Ever wonder why some survival strategies flop while others thrive? It’s often because they ignore basic human psychology.
Survival tactics that overlook how stress, fear, and human behavior impact decision-making can fail in crucial moments. Understanding these psychological factors is key to making survival plans that actually work.
We’ll dive into survival strategies that miss the mark on human psychology to reveal why they might not be as effective as they seem. By examining these flaws, you’ll gain insights into how to adjust your prep plans to better handle real-life challenges.
1. We Need No One
The concept of self-reliant survival has been highlighted in shows like “Alone” and “Survivorman,” with individuals venturing into the wilderness solo. Despite its impressiveness, humans are inherently social beings, craving connection and support. Struggling to survive alone can result in loneliness, isolation, and defeat.
2. Live For the Future
Balancing planning for the future and enjoying the present is crucial. Living frugally for the unknown is wise, yet solely fixating on the future may hinder the present.
3. Have No Fear
Fear is a natural and important emotion, but sometimes, we brush it off in the name of survival. It’s critical to understand that fear doesn’t equal weakness; embracing it can make us even stronger.
4. Think Clearly In Crisis
Some preppers think they’ll stay calm in a crisis, but this goes against human instinct. When highly stressed, we automatically switch to fight or flight mode, which hampers rational thinking.
5. Be Ready
Being on high alert all the time and in survival mode can impact mental and physical well-being. It’s important to know that being ready doesn’t mean living in constant fear or anxiety. Preparedness helps navigate uncertainties, but enjoying the present and cherishing life as it happens is just as crucial.
6. Knowing What Disaster We Will Face
Trying to predict the future is a lost cause; preparing for every possible disaster is impossible. The uncertainty of what’s to come can stress you out when you feel you must prepare for everything.
7. Tell No One
Preppers highlight the importance of having a plan and staying ready while underlining the need to keep such details private. We naturally love sharing secrets, but keeping a big one can be challenging, leading to a gap between us and our loved ones.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
You have heard the saying “practice makes perfect,” and preppers agree that practicing survival skills and bug-out plans will ensure you are ready for the next crisis. When stressed, humans tend to panic and miss necessary steps, so it’s important to remember that perfection is not the goal of prepping.
9. If You Prepare, You Can’t Fail
As humans, it’s just part of the deal to accept that failure might happen, and when it comes to survival, it’s no exception. While we can’t be sure we’ll ace every situation, it’s not about being perfect but rather being as prepared as possible for whatever may come your way.
10. Ignore Peers Opinions
Believing you’ve got all the answers in a crisis and ignoring advice from others can be risky. It overlooks how we naturally like working together. Stay open-minded and embrace learning from those with valuable knowledge and skills; it could be the deciding factor in life-or-death scenarios.
11. Have a Positive Attitude
Keeping a positive mindset helps with composure and focus, but it can clash with our tendency towards negativity in a crisis. Staying positive and clear for sound decision-making is important, but remember to acknowledge and deal with your emotions.
12. Memorize Your Stockpile
Preppers store supplies meticulously, committing to memory their contents and expiration dates. This rigorous inventory management can be mentally draining, causing overwhelmed feelings.
13. Be Ready to Defend Yourself
In a disaster scenario, it’s essential to prepare for potential threats and dangers, but using guns and violence against others is not our natural way of dealing with problems. Remember, the goal is to protect yourself and your loved ones, not to cause harm to others.
14. Confidence Comes Easy
Having a well-stocked and organized stockpile can give you a sense of security and confidence in the face of uncertainty. Still, it is natural to feel underconfident in stressful situations. Remember, it is natural to feel underconfident, and being prepared is not just about having physical supplies; it also involves mental strength and resilience.
15. Distrust Everyone
While it’s essential to be cautious and aware of potential threats, humans are social beings, and it is natural to trust and rely on others for survival. While some preppers encourage distrust, it’s important to strike a balance between being cautious and maintaining healthy relationships with those around you.
16. You Are All That Matters
When devising survival strategies, it’s tempting to focus solely on our own needs, yet innately, we find joy in caring for others and sharing what we possess. Remember that community is vital to survival in a disaster situation, and include caring for others in your preparations.
17. Prioritize Physical Health
While physical health is essential for survival, mental health is just as crucial. Prioritize your mental well-being by stepping away from preparation and planning at times to engage in activities that bring you joy and peace. Nurture your mind by stepping away from preparation and planning.
18. Doomsday is Right Around the Corner
In any disaster or survival situation, it’s easy to get caught up in the doomsday mentality and think that the end is near. Our minds work best when grounded in reality instead of obsessing over life’s unpredictability.
19. Doomsday is Inevitable
To live with the fear that every day could bring about the end of life as we know it is detrimental to our mental health. While disasters can happen, it’s key to move away from fixating on worst-case scenarios and start enjoying life. At the same time, work on your skills and gather resources to prepare for any challenges that might crop up.
20. We Are Invincible
It’s important to remember that humans are resilient creatures capable of adapting, overcoming, and rebuilding after any crisis. Thinking that nothing can harm us is a dangerous mindset, and we must acknowledge our vulnerabilities while recognizing our strengths. It’s important to find a balance between being prepared and being overly confident in our abilities.
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This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
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