What is Preparedness and Self-Reliance?

In today’s ever-changing world, we are often caught reacting to what life throws at us. Our time, energy, and focus are always on the next thing we have in front of us. Leaving mere minutes, if that, to head to our next meeting, event, errand, task, etc. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? When life throws us a twist. The concepts of preparedness and self-reliance often take on a new significance after someone goes through one of these unplanned emergencies. Wishing that they had gone through the preparation beforehand so they could have weathered the storm better than they did. Or realizing that a close call could have gone a different direction very quickly. Preparedness is not just having some gear. That’s definitely part of it, but preparedness is truly a lifestyle and a mindset—a commitment to anticipating challenges, minimizing risks, and building the resilience needed to navigate life’s uncertainties. Whether it’s a natural disaster, medical emergency, car accident, civil unrest, economic downturn, or personal setbacks, being prepared and self-reliant equips you with the tools and confidence to face any situation head-on.

The Essence of Preparedness

The thing about preparedness is that it needs to be done in advance. It’s about forethought and action. It involves identifying potential challenges, assessing their risks, and taking proactive steps to mitigate their impact. This doesn’t mean living in fear or always expecting the worst but rather embracing a mindset and lifestyle of readiness. From keeping gear and emergency supplies on hand to learning critical life skills, preparedness ensures you’re not caught off guard when life throws a curveball.

However, preparedness extends beyond emergencies. It’s about planning for both short-term disruptions and long-term sustainability. Whether that means having a financial safety net, knowing how to grow your own food, or being equipped with basic first aid knowledge, the principle remains the same: be ready to adapt and respond.

The Importance of Self-Reliance

Self-reliance goes hand in hand with preparedness, often being considered the same concept. While preparedness is being ready for future hardships and challenges, self-reliance is your ability to depend on yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s about cultivating independence by developing essential skills, building confidence, and fostering a sense of responsibility for your well-being and that of your family.

Self-reliance doesn’t mean isolating yourself or refusing help; rather, it’s about ensuring you’re capable of meeting your own needs when necessary. It’s a foundation for resilience, enabling you to thrive in any circumstance. Self-reliance empowers you to take control of your life and make informed decisions without relying solely on external systems or support.

Together, preparedness and self-reliance form a powerful combination. They instill peace of mind, enhance your quality of life, and provide a safety net for uncertain times. But if you really look at true preparedness, in order to be ready for future events you have to become self-reliant and develop the skills and tools needed. You can’t do that without self-reliance. So the two really do have a ton of overlap and can be considered the same.

5 Tips to Start Becoming More Prepared and Self-Reliant

If you’re ready to embrace preparedness and self-reliance, here are five actionable tips to help you get started:

1. Build a Basic Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit is a cornerstone of preparedness. This kit will evolve and multiply as you progress, but it’s great to get started with a single kit and go from there. Remember to check your kit(s) at a regular interval. Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually, or at a minimum annually. Stuff tends to walk away from these kits and if you don’t replenish then you won’t have what you need, when you need it.

At a minimum, your kit should include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days). You can also store means of storing and purifying water such as water purification tablets or boiling water.

• Non-perishable food. For a basic kit I like to have MRE’s. Many people like to move to freeze dried foods but for me in a real emergency an MRE is simpler and you don’t need to heat water to make them. You just need the chemical sleeve you pour a tiny amount of water into and it will heat your meal for you. They don’t taste the best but they are the easiest system and they pack the calories.

• A flashlight and extra batteries. If you go rechargeable for this you need to make sure you have a charged battery. Charge them every time you check your kit and include a battery pack with appropriate cables to charge on the go.

• A first-aid and trauma kit w/necessary medications

• A multi-tool and/or knife

• Important documents (IDs, insurance policies, etc.)

• Fire starting kit with lighter, fire starter, and tinder

• Cash in small denominations

• Make sure to customize your kit based on your family’s needs, including items for pets, children, or individuals with specific health conditions. Regularly check and update your kit to ensure everything remains functional and in date.

2. Develop Preparedness in All Aspects of Life

Financial preparedness is often overlooked but is just as critical as physical preparedness. Start by creating an emergency fund to cover at least one month of living expenses. Then build to three to six months. Reduce unnecessary debt and consider diversifying your income sources. It is hard to be truly self-reliant and prepared if you are in massive debt or can’t pay bills for even one month if you were to lose your job.

Additionally, keep hard copies of financial documents and a small amount of cash on hand. During emergencies, electronic payment systems may be unavailable, so having cash can make a significant difference.

The same applies to your physical health. It’s quote difficult to survive some worst-case scenarios if you struggle to walk a mile or do other physically demanding tasks that you may be required to do in such circumstances.

3. Learn Essential Skills

Practical skills are the backbone of self-reliance. Some key skills to consider learning include:

• Basic first aid and CPR

• Trauma Med (Learn M.A.R.C.H. for lifesaving skills)

• Fire starting and outdoor survival techniques

• Water purification methods

• Vehicle maintenance, recovery, and driving skills

• Gardening and food preservation (e.g., canning, dehydrating)

• Basic home repairs and maintenance

  The more skills you master, the less reliant you’ll be on external systems or services during challenging times.

4. Create a Communication and Evacuation