In most forms, it comes across as complaining. But make no mistake, entitlement has more subtle methods. Complaints show up in numbers of different questions or statements.
Perhaps the most common type of complaint we come across centers around post earnings. "Why are my posts not earning very much"? It's a honest question and not necessarily even a complaint!
To qualify it as a complaint (and an expression of entitlement), we have to know the intention of the person asking the question.
We could agree that the question doesn't offer enough information to receive an accurate response. Some might infer a complaint while others might ask for more details.
Intention vs Entitlement
Would it be different if the question had read, "Why are other Hivers posts earning so much and mine are close to zero"? It feels like there's a hint of entitlement there, but let's take a closer look.
Both questions express the desire to earn higher post earnings. Do we really know the intention of the asker in either one? I'm not so certain.
Most of us would agree that comparing our work to others in terms of price value isn't a healthy mindset. But do you remember being new? What else do you have to compare your work to besides other people's earnings.
Now it could be that the person asking the question isn't providing a quality of work to warrant much more than a few meager votes.
It could also be that the asker produces high quality publications, perhaps even better than many earning more than them.
Does this entitle them to higher post earnings? We all know the answer is a resounding NO. But it doesn't reveal the intention of the person asking the question.
Entitlement Is A Mindset
Success is also a mindset. Most people are aware that entitlement isn't a mindset that leads to success. So it is that entitlement creeps in with the help of our Ego like a thief in the night. It enters unnoticed until damage is done.
Some people catch the entitled mindset before people grow tired of them. Ever heard the term, "misery loves company"? When entitlement groups together, it can turn into something truly scary.
Entitlement is a mindset that has wreaked havoc in my own life. I'm no stranger to it. My trick is to stall every complaint with a grateful thought.
"Every silver lining has a touch of gray". And I fail at keeping entitlement out when fear sets in. No one who knows me can accuse me of preaching from a pedestal. Here's how entitlement can cause so much damage.
The Questions Entitlement Asks
"Why should I keep blogging on HIVE if this is best I'm going to get"?
"Since this place is obviously rigged, why don't I just quit"?
"Should I retaliate against that jerk that downvoted my post"?
If your progress on HIVE (or lack thereof) is causing so you so much strife, you're renting space out in your head. And what's worse? The tenants aren't paying you a dime.
It's high time for an eviction notice! Kick that shit out of there before it turns into a permanent toxin!
I know these thoughts aren't so easily pushed aside. Training your mindset is as important as anything else. Think of it as training your dragon, if you will.
Want some examples of people who had a "get back up" mindset?
Michael Jordan: Cut from his highschool basketball team.
Jim Carey: Used to be homeless.
Benjamin Franklin: Left school at 10.
Bob Marley: Raised in a poor Jamaican ghetto.
Mindset is everything in life. It carries thousands of people you won't read about into a more promising future.
The Questions Of Gratitude
"What are high earners doing on their blog that I am not"?
"How can I improve my writing, photography, drawing, or whatever the skill may be, to attract a wider audience"?
"Who can I talk to that might offer feedback or appreciate my posts"?
"How can I add value to HIVE Communities and other people's blogs"?
"What will it take to post consistently so that I continue to build a following"?
What a huge difference in tone from these questions to the other kind. We aren't forced to infer what the intent of the question is.
The asker is looking to improve so they can offer added value. These questions address a topic person has some control over. They stimulate self development and push us to new heights.
Help Yourself - It Helps HIVE
We hear quite a bit that every Hiver is the CEO of their own account. I've heard it said that whales don't want mass adoption. It might be more accurate to say they don't want adoption to decrease the value of HIVE.
Where does the real value of HIVE come from? You and I, and everyone else who cares about this blockchain. For adoption to bring value to HIVE, that adoption needs to come with the proper mindset.
And I do believe that we all share part of the burden to help change it when necessary.
Thanks for your time and as always...
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