I'm new here on steemit, and just like any "minnow" I am trying to wrap my head around this new platform. And my thought for today is how I am realizing that steemit contests inspire and motivation me to create content.
creation::
I love to create : I love to create code that. I love to create photographs that speak without words. I love to create content that connects with people. All of these things are focused on creation - the value of any society. With the information society and the web - these things are usually digital in nature.
When I came here a few days ago, in trying to figure it out I have been creating all kinds of content. Things that pop into my head of ideas, or relaying news stories, or sharing quotes, or sharing my photographs. It's almost like I'm throwing anything on the wall and in that process - seeing what I enjoy creating here and similarly what other people enjoy viewing.
the steemit platform is motivational in nature::
Steemit is a very motivational platform for any type of author that is trying to "make a living" (I'll leave that to another time). What I've found recently to be the motivational aspect for me, are photo contests. I have been taking photos for a long time and I enjoy when a photo I've taken not only moves me, but moves someone else. Whether it's the story behind the photo, or a pattern that is visually appealing, or a perspective that might be novel... this is my muse to create these visual images.
And for me, having a place that I can add my photos that might be on a theme for a contest is such a motivating factor. It makes me want to look through ALL of my photos. To figure out which ones might fit the theme, and why. It makes me revisit the places I've been and the perspectives I've had. It makes me want to take more pictures, and tell more visual stories. It just motivates.
reflections::
This post is a reflection of my thoughts on this. As I look through all my photos, I ask myself: "why am I doing this?", "why am I excited to post these pictures", "what causes this motivation". These thoughts run through my head and this article starts to write itself.
I come across this picture. A reflection in a pool of water.
To reflect and think about why I am motivated and how that translates to my time here on steemit. To create value in a community that is focused on user generated content. Even writing this article, I start reflecting on other thoughts about online social communities, and what matters to each of those communities. I'm even motivated to improve my writing and communication, so that my future articles are improved.
appreciation::
I am thankful for this newfound motivation and I hope that it continues. There is nothing better to me than to create things (digital or physical) and have people appreciate them and in that appreciation make a little money that helps you continue creating these things.
Thanks for reading and I hope this journey acts as a motivating force to many other people here on steemit.
Cheers
-Joe