It is "take your child to work" day in Finland, and unsurprisingly, Smallsteps didn't want to stay home with me watching TV without pants on, so she went to work with her mother. Though because of this, I can't stay at home without pants on either, because straight after lunch, we will start driving the couple hours to pick up our new puppy. Therefore, I am in a café waiting.
Writing.
The change of a single letter can make a big difference to the meaning. And when it comes to the difference between writing and waiting, it means something to me. Because before I started really writing, I used to do a lot of waiting.
From the moment Smallsteps was born, life changed for us. That is normal for new parents of course and we thought ourselves ready and prepared. But life threw in a lot of health complications that ultimately ripped apart pretty much every part of our life. One of the issues was that I spent a lot of time awake with her throughout the night, so that my wife could sleep.
For a few months I would hold her in my lap, or for the rare moments she was able to sleep in her bed, and watch shows on TV. Hour after hour would go by in the darkness of our apartment, with only the glow of the screen illuminating the room. So many shows, good and bad, to the point that I was able to identify background actors who had appeared in other series.
There must be something else.
Around the same time, again due to health complications, Smallsteps needed to move from breast feeding to some very expensive formula and the savings we had put aside were quickly burned through as we were paying almost twice more for her food than, we were for our mortgage. Someone introduced me to Steem Hive as a possible way to earn something extra.
While I didn't earn anything significant enough to help our finances, I did find something that was far better than waiting for better times. Writing. A lot of people here write to earn, but I think that most would have more success if they learned to write instead. And I don't mean necessarily the quality of the writing itself, but more the process of writing and the reasoning behind each piece.
For many, the "why write" question is answered by I want to earn, without considering what and why it is actually being written. The reason for a piece isn't explained by the payout, it has to be something that resonates with the author at the time, and also with the audience. There has to be some value in the piece itself, because if not, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain consistency. Being consistent can't come through willpower alone, because that ebbs and flows. Instead, consistency is largely driven by purpose. The meaning for why we do things and also how we do things.
Successfully meeting purpose requires building process.
Without building process, new habits do not form and ultimately default behaviour will overpower willpower. This is why so many people struggle to meet many of their desired goals, whether it be write consistently, lose weight, or learn a new skill. Even when they have a good "why" without a good process, it isn't enough.
For most of us, waiting is our default. We are passive unless something compels us to move. We need some kind of impulse, a hunger, a danger, a desire that is strong enough to drive us forward. But without process, the same impetus quickly weakens and our body will regress to the mean, return to its natural, passive state. Waiting for something to make it move again. Motivation.
For me, writing consistently is easy because I have made it part of my daily activity, my common habits. To not write daily feels weird to the point that I notice it. It is similar to if I don't brush my teeth, have a shower or not eat. The routine is there so when it is missing, I feel uncomfortable, hungry, and looking to close the loop of my habit. Having the habit means my natural state is as a writer. Which means that although I wasn't a writer previously, I was able to change my label and become the kind of person who writes daily, by repeating the action often enough.
This is how all habits are formed, right?
The only difference between a writer and a non-writer, is that one writes. It doesn't matter what they write per se, but in order to keep the habit building, it generally requires some kind of positive feedback, some kind of reward for performing the action. Like brushing the teeth rewards with a feeling of clean teeth, which is why they added mint into the mix, because it rewarded the brusher. Prior to that, they struggled to get people to brush their teeth with toothpaste, because even though their teeth were clean, they didn't have that rewarding feeling they were clean.
Money is a poor reward.
I write for monetary reward. Well, cryptoary reward. But that is an outcome of my writing, a feedback mechanism, but not the core purpose. If my core purpose was getting rewarded, I would never have maintained consistency, because I can make more money doing something else, like working at McDonald's. But working like that is not rewarding in other ways, so it would be just for the money. Easy to do if money is the only goal, hard to do if the goal is a purpose not provided in the workplace.
My purpose is wellbeing.
Which is why I spend so much time writing about it from various aspects, because wllbeing comes in many forms. And I also think that there are different levels of wellbeing that can conflict with one another. For instance, some people think "feeling good" means having high wellbeing, so they can feel good eating a candy bar in one moment, and feel shit the next as the same candy bar affects their thoughts, emotions and body - so they eat another candy bar. And the habit is built that a candy bar makes them feel good and "saves" them from unwellbeing.
Unwellbeing is not a word. until now.
