Ayn Rand nailed it in "Atlas Shrugged." You're 100% right about the fact that equal or 'fair' voting across the board is in and of itself 'unfair'. When you know that working hard pays off, then there is incentive to up your game. Notice I didn't say when it will pay off. It may take day, weeks or more. It may happen gradually, or perhaps there will be a boom at some point, but we just have to believe in ourselves and have faith in what we are creating!

Like attracts like and if I'm sitting here worrying about not getting upvoted, then what am I attracting?

More worry.

If I am grateful for my opportunities then I am creating more opportunities to experience gratitude!

It's all about perception and the idea of 'Instant Gratification' is a dangerous one. It's like an infection that spreads and grows because if you're depending on that next hit, that next upvote, then you're getting yourself up for disappointment and if you focus on that, you're bringing more disappointment into your life.

Perception is powerful. My glass may not be half full yet, but I'm grateful there's a glass at all and I'm looking forward to experiencing more opportunities for gratitude. 😉