Steemit: Professional Juggling Skills Preferred

Don't you love it when a friend will post something that really makes you think? A few days ago, @crazybgadventure had tabulated the results of working full-time in Steemit. He reported his findings and brought up some fantastic points. (I'm not going to re-hash his post entirely, but you should definitely go take a look if you're trying to determine if a full-time Steemit job is profitable!) As I review my own progress, I've recently discovered that in order to feel comfortable with my Steemit progress at the end of the week, I need to have tossed the "pins" of writing, curating, investments, relationships, and networking like a professional juggler.

One of his main points that I fully agree with: writing well for Steemit is considerable work. If you're not overly concerned with the quality of your content, it's not much work at all. If you care about what you're doing, however, (and I'm thankful to be in the grand company of quality Steemians) then be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on polishing your post.

I've also perused my holdings. I've tried to do the math, but there are several aspects of Steemit that are at play for me. It's hard for me to untangle them all and look at any one aspect objectively. As many of you know, I run a weekly treasure hunt contest where I spend a lot (relatively speaking for my level) of SBD "showerin' me pirates!" If I were to add up that amount, it might seem like it might have been wiser to let it accrue in my account. As I'm swimming upstream to "level up" to minnow status, every bit counts! I start to wonder, "Hmmm, I probably would have been much closer to that goal had I not been investing the Hunt!" But is that accurate?

As @crazybgadventure noticed in his account, I also can confirm that not only has the amount of upvotes increased on my posts, but the level of support and valuable engagement has increased as well! Both the quality and length of the comments have developed significantly. When someone takes the time to write about how my post affected them, that matters to me! Of course, it also has short-term and long-term monetary implications. Had I held that money instead of investing in my treasure hunt, could I have been advancing faster? I dont know - possibly. But do I currently have something of greater value? In my opinion - yes.

I would rather have the connection instead of the money. I know that causes some eyes to roll, but I am not saying I don't care about flourishing financially. What I'm saying is: I would rather pursue what is important, add value to the platform, invest in my projects and friends, be passionate, be genuine, and money will "probably" eventually follow. Does that mean I'm buying my friends? Paying for followers? I really don't think it means that. First of all, true friendship can't be bought. Loyalty can't be purchased. If you can pay for something that only "feels" like loyalty, you're not paying for a friend. You're hiring a mercenary. I don't want them, and I don't need them.

I consider what I'm doing to be genuinely appreciating my friends/followers/acquaintances - with a comment, upvote or tip. Sometimes they return the favor, and sometimes they don't. That's life. There are no guarantees. I don't do what I do because I'm guaranteed a reciprocal response. I do it because that's how I express my appreciation. The end. Yes, there are purse strings attached, but we can't get away from the monetary aspect in Steemit. It's all around us. People can use it, abuse it, or refuse it. It's still an integral part of steemit. We might as well embrace the good, toss the bad, and figure out a way to make it a win/win/win.... for everyone.

The last valuable issue that @crazybgadventure pointed out is the aspect of time. (you heartless, elusive temptress!) We only have a limited amount! The best way to maximize our ROI is most likely to streamline the process as much as possible to make our Steemit time the most efficient it can be. I started a challenge, and it helped greatly with this issue. I would encourage any plankton Steemians that are serious about Steemit to take the time to do the challenge for themselves. No need to post anything, tag anyone, or follow any rules. Just do it for yourself. Create your goals, track them and adjust your course along the way. If an activity doesn't align with those goals and starts to drain your precious reserves of time set aside for the important tasks that you've prioritized - cut it! Cut it fast before it starts to spread. There is nothing worse than a "bit of fun" growing into a full-grown parasite that is intent on feeding on your time.

As a final encouragement, I continue to come across an increasing amount of posts from Steemians who are REFUSING to give up despite the volatility of the market and low payouts. More are CONFIRMING the exquisite value of connection, and best of all - they are FINDING one another. I believe that all Steemians can agree that we hate to feel undervalued, unappreciated, and unheard. However, I believe the feeling that does the most damage is feeling isolated.

There are so many communities that aren't focused on merely money. Personally, I know all of my Steemian friends have found their Steemit "home", but if you happen to have wandered across this post, and you're still looking for a "tribe" - feel free to comment below and ask for directions! I'll be happy to give you a nudge towards a community that might suit you, or possibly even welcome you to some of my favorites!