But unwell-being might be. A lot of us have resigned ourselves to being unwell through life by conditioning and self-inflicted harm from the habits we form. The habits that become our default behaviours that reward us for their performance, but harm us. Like taking a drug that feels good while high, but makes us ultimately ill and feeling depressed, lonely, ashamed or whatever else.
What are you writing for?
And I think that this is what we should be writing at least partially about, because if we don't really explore how we live life though our writing in some way, it means that our writing is impractical and meaningless to ourselves and others. It becomes more filler content that might attract votes and value, but that is never enough to make it worth it in the long-run.
Most who read this will not even consider the implications.
Most will keep waiting.
Taraz
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For me, writing is more about quality than quantity. I write constantly, yes, but I don't post regularly. (Wow, what great words I used.) It's not really about earning money, but about pouring my thoughts onto paper and calming myself down when my mind is overwhelmed and I feel like I'm losing it. In those moments, I just focus on one little thing at the back of my mind and write about it. That usually makes me feel calm…maybe only for an hour, but sometimes longer, because after people comment, I can reply and keep my mind occupied, leaving no room for bad thoughts. I won't lie, though. Of course, it’s nice when I see some money coming in…and yes, when we wait, why not write? It's better than playing games on my phone because my battery lasts longer. 😌
And about health problems with your kiddo…I won’t tell you to stay strong because you already know that. Watching my mom take care of us her whole life because of health issues we have with my brother, she seemed strong…but she was breaking inside. Maybe she should write or even read… nope. Now she has the same chronic problem as us with my brother. She still doesn't write, but she’s started reading while waiting for all the doctor appointments. And I write when I’m waiting too. Hmm… not sure if all this makes sense. 🤔 All the best to you and your kiddo! and hey, it’s cold! Put your pants on!! 😂
If everyone did this more, there would be less anger and violence in the world.
And your mind.
I pressed enter too soon.
Hopefully the issues your mother goes through settle at some point, but even if they don't finding an outlet will help a lot. Writing is a good one.
What I find most valuable in what you shared is your focus. Initially, it all arose from a need, but you quickly realized that you hadn't adopted this new routine or habit, as you mention, solely because of the results you initially obtained.
In my case, I didn't really have the habit of writing more consistently. I didn't do it in a creative way, let alone in a way that helped me organize my thoughts. My writing was limited to making shopping lists, organizing my schedule, or even filling out forms. I had some reading habits, more than writing and meditation.
Since August this year, after a retreat I did in the southeast of France, I have made some changes in my life. One of the most effective was to stop watching the news or any kind of content on television. I didn't do it very intensively before August, but it was my company, since I live alone.
When I woke up, after washing my face and brushing my teeth, while preparing breakfast in my French press, I would turn on the television to the news channel (24 hours) and simply listen to all that information. I might not have been completely focused on what was being reported, but I wasn't paying attention to the process of preparing my breakfast either, or focusing on myself and what I had to do at the moment.
Nowadays, I don't watch television at all. Only maybe a few minutes if my mother comes to visit me at home. She is used to that company, and I don't want to deprive her of that habit.
As the time I used to spend listening/watching and simply being asleep in that task is no longer used, I have much more time for myself. In other words, it opened the door for me to have time to think more about what I'm doing, or even to read or listen to something more attentively.
Writing ultimately organizes my life, my thoughts, and helps me to be a better person in the moment. I am more present. I pay more attention to those around me and to myself.
The period before writing is very important in my case. I have become accustomed to the “discomfort” of having nothing to stimulate me. Of having to live with my thoughts. Ideas emerge suddenly. It's amazing how something that would be expected to be monotonous becomes so valuable and full of content.
We just have to open the door to our minds. And for a few months now, I've been able to do that through writing.
Pretty much everyone should do this, or severely limit it. It is a killer of mind and creativity. Passive consumption in general, especially when it doesn't inspire action or has no active follow-up path, kills creative juices.
When the distractions are gone, we have so much space. Many seem to fear the quiet of their mind, or what thoughts might arise - so they pick up a screen to distract themselves instead of discovering themselves.
This is awesome! I discovered the same years ago when I started this journey. No going back. Life is too interesting.
I felt like you have discussed me right here, so much of my own life has been spent in this manner. Or, I should say, I am still living this way. The quiet waiting, the feeling of being stuck between what I want to do and what I actually end up doing. From 'waiting' to 'writing' with just one letter changed the whole scenario. It made me realise how often I, too, put my life on pause, hoping for the perfect moment, perfect thought to begin.
