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Hive clocks 5 years on March 20th, and I can’t help but reflect on my own journey on this blockchain. My Hive-versary is on March 30th which is today, marking my 4th year of being on this amazing and transforming platform. Looking back, I see how much this space has shaped my life financially, mentally, and even socially.

I actually started on Hive in the year 2021 while I was still in school. It was a period where I had to learn how to manage my time balancing survival and my academics to ensure I graduated with a good grade. And yes, God helped me! Hive was a financial breakthrough for me back then, and I have introduced many people to it since. Those who stayed and enjoyed it? They kept thanking me.

Why Web3? Why Hive?

Believe me, Web3 is the future. Hive has grown tremendously, giving people financial freedom in ways that traditional Web2 platforms can’t. Unlike platforms where your account can get banned overnight, Hive offers true ownership. I remember a time when someone’s TikTok account with millions of naira was suddenly banned [a source of passive income wiped away.] Years of effort were gone in an instant. Hive is never like that. You own your account. Your voice isn’t shunned. Your work remains yours.

Funny enough, I never wanted to join Hive that year. No matter what people told me, I refused and that could have been one of the biggest mistakes of my life. But then, I met a kind lady online who persuaded me to give it a try. That night changed everything.

Still, I had my doubts. "Would this platform be worth it?"

Stuff like this isn't new to me because I have been on different writing platforms before, including Steemit, but the experience I had with Steemit, knowing how it was similar to Hive, made me not interested because I thought it would be difficult to find my way, but I decided to test the waters first. My first few posts? They earned nothing! $0.002 per post, imagine! I was frustrated but kept posting. But I didn’t know the mistake I was making.

Lesson 1: Engagement is Key!

I was only writing and not engaging. That was my biggest mistake. As a newbie, don’t just focus on posting your own content, get involved. Join communities, participate in contests, and engage with others’ posts. That’s how I grew.

My turning point came when I joined the Newbies Initiative Program by @starstrings in the same year I joined Hive. That 3-month program ignited the fire in me.

Lesson 2: Consistency Pays Off!

Omo! I have a strong head 😁. Growing up, I always believed "A little drop of water makes an ocean." That mindset helped me on Hive. I stayed consistent in writing prompts, engaging, and exploring/learning on my own.

Day and night, I was active on Hive. And do you know what? Most of what I know today, I taught myself. I love exploring. If I make mistakes, I learn and try again until I get it right. Why have a phone with Google and not use it? Whenever I saw something new on Hive, I researched it myself, that’s how I grew and acquired some knowledge here on this platform.

Final Thoughts

Hive is a game-changer. If you’re new, test the water first and see for yourself. If you’re already on Hive, keep doing what you do best and enjoy the journey.

As Hive clocks 5 years, I celebrate my 4th Hive-versary with gratitude. This blockchain has given me freedom, knowledge, and financial independence. Here’s to many more years of growth on Hive.