It must have been 3 weeks now that I set my first step on to the world of steemit. I arrived all eager and excited, and it didn't take long for me to realize that I am labelled as a minnow struggling for attention amongst dolphins and whales.Seeing how they are raking in hundreds and thousands, it seems all so easy and I can't wait to make my first dollar here... It will be a piece of cake or so I thought.
My first introduction post got me, get ready for this... a whopping 4 pennies... I waited and waited some more... yup, that's it, 4 pennies... At that moment I thought to myself, "I could have found more in the drainage system in a city."
I started to look around, desperately trying to find out what's getting the upvotes. Ok, cryptocurrency analysis... nope, I'm clueless... informational how-tos... aha... I started searching for PLRs or better known as Private Labeling Rights articles, bought some and started paraphrasing the articles, threw a few up... nope, they didn't work, it was clear what they were and I was caught by 
It took me like a few days to realize that in order to make it work here, I have to first be myself, my true self and be very consistent, in my voice, my likes, my postings and my commenting. And there are lots of very helpful people around here who would help if you ask. Remember to ask for help and guidance, not for handouts.
Begging doesn't work here and is very much frown upon.
Quit trading for followers, trust me, it doesn't work, even if you gain a follower that way, chances are they are not really following and could care less about your posts. They are most likely to be more interested in their own survival and upvotes on their posts. I have over 400 followers but never more than 10 pairs of eyes on most of my posts. Do the math.
Be very patient and be ready to work your way up. Yes, it's going to be tough but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. But nobody says that you have to dash. I am taking baby steps by setting mini realistic goals so nothing is too difficult or frustrating enough to make me quit.
On the contrary, meeting these little goals actually gives me momentum and encouragement that I am better today than yesterday and I am not as good today as I would be tomorrow.
I set goals like the following, I have some private goals as well and feel free to add more of yours.
At least 1 quality post daily. Remember that it has to be in your own voice and on a subject that you are truly passionate about. Even then, don't get discouraged if the upvotes doesn't happen. Don't give up.
Read a minimum of 20 articles daily, read not scan, the good part here is I get to choose the articles that interest me. And leave meaningful thoughts and feedback as comments. I learned so much just from the reading.
At least $1 worth of upvotes from comments. This is not as difficult as it seems. In fact it's actually easier to get upvotes of value from meaningful comments than posts, at least for me currently. Remember it is important to engage other steemians and interact with them if you want the slightest bit of attention here when you are new.
The following are some useful apps that will help you keep track of your progress.
My favorite is steem.supply and you will soon find out why ;)
http://www.steem.supply
https://steemd.com
https://Steemnow.com
https://steemdollar.com
https://steemwhales.com
Don't Give Up, Persist and Persevere. Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day.
Start setting mini goals.
Alex
Here's a few more from that little voice in my pea-brain head ;)
https://steemit.com/steemit/@alexthemagician/reality-check-steemit-is-not-about-the-money
https://steemit.com/steemit/@alexthemagician/more-followers-equates-to-more-upvotes
https://steemit.com/steemit/@alexthemagician/steemit-climb-is-tough
https://steemit.com/steemit/@alexthemagician/grinding-it-at-steemit-gym
