Starting out here on Dev, I wondered if my content – focused on personal development for aspiring developers – would resonate with the community given Dev's technical writing focus. Yet I wrote my first post and continued sharing as I believe my experiences could offer value.

Every day before clicking the "Create Post" button I keep asking myself "are you doing the right thing?"

So before I write, I remind myself that this is a community of developers and developers are humans. And as humans we have struggles and we sometimes need motivation and inspiration from other people's stories.

I have considered quitting writing here several times but I keep reminding myself that even if I am writing non technical stuff, I am adding value to the platform.

This is the challenge I struggle with: despite Dev's technical writing focus, I haven't felt compelled to write technical posts yet. My passion lies in helping aspiring developers, like myself, navigate the ups and downs of our learning journeys.

This resonates with my amazing friend, inspiration, and motivator, Ekemini Samuel. He echoes this sentiment, reminding me to stay true to myself and my voice whenever I think about stopping until I have technical content.

Take a look at some of my recent posts exploring this:

• Overcoming the Multitasking Myth: A Developer's Story
• Data-Driven Success: Why Tracking Matters
• Hustle vs. Health: Learning My Limits
• Get More from Your Study Time
• Learning Web Development: A Love-Hate Relationship

I share my experiences with:

• Mistakes and lessons learned
• Strategies to overcome challenges
• Building a healthy developer body and mindset
• Productivity

Then, yesterday, after 23 posts, accumulating 909 total post views, and being a consistent member of this great community for 24 days, I received this email from Dev:

In all honesty I never expected this. I was shocked. I quickly screenshotted it and shared with Ekemini Samuel.

When I started writing here, just 24 days ago, my goal was to consistently share my experiences, insights, and personal journey. I wasn't seeking or expecting recognition; I simply wanted to be authentic and contribute to the community. Above all, I aimed to learn and become a better communicator and writer.

The likes, reads, and now this recognition? These are all the proof I needed to know that I am doing something right. They are external motivators and reminders that I am adding value.

Here are some key takeaways from my experience:

Don't be afraid to stand out:

Most times when we are working on something, because its not the popular thing, we feel that we are not doing the right thing. We have the temptation to want to shift towards doing what everyone else is doing.
Often, the most innovative and rewarding paths are less traveled. Stay true to your passions and unique perspective. Remember, the popular thing isn't always the right thing for you.
So long as what you are doing is right and adding value, you will be recognised.

Share your unique story:

Everyone here has a story to tell. Your unique story is powerful. Your experiences, both successes and failures, can inspire and help others. It might be the spark that ignites someone else's programming journey or pick someone up who is about giving up. So long as you are in line with the Code of Conduct of Dev, please consider sharing your journey, lessons learned, or advice on overcoming challenges.

Consistency is key:

If I hadn't been consistent, and I won't have gotten here. In whatever you do, be consistent.

Focus on knowledge and value:

Prioritize offering value and supporting others over chasing views or likes. You must not share technical knowledge. Just ensure your post will add value to someone else.

This post by Ekemini Samuel where he shared his experience with Job rejections:
Dealing with Rejection After Applying to Hundreds of Jobs which is totally non technical article and was the only non technical write up featured on the Top 7 favorite posts on DEV from last week list sums it all.

THANK YOU DEV COMMUNITY!

Starting writing here on Dev just 24 days ago, my goal was to consistently show up, share authentically, and help others. This recognition is a fantastic motivator, confirming I'm on the right track.

Thank you, DEV Community, for this opportunity to serve and do more! I'll keep contributing my best to support the growth and success of this amazing community.

From Grëg Häris with ❤️.

Happy Coding! ❤️