The Do's and Don'ts of Hive ... and life.

This is no official list. These are just my thoughts in this first week of 2024 as I reflect back on my journey that started here in 2016. Things I've learned along the way, as many of the "Hive veterans" have. I'm sure that many of these have probably been shared in multiple posts and thousands of discussions, and that's ok. Common sense, really- but it doesn't hurt to share it often, and in more circles. I also think this can be generalized to most content creation, no matter where you are. But Hive is our home, and I'm a firm believer that we should make it better than we found it.

For those who prefer the quick-skim post-reading method, feel free to focus on the image with the short succinct list! It's pretty self-explanatory.

For those who prefer the read, and prefer to connect in the comment section - the rest of the post is for you! I always invite HEALTHY discussion in my comment section, and I love that my comment section remains almost always respectful. If you are one of the ones that enjoys bringing drama and noise, I will gladly allow you to clang your gong alone.

I've created this list as an image for anyone to use, reference and share as you like. No need to credit with a tag! Also - I have no idea how it shows up on mobile. But the actual image is large, so feel free to save it to view it larger.

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Do bring you, but make it the best of you.

We live in a world where people find some kind of pride in "being you". Being you is a rather easy thing to do. Being the best of you is an entirely different thing. We can do a little better, and instead of just settling for status quo - strive for more.

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Don't look for trouble, or it will be found.

Hive is no different than the world we live in. As a matter of fact, it is a microcosm of everything you see around you in the "real world". Trouble is not only out there, it's looking to be found. Next door, next cubicle, next blog. If you go looking for it, don't worry, you'll find it.

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Do be authentic; fakes are eventually recognized.

People can only wear masks for so long, and the lies will eventually clash and tell the truth. It's so much easier to just be genuine than it is to play dress up. You will spend more time building relationships, than fixing them if you just start - and remain - authentic.

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Don't chase dolphins, orcas, and whales. Become one yourself.

I remember when I had enough HP to give one penny on a post. For months, my vote wasn't even recognizable -it was so small. That penny felt like I finally mattered, but I still remember thinking, "I'll never be a dolphin!" But, I am. All of my friends from that time eventually became dolphins - something we NEVER thought possible. It is possible. Now, my next step is orca. It is just as possible. Chasing others is a waste of time. Chase your own dreem.

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Do keep a sustainable pace; burnout is real.

The fastest way to lose your joy is to push yourself too hard. Be the tortoise instead of the hare. Consistency will pay off as you invest in the right places with the right focus. Efficiency is key.

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Don't take shady shortcuts - they're lies.

I have seen so many people build amazing accounts over time, only to attempt to take a shady shortcut, get caught, and lose everything with one stupid move. It is NEVER worth it. It takes time, but integrity is always the best route.

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Do find a healthy tribe; water seeks its own level.

Look at the company you keep. It says a lot about where your own head and heart is at. Find people that are kindred spirits and give. Give first. Giving makes the tribe healthy.

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Don't feed the trolls- they thrive on any kind of attention.

And I do mean ANY kind of attention. They thirst for your energy, and they will use any means necessary to get it. Be smarter than the trolls. Starve them out.

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Do keep learning - there is always more.

And learning should be a thrill, not a chore. Realize that learning is natural when you're immersing yourself in new places. Take nibbles, and digest. Don't try to scarf it all down or you'll make yourself sick. Every day has a new opportunity to learn - be satisfied with all of the daily gains, no matter how small.

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Don't rush! Use patience, discipline and diligence.

Let them be your guide. Take deep breaths and then press onward. Forward motion doesn't have to be at break-neck speeds. Just keep moving forward.

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Do help genuine seekers; use your intuition to sense them.

It's not always easy to know people from the start, but as you continue to engage, you'll start to get a sense for people who want help, and people who want you to do it for them. Help - but be wise, and set boundaries with your help.

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Don't enable laziness and greed. Recognize patterns.

Certain people have a certain "scent." Vultures always circle the "rot". Train yourself to have the nose that can detect a person that reeks of laziness and greed. There will always be the same patterns in their posts and comments. Resist enabling them, because the behavior will never stop.

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Do connect with reasonable consistency.

You're on a social media platform. Connection is expected on some level. When you find people that you enjoy, be sure to spend time maintaining that connection. Reciprocity is a good thing!

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Don't forget the people that helped you along the way.

You can't maintain relationships with everyone, and you shouldn't even try. But it's nice to remember the people that were there to make your journey a little sweeter. Reach out occasionally. Thank them with a visit. Appreciate them with your time. It's always worthwhile.

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Do ENJOY yourself and CHILL.

We have the privilege of earning for our content. So many platforms will take what you give, and give nothing back in return. Hive is pretty special, so enjoy it for what it's worth and relax a little. Bring the chill to your space, and others will most likely maintain that with you.

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Don't sell yourself. You're worth more than they could ever pay.

Don't sell yourself. YOU are worth more than they could EVER pay. Read that again if you need to. Let it hit home and resonate.

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Any of those make a mark on your heart? Feel free to share it - or just let it sink in on your own and hopefully it shapes your journey here! I hope it helps! ❤️

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Thanks to @shadowspub, @penderis, @bluefinstudios, @kemmyb, @wesphilbin, @mypathtofire, @melinda010100, @samsmith1971, @silversaver888, @lizelle, @kenechukwu97, @jacoalberts, @acgalarza, @blackdaisyft and @dreemsteem for making the @dreemport voting power go farther! ❤️

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