Consumer / Producer
Perhaps the greatest lesson to learn is the relationship and differences between a consumer and a producer. The Askesis mindset will only be achieved by less than 2% of the population. All of those who achieve it, whether they know what it is called or not (I didn’t until I made up this name), are producers. For all intents and purposes we define a producer as someone who saves and/or invests more than 30% of their income.
Also very important to note, just because someone makes a lot of money does not automatically mean they are a producer. There are people who make significant amounts but consume as much or more than they produce. They are net consumers. We should not confuse income with the consumer / producer comparison. Obviously, it is easier to save more than 50-75% of your income if you are making more but Askesis forgoes excuses and comparisons and looks only to solutions while meeting you where you are on your personal financial journey.
Example Behaviors
Consuming (Depleting)
Scrolling Social Media
Online Shopping for Emotional Relief
Reality or Trash TV
Food Delivery / Fast Food
Venting Frustration without Action
Attending Events for Social Status
Complaining about Income
Relying on Credit for Lifestyle
Producing (Generative)
Creating Content
Budgeting, Investing, or Selling Online
Documentaries, Courses, Mentors
Meal Prepping / Cooking at Home
Journaling, Setting Goals, Taking Action
Networking Strategically to Build Opportunity
Build a Side Hustle, Freelance, Create Value
Living Below Means, Build or Save Assets
Where do you fall?
Top 10%
Stewardship Phase: The top 10% operates with financial margin and likely views capital as a tool.
90-80%
Intentionality Phase: This group thinks similarly to producers but often lack consistency.
80-60%
Disruption Phase: These individuals want more but are often trapped in lifestyle creep or have unclear goals.
Bottom 60%
Agency Phase: Just survival mode. This group lives from just at their means to being trapped in debt.
You said Askesis is only for the 2%, so how can it even help?
False, the full Askesis mindset and method will only be mastered by less than 2% of the population but is possible for 60-70%. Askesis is rooted in self-denial discipline, and minimalism, which can only be obtained by those with the will power to do so.
Askesis Perspective
Top 10%
Stewardship Phase: Encourages you to go deeper. Align your surplus with impact, purpose, and legacy.
90-80%
Intentionality Phase: Meets you where you are by building a financial structure and elevating decision-making from achievement to alignment. Creates the shift from “doing well” to “building wisely”
80-60%
Disruption Phase: Targets your belief in systems, habits, and environment. Offers tools to create margin and turn intent into behavior.
Bottom 60%
Agency Phase: Purely foundational. Reintroduce the ideas of power, vision, and responsibility. You must start by identifying what is broken, creating simple disciplines, and proving that a different life is possible.
Worth the Read
The Story of Stuff – The impact of consumer culture and waste
James Clear – Building habits around who you want to become and having a producer mindset.
The Minimalists – Promotes intentional living and conscious consumption
Positive Consumption
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