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This resonates, I like this 😊 If there's a way to bring happiness to others, whilst at the same time ensuring ones own needs (whatever they may be) are met? Then this is the way to go.
I'm still wrapping my head around steemit. Adore the community, proud to be part of it.
Truth be told? I'll probably learn as I go, discover the balance that I'm sure is there.

You are on the right path.

I think both is genuine - I do upvote my own posts 1-2 times per day, and might give small 5-10% upvotes to a few of my comments if I want to "bump" them towards the top of the comment list.

But when a user is spending 30+% of voting power on themselves, I start to personally feel a bit annoyed, like "c'mon, help out the community! This isn't just about you!"

Only my two cents, definitely - my opinion is only one of many.

True, I make sure at least​ 2/3 of my votes go to other steemians. But sometimes it helps to give your post a little boost. No harm done.