Things not conducive to survival

[Cyngbaeld]

There are some things that we all need to be aware of that will decrease our chance of survival. Dealing with them is not expensive, usually, but takes determination.

Attitudes:
Unreasoning fear. The kind that jumps at every threat and panics rather than calmly stopping to analyze the situation or acting rationally and quickly when needed. In other words, if a truck is barreling down on you then you need to hurry and get out of the road, but you don't need to go into a nervous tailspin every time something that might be bad is reported on the evening news.

Anger. Does your anger spur you to constructive action or does it destroy? Temper tantrums focus all your attention on yourself and do not allow you to hear clearly, see clearly or react appropriately. Temper tantrums also focus the attention of those in contact with you on YOU and why you are so unreasonable and why on earth anybody would put up with you. This kind of anger very quickly will narrow your social group and can severely impact not only your survival but that of those depending on you. It is very hard for people to focus on surviving when they are dealing with the emotions caused by someone else's temper tantrums. Bad enough for a 4 yr old, in a grown man or woman it is very unseemly.

Laziness and procrastination. How can you be prepared if you won't get up and do what needs doing? Keep putting off till tomorrow what you should do today and when trouble comes you will not be ready to survive it.

Rebellion. A rebellious person will actually cause themselves harm rather than be guided by anybody else. Sometimes it is called "reaction formation" where a person subconsciously does the opposite of what they really would like to do because they were "forced" to do it by their parents. This doesn't mean you blindly do as you are told by the authorities or anybody else. Just that you act as a reasonable adult and don't let childish emotions rule you.


Addictions:
TV, computer games, role playing games, porn, smoking, caffeine, drugs (whether Rx or illicit), junk food, out of control collecting, out of control spending, alcohol, gossip (I could probably go on a while, listing things, but these should do.)

Debt:
The borrower is subject to the lender. How can you possibly get ahead when you are pulling against a debt? It is a wonderful feeling to be debt free! If you are in debt, do everything you can to get out as quickly as possible.

Lack of social support. A lone wolf may be able to travel light and melt into the woods, but how long can anybody survive like that without losing their mind? People need interaction with other people.

[Ernie]

A very good post. Thank you.

[chickenista]

Excellent post!
And may I add to the list?
Impulsiveness:
Going off half cocked and on a whim without taking the time to assess and ponder and decide the proper course of action. You can't have do-overs if you make the wrong impulsive decision/move.

[fordy]

..................Seems logical , that those with a large mortgage on their property will be much more willing too ...Buggout.... , than those who are living on a paid for home place . , fordy

[jlrbhjmnc]

I'm printing that out! Thanks, Cyngbaeld.

[Wisconsin Ann]

The one thing I'd add to your list is Intolerance. (it includes the "MY way is the only RIGHT way attitude). Be inclusive. Don't just out of hand reject someone's idea. In a disaster you need to make some compromises just to survive. (specially if it's long term)

[ChristyACB]

And might we add Moderation to this list? All or nothing is almost never a recipe for success in a life. As in the internet might be a useful tool or an addiction.

[ryanthomas]

Excellent post! I would add this to the list: spending too much time with people who have these characteristics. Lazy, negative, rebellious addicts have a lot of power to bring you down to their level if you let them.

[didaho]

Thanks Cyngbaeld, that is an important list and so are the add on's. Need to copy that

[wendle]

Excellent post, things to think about.

[mekasmom]

I would add an item to your original list-- unprepared relatives. It is impossible to financially support every relative and or friend you care about in case of a severe economic depression. It's just impossible. How could you support brothers, sisters, your family, your grandchildren, your parents, your nieces and nephews and their families, your neighbors, etc. It is just impossible. Sometime you would have to make a choice on who to help and who to turn away even if they had needs and you cared about them.