But, in my defence (excuses), I have few hurdles, especially when it comes to writing. English is my third language, and I am still learning it, I am not too good with grammar or specially expressions. Although, I try to write on daily basis, but whenever I do, I feel like I am stuck. The main problem here is, achieving the perfectness. I have a diary and by far, it has 100+ topics waiting for me to write on, and every night I think of writing a specific topic, but all in vain. But, I have realized that practice is everything and I am doing it on daily basis. Just not posting it, until I feel satisfied.
I joined this platform out of nowhere, and at first, I did not even know that there is some sort of earning attached to this platform. I came to practice my writing, connect with other folks and learn new things. Later on, when I found out that I can earn too. I felt more energetic because who does not love some extra capital 😶🌫.
After the Almighty Chatgpt, I believe that the writing spirit is dying and creativity is half gone. Being a student of literature and a bachelor, I have an utmost respect for literature and fancy stuff (within realistic perspective).
By far, I have not withdrawn more than $10-20 and my goal is to help this community as well as people in my part of the world because right now, I am single and I can afford it. So, in this regards, every small penny I get, I just go for staking.
By the way, your words encouraged me to stop waiting and start participating, not just in writing but in life itself. I had other things to write too, but I think, it will be too long.
Peace 🕊
Remember, there is no such thing as perfect and if you achieved it, what else is there to learn? There is "good enough" though, and that can change and improve over time, just like playing the piano or a sport. No one starts an expert.
The saddest part is, the people who use and rely on it, are killing their own creativity in the process. They are making themselves a reliant fool.
Stop waiting for sure! Dive in.
I think I started writing here for the rewards, but that is pretty clearly not going to be life changing for me. At least the way the markets are going now. I hope that one day I can pull something out of this crazy place and change my life a bit, but even if I can't, it has been nice having a place to put my thoughts out there and make a small dent in the universe as Steve Jobs is credited with saying.
And who knows, perhaps that small dent that we make leads onto something greater in the future. Just might not be for us.
That's a mindset most people on here has to adopt, to focus more on providing value to readers than just the monetary reward. And it isn't fair seeing some posts that provide value getting almost nothing, and posts that don't have that much value in them getting big votes.
The curation rewards, though not the main thing, serves the purpose of motivating writers to keep providing value through writing. Giving rewards fairly is still an issue on hive, and I don't have myself in mind when writing this.
Sometimes, after writing, I wait to refuel my energy, and while waiting, I read or watch or listen, to pick up ideas for my next writing piece. I admire your writing consistency on this platform. Your achieving the whale status is only a fair reward for your efforts.
It isn't about fairness most of the time, it is about history. In many respects, it is a bit like brand recognition, and some will get rewarded just because they are recognised. Plenty of great products fail, because they do not build an audience.
I've said many times before that I thought
Steemitwould be another flash-in-the-pan hype train to nowhere once I joined, because the first speculative bubble had burst. I thought I would get some practice writing on various topics and see what happened. Instead, we forked to Hive and here we are almost a decade later. I'm not rich. Our token is not doing well on the market. I don't chase popular topics, and instead often write whatever is on my mind, usually sorting ideas as I go. The structure of writing helps me clarify my own ideas as I wrestle with preconceptions and propaganda. That's the real reward. But upvotes and comments are encouraging, whether they support or dispute my ideas.The "sorting of ideas" is especially powerful I believe. I am much the same, often starting at one point or with one feeling, and then moving through a complex series of thoughts to change my mind and body. And yeah, the rewards are an added and welcome bonus :)
I've always loved writing. To get things out of my system, or to structure my thoughts, even scribbling unreadible tasks on my to-do list so I'd remember them (not by reading, but by remembering what that weird drawing in letter form was supposed to mean). I feel better when I write. Texts, yes, but also just commenting on the works of others.
The rewards are fun to watch. But I doubt I'll ever use them. It's something I show to people I would like to have on the chain, as an extra motivation to join and do some writing on their own (or other content creation) - making $2 on a post is a lot here. Especially when you can turn it into delicious bread, and then get a little cashback on top. But it's still hard to get people used to it.
The physical act of writing something down helps remember too. I have often wondered what effect typing has, as it uses both hands. This might sound better, but when we write, we only write with our dominant hand, which means it accesses a certain part of our brain. Is writing on a keyboard like being split personality?
In lots of places it is significant. It always make me question why some don't put in more effort, and instead look to scam.
