I've never been one to shy away from a challenge and have always had the ability to hold myself accountable; Two factors that have helped me design and create a life that I feel reasonably proud of.
Ownership and responsibility are two very prevalent elements in my life and I've used both to good effect. Of course, no person's life is perfect, or could ever be, however through the implementation of a few key concepts, the persistent deployment of the right thoughts, attitude and actions one can achieve rewarding things.
I was talking to my wife Faith yesterday about hive, the blogging platform and token, plus other associated crypto things. I've put a lot of effort into the platform, much of myself if readers care to read between the lines or simply ask me the right questions, and have built some great relationships with people I'd feel comfortable to meet in person. It's been extremely enjoyable and hasn't ever felt like a job; In fact it's been relaxation, a hobby that has value-added my life, rather than a chore.
In our conversation, which was of a positive nature if you're wondering, Faith said, "...but doesn't it bother you that the token is dropping in price?" She wasn't questioning my involvement, more my attitude towards the token price.
The answer...From a financial perspective yes, to some degree at least...From a blogging/enjoyment point of view, no.
You see, I enjoy the platform, interaction and relationships and have the attitude of those aspects being the motivators. Yes I know, some of you rely on the small incomes provided but for me it's the interaction that motivates me, the money is secondary. It has to be this way for me, otherwise I might begin to focus on the wrong thing, which will affect everything I do here.
Engagement ethos
Since beginning here I have had an engagement ethos which basically means I have worked tirelessly to engage with and, build, relationships with other users. You guys reading this very post! I've been around for 1233 days so far, since thirteenth June 2017, and since that day have made a lot of comments and posted blogs 1902 times - 1.5 times a day on average.
The underlying motivation, as stated above, has been enjoyment and a huge part of that is the engagement; Making and receiving comments to others in the community. It is the best way to promote oneself, to get on the radar and to draw people close, build relationships that can then be nurtured for the future.
Engagement commitment
Today is the twenty eighth day of October 2020...Seventy eight days ago I decided to make a commitment to commenting, just for fun.
I was inspired by a user called 
The numbers
- 26,649 - The amount of my comments as at 11 August 2020 (from Hive Buzz)
- 32,500 - My goal number of comments by 31 December 2020
- 142 Days left to 31 Dec (from 11 August when I made the commitment)
- 5,851 - Number of comments required to hit the goal
- 41.2 - Number of comments required daily to reach the goal
It seemed realistic considering that most weeks I put around 300-500 comments on the blockchain - Not one word comments mind you, decent and relevant ones.
Progress check
I decided today was as good a day as any to check my progress and below I've shared the numbers.
- 31,850 - Total comments as of writing this post (from Hive Buzz)
- 64 days remaining to 31 Dec 2020
- 650 - Remaining number of comments needed to hit the goal
- 10.1 - Number of comments required daily to reach the goal
Hmm...I might need to reset the target as I think I might reach the goal ahead of time. I've made 5201 comments in the past seventy eight days, an average of 66.6 per day.
Get engaged
I don't share these comments to illicit a pat on the back from the community or to indicate them as the benchmark or requirement; They are simply, my numbers. No, I don't expect or want anyone to be impressed.
I mention my own numbers as a lead-in to the following couple of paragraphs only, a statement about engagement.
Engagement is a legitimate way to push forward here, the best way in my opinion; I don't mean for someone coming along after injecting a massive stake, I mean for every day people like you and I.
Back 1233 days ago I began with nothing; Just an account approval, and away I went. You can go and take a look at my introduction post if you like. It's weird for me to look at it after all this time, but I injected passion, personality and effort and it's those things I urge people to inject into their posts and commenting even now. Engagement is the key here.
It is for this reason I've started the #weekend-engagement topic post which has run for 20 weeks so far...I've wanted to create a place where people can engage with others without fear of not fitting in - It's a safe place to comment, meet people and build relationships which is exactly what the smart users are doing; Users that come back week after week to join in and get engaged. Here's a link to week 20 if you want to check it out.
There's other great concepts out there such as the Engagement League that 
I understand that many of you have intermittent internet service and sometimes lack of consistent power but that doesn't negate the benefit of engagement...If one has the time to throw a post up, there's time to leave a comment on someone else's. If you have time to cast a vote on someone's post you have the time to comment on it...After reading it.
Choices
We all have the choice to spend our time doing the activities we like to do, or see value in. I think it's pretty clear I find value in commenting, and in posting also, but you may not and that's fine...If you are one of those people and are still reading this post I wonder why. It's ok though, if you don't want to do it, then don't.
But for those of you who want to find a little extra enjoyment, to build relationships and your accounts then engaging with others is critically important.
Leaving a comment on a post that may not normally get any is a powerful thing - It validates that users existence here, inspires them to continue because someone read and commented. This is especially so for new users but applies to everyone. Don't ignore your fellow users, don't stay comfortably within your little circle...Get out there and support the community which, in turn, supports the token; It's a benefit to us all. Make the choice to join in with the community and support it.
Anyway, that's about it.
I used to do some really good rants on the blockchain; All sorts of topics were on the hit list but I don't bother now...I'd rather just lead by example by posting with passion, personality and effort and spend time promoting the benefits of engagement. It would be cool to see absolutely everyone doing the same.
It's your turn
I invite you guys to comment below with your engagement stories; Share what has worked, what has not, why you feel it is important, and even why you think I'm a wanker and don't know what I'm talking about. It's your choice remember? Make it.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
Discord: galenkp#9209