had stayed focused on the money, I would have destroyed the few relationships I made early on my Steem journey. I would have fallen into the trap of follow-for-follow or upvote-for-upvote. I would have reduced people to tools that are used and discarded versus viewing my fellow community members are value human beings. I would have missed out on some great opportunities to be mentored.

Left A Long Time Ago

If I was only here for an immediate payout, I would have left already. I often say (and often hear) that I came for the money, but I stayed because of the people. If you need the Steem platform to be a job replacement or a lottery ticket, then I suggest that you find a new opportunity. While some people have found overnight success, most of us have not.

If you need some friends or a supportive community, then perhaps you have found the right place. If you need a place to learn and gain knowledge, then you have definitely found the right place. If you want a place to dream and explore new ideas, we welcome you.

But you need to check your expectations at the door. A lot of people have come and gone, because the Steem platform was not as glitzy, glamorous, and shiny as it first appeared. Although the Steem community is often a little rough around the edges, we can make room for more.

Missed Out On Hours And Hours Of FREE Therapy

The Steem platform and community have become an outlet for me. I needed a place to be able to share what was happening in my life. I needed an opportunity to turn thoughts into words that seemed impossible to capture.

The Steem platform has become a "forever"* diary. Some of my greatest ideas and worst communication are forever locked on the Steem Blockchain. But that was what I needed, and if the money had only been the driving force then I would have lost out of this incredible gift.

Not Reinvested In Steem Power

I am taking a calculated risk that the community and platform that I have grown to love (with all of its warts included) will be even better in the future. I have consistenly reinvested my earnings into powering up because I believe that we are apart of something special, and I want to have a voice in how that plays out.

A "right-now" payout mentality would have crippled my current growth and my future authority within the community. I know that many of us struggle financially and that Steem may be a current stream of income, but I challenge you to think about what Steem maybe someday, and not just think about what it is today.

Not Have Been Able To Create

I have grown to deeply enjoy writing my almost daily posts. I have had the opportunity to create an online course (check out Steem Markdown.

I have been able to brainstorm and collaborate with other members. I have been able to become founder of new communities (see @BirthdayBoost).

I appreciate the opportunity to engage my mind, allow my heart to dream, and then execute my creativity.

Missed the Opportunity To Bless Others

I have lived out some dark days since joining Steemit. And I have watched others do the same. I have read replies that thank me for kind words. I have heard people pour out even more of their sad stories in the comment section of a post.

I have also been able to rejoice when people celebrate the blessings of life - birthdays, anniversaries, births, and so much more. I have been able to make new friends, whether they live an hour away or live on the other side of the world.

I have been able to show some love with a small upvote.

Final Thoughts

How would life be different if I had only come for the money? Where would I be today? How many of you would I have never met?

I am a bit scared to know that answer. At the end of the day, I am glad that I cast aside a me-first, me-only, self-centered attitude. I am glad that I moved past the "I need it right now" mentality and found a place where I can look towards a bright and meaningful future.

Thanks for stopping by! As always, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

@SumatraNate