We are of different mindsets here. At least for the first "decent" amount.

I am of the mindset that you should take the first decent amount of Steem/Steem Dollars and sell it. Now, what is a "decent amount"? That is up to you.

Why do I think you should sell it?

To buy something you want. Do something with the money, go to a show or out to eat with your significant other. Do something you may not have been able to do without that money.

Why?

To show yourself this is real. You can make REAL money here. You can improve your life. You can do a lot with Steemit. You just have to put in the effort.

After that first "decent amount" withdrawal I am all in with @Whatageek said. I know I don't practice what I am saying (I hold a lot in liquid) for various reasons.

One is I like to be liquid. If I need money it is usually a significant amount (more than $100 for instance) and I need it in a hurry.

Second, I like to help people that trust me to come over here and try Steemit out. This includes, but is not limited to, using options such as @Randowhale to give them a boost early on (his services are not free).

Third, I like to practice "day trading" and here on Steemit it is currently free to do so. Coinbase has a $4 minimum on Bitcoin and $3 minimum on Ethereum trades so I have to "make more" per trade there to offset the costs to trade.

Powering up is a great idea and one that everyone that is in this for the long haul should be doing at some point, if not often.