We're taught to be get the best result for the least effort - the era of efficiency. Why work on a post for 2 hours and make 3$, if you can just throw out something "whatever" in 30min and make $1.50 through auto votes?
Maybe it stimulates both sides of the brain at the same time? I write incredibly fast on the keyboard, according to people who see me write on it. I think my musical background helps with that, too, playing the piano early on and then other instruments where left and right are coordinated, but do different movements at the same time.
Anywhere from the age of 10-21 I would've preferred to stay home as well.
For sure. It gets tiring to not wear pants though. Sometimes I put some on just to feel the fabric on my skin. ;)
I just do it when I have to these days xD
is your kid's name "Smallsteps," or is that like a nickname??
never heard that as a name before, but it's kinda cool. 🙂
It is a nickname.
@smallsteps
I don't write there for her now. Maybe she will pick it up again one day :)
Of course it’s true the greater purpose of writing is because of the impact it makes on people and most people write because of the temporary gain, well as a newbies that is the common notion but overtime things gets to change as one gets to understand the platform better and will begin to contribute usefully.
The truth is that one cannot even reach purpose without a process because the process of becoming is what forms us and transforms into the desired outcome.
Any destination attained without the formation process is just a facade of the original and won't stand the test of time.
I'm not so much into finance so It was difficult adapting at first since I thought it was all crypto but over time I discovered that right here there are other meaning things one can both engage with or contribute to.
I admire your consistency, I'm still learning and hoping to be better.
There was a quote in anime One outs. It went something like this: When japanese people are faced with a problem they always chooses to wait.
I think that this is true for most people regardless if they are japanese or not. Sometimes I also delay making a decision perhaps with hope that the problem will solve itself.
There is a popular saying that it takes only doing something three times for it to become a habit.
I believe that's true. If one continually does something, they puts in the effort daily in any endeavour, they stand higher chances of being successful.
I totally agree with you on the the aspect of purpose, one cannot just wake up without a plan for the day, same also is going on a trip you can't hit the road without having a destination, even preparations itself won't be enough if there's no purpose.
Same goes for writing whether to make gains or not, I think it's proper to do it to your best. And always be willing to contribute meaningfully in any place you find yourself.
That is what makes us better over time.
This post hits deep. The shift from waiting to writing is something many of us need but never really notice. Habits really do shape who we become, and your story shows how purpose drives consistency more than motivation ever could. I like how you connect writing to wellbeing, it's true, writing can heal. Thanks for sharing this.
Writing here for me is like making an open diary that everyone could read and share their thoughts with, as well as something that I could go back to maybe 20, 50 years from now, and might be still available even when I'm gone. I will be lying to say that rewards do not matter to me, but there are also stuff that I wrote because I have an opinion on a topic or had an experience that I want to share. Regardless of the reward, I put the same effort into what I write, so that I don't embarrass my future self when I read my previous posts.
I love how honest this is. Many people say they want to write but never build the routine that makes it natural. You’re right, purpose matters more than the payout. When writing becomes part of daily life, it stops feeling like a chore and becomes a source of strength. Really inspiring perspective.
Your journey from sleepless nights to finding purpose in writing is powerful. It’s true that without a solid process, people fall back into waiting for motivation. I agree that writing needs meaning, not just the hope of rewards. This post reminds me to focus on why I write, not just what I earn.
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STOPTrying to build a habit is always weird at first. Some days even writing a few sentences is like dragging my feet through wet sand, but I look to discipline and not motivation so I do it regardless. For me I believe it's not everything we must enjoy before we do, somethings are done if it falls in line with future purposes or the image we're creating or the inspiration we want to share for others to be helped
I write for my own entertainment, help me sort out my thoughts and feelings, for a digital history I can go back to, for keeping track of my step count and monetary rewards. And you are right, there is no will power that would help you keep writing if you don't get something else out of it besides monetary reward.
I know that you invested a lot into Hive, but writing helped you become 4th most rewarded author in Hive history. I know at ten cents it is not much, but I am sure we will see prices over a dollar in a not too distant future...
In your various writings and today's writing, it is clear that you are a caring husband and father of a child. After having a child, our normal life changes a lot. And at that time you gave good support to your wife which is really amazing. But it is good to know one thing that in your country there is a day to take your children to work. This is a positive aspect because children express a positive attitude towards work from a young age but here it is completely different. Here we have many parents who are arrogant and they think that they will never send their children to work and raise their children as if they are dolls. But in the future these children become fragile in the absence of their parents.