Remember in 8th grade science class when they were talking about the properties of animals and plants? If you're like me, you probably don't or snoozed through that lecture.
Here's the ten second refresher: one of the key properties of animals are that they are by and large consumers. They have to consume plants or other animals in order to survive. On the other hand, producers (such as plants), generate food for themselves and others consumers. Why is this important for your financial independence and your overall well being? Well, because there is a direct correlation between being a producer and generating income/revenue.
If you are like most people, you have a job that provides a product or service. You are producing something and, in exchange, your employer or customer pays you for this product or service. That's where most people stop, and so did I for many years. But I started to notice this trend as the years went by. I would just spend most, if not all, of my free time consuming. At night I would consume Netflix. In the mornings, I spent my time consuming social media. I consumed YouTube videos and training course content that gave me skills and knowledge to be better at work. It made me think of all the other 'smarter' or more creative people out there who were creating this content, and I wanted to be one of them.
Now, I am not saying you should go out there and become a social media influencer or start writing a book, but I am asking that you think about how you use your free time and whether you are using that time as a consumer or a producer. Track how much time outside of work you spend consuming services from others compared to producing a result for others. Awareness is the first step. The next step is to brainstorm ideas of things you enjoy doing that produce something for someone else. It doesn't have to be tied to generating income. I can tell you from experience that the more time you spend producing, the more productive and better you will feel. Here are some examples:
Build a vegetable garden in your backyard. You'll be literally producing food that you can consume. You'll get some light exercise and fresh air while you're at it.
Turn your hobby into an income producing activity. There are a ton of examples in this category alone. Like to cook? Start filming your cooking and throw it up on YouTube. Like writing? Write a book or start a blog, like me!
Start a Business or Invest in Real Estate. This provides jobs for others or a place to stay in exchange for income.
Go to a meetup or volunteer to mentor someone else. Simply putting yourself out there or being there for someone else can open new doors that you didn't even know existed as you make new connections that leads to bigger and better opportunities that are mutually beneficial for you and them.
Reflect on how you are adding value to your company. If starting a business seems too daunting, look at ways that you can be more productive at work or acquire skills that will make you invaluable.
Becoming a producer rather than a consumer involves developing skills, mindset, and habits that allow you to create value and contribute to the world around you. Here are some tips to help you in this pursuit:
Identify your passion: Discover what you're genuinely interested in and passionate about. Whether it's music, writing, programming, art, or any other field, finding your passion will provide the motivation and drive needed to become a producer.
Set goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve as a producer. Set short-term and long-term goals that align with your passion. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps to make progress consistently. Also, don't let perfectionism get in the way of progress.
Continuously learn and improve: Seek knowledge and develop your skills in your chosen field. Take courses, attend workshops, read books, and practice regularly. The more you learn and improve, the more valuable your contributions will become.
Take initiative: Don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Take the initiative to create your own projects, whether it's starting a blog, launching a YouTube channel, or collaborating with others. By proactively seeking opportunities, you'll be able to showcase your skills and create value.
Embrace creativity and innovation: Look for ways to bring fresh ideas and innovation to your work. Be willing to take risks, experiment, and think outside the box. This will help you stand out from the crowd and offer unique value to others.
Cultivate a growth mindset: Adopt a mindset focused on growth and continuous improvement. Embrace challenges, learn from failures, and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Develop resilience and persistence to overcome obstacles along the way.
Collaborate and network: Seek collaborations with like-minded individuals in your field. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable feedback, and expand your knowledge. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to grow.
Find mentors and role models: Look for experienced individuals who can guide and mentor you in your journey. Learn from their experiences, seek their advice, and leverage their knowledge to accelerate your growth.
Develop a strong work ethic: Success as a producer requires discipline and hard work. Cultivate a strong work ethic by setting a routine, managing your time effectively, and staying committed to your goals.
Seek feedback and embrace criticism: Be open to receiving feedback and constructive criticism. It's through feedback that you can identify areas for improvement and refine your skills further. Use criticism as an opportunity to grow rather than taking it personally.
Remember, becoming a producer is a process that takes time and dedication. Stay committed, persevere through challenges, and keep honing your skills. By consistently creating value, you'll be able to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the world around you.
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