One of the questions I sometimes am asked is why it hasn't grown into some kind of huge organization with millions of followers, given that it has been around for so long. Is it not a failure that we haven't reached that point
Not at all!
We have been faithfully following a long term vision. However, something to keep in mind is that there is only so much you can do to move forward, particularly when you are just one person, and someone who mostly has worked full time, on top of that.
For many people — myself included — staying true to the original vision is more important than reaching some point of great commercial success.
Ultimately, I'd rather focus on what we have accomplished, as opposed to what we have not accomplished.
When you have a long term plan, keep in mind that it is long term. Maybe that sounds painfully obvious, but people often get impatient, and fall for the temptation to change course, especially during difficult/slow times.
Similarly, we mustn't get overconfident and impulsive during boom time, making decisions that don't actually serve our long term vision.
Consider something like your Steemit blog: If your objective is to build a solid blog and following in the long run, you're not going to get very far if you power down every time you want to invest in some new opportunity in the cryptocurrency market!
Stick to what you know, and stay true to it!
Also remember that as long as you are doing your best, you are also doing enough. Doesn't mean that you don't get to feel disappointed when there are setbacks... but nobody's expected to do more than their best!
And just because your best didn't create the next Microsoft or Amazon doesn't mean you've failed!
Remember that, if you feel the temptation to get down on yourself.