The POWER of a POSITIVE PLATFORM

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa

There are a few words which come to mind when I think about Steemit. Specifically: Community, Support, Growth, Knowledge, Friendship, Positivity, Experience and most importantly – Passion!

When I initially stepped foot onto the Steemit platform, I really had no idea what I was walking into. For as far back as I can remember (well almost lol), I have been studying and observing other social media platforms (by myself, for myself). I engaged in ALL of them, ALL of the time - I was probably THE most annoying person to follow on Facebook or twitter, if I actually think about it lol, because not only did I post frequently for my personal pleasure, but I also made frequent use the platforms for business promotional purposes.

Image Credit

So when I began my journey here, I was expecting to be met with pretty much the same fundamental “make-up” as the rest of social media sites that I frequented. Well, I could not have been more wrong and I woke up to that fact VERY quickly.

Remember the old expression “birds of a feather flock together” or “you are who you hang with”… Well, considering that in the beginning stages of its journey, Steemit was a platform that was predominately frequented by crypto geniuses and financial gurus – it should not come as a surprise then that this platform stands FAR apart from any other.

As a rule of thumb in life, you will more often than not find that individuals who are financially driven or successful, tend to be over achievers in one or several other facets of their lives – whether it is academics, the arts, hobbies, business, sports, anything! All those aspects are a part of their fundamental character dynamic. And if you ask me, the parallel ingredient is PASSION! Every single one of them is passionate and powered by an exceptional drive. So when a group of people with that type of mind-set step up together onto a stage to share their view points and/or opinions, it is unlikely that you are going to walk away anything but inspired or motivated.

That – was the VERY first thing which I discovered was “different” about this platform.

Image Credit

If you have spent any REAL amount of time on any other social media platform you will be acutely aware of the fact that there is NOT much of the above mentioned “passion” flowing through your feed – unless you have specifically tailored it by being actively selective as to what you are being spoon fed. Short of doing that, you are no doubt going to be exposed to ridiculous amounts of ugliness, sarcasm, bitterness, bickering, racism, anger, violence, crime, as well as an endless array of negativity in general – and let not even mention all the mindless RUBBISH! And all of this is poorly topped with the odd dollop of “good stuff”. It is insane how people on these platforms get completely wrapped up in all of it and it is so COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE (not to mention in no way remotely good for your mind for that matter).

Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying, I am not saying that all the people who actively use these platforms are bad or negative individuals– what I am saying however is that people “by default” tend to love drama and negativity, and without even realising it, they give it so much power, simply through the click of a button. There is a quote by Mother Theresa…

“I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.” – Mother Theresa

I really don’t think that many people grasp this concept which never ceases to amaze me because t is so ridiculously simple! What you resist will persis. What you give your energy and focus to will materialize. Simple as pie!

Image Credit

At the beginning of my Steemit journey, I noticed that there was little to none of that. People, for the most part were talking, engaging and discussing topics of general interest and OH MAN was it refreshing to say the least! I have since discovered that there is a fair amount of politics evident on Steemit, but it is a drop in the ocean compared to the tacky ugliness seen in so many other spaces.

I am no idiot, so please don’t insult my intelligence – I am aware that the fundamentals of this platform encourage positivity– I mean nobody is going to upvote your malicious, derogatory or racist comments or posts are they?! No, no, they aren’t. lol - Nor are they going to aggressively engage in controversial topics to a point of explosion because, well… I think they may feel a “down vote” coming on. Haha… Now, despite being aware of how this community is structured in that respect, it does not make it any less authentic! There is another saying… “Fake it until you make it” or “It takes 21 days to make or break a habit”.

Image Credit

So whether the initial comments made by you or others are (completely) genuine or not is actually of no consequence – You know why? Well, if you would just keep doing that I will promise you one thing – one day you will wake up and realise that your words of response to other members on the platform are actually beginning to come from your heart - and are 100% GENUINE! You will also begin to discover that YOU are standing in a VERY different place, with a VERY different mind-set and perspective on life - One which is constructive and productive. Oh look – another quote lol: “The words you speak become the house you live in.” That is, to my mind, is what this amazing community of inspiring people is there to offer. Yes, you are financially rewarded for quality content published but that should never be the focus because if that is going to be your manner of approach, then I think you will most likely end up feeling more frustrated and hopeless than motivated.

“Focusing your life solely on making a buck, shows a poverty of ambition.”

For me personally, I have always said that I would like to inspire and motivate people. I was definitely blessed with an acute ability to “see straight through the crap” and to VERY efficiently and sometimes brutally, problem solve and I would like to share that with others so we can all grow together as people. Steemit has really opened that door wide for me. Yes, I have a blog site and yes, I have been writing elsewhere, but none have ever felt quite as “engaging” as this platform. Here – I feel like my writing has a purpose and the amazing people which I am meeting along the way are impacting my life in so many amazing ways, I really just want to return the favour! Of one thing, I am certain - I have finally found a place where I can engage with like-minded people and I am loving every second of it!

Image Credit

Header Image Credit

Until next time...

Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE STEEMIT BLOGGERS ON DISCORD
Animated Banner Created By @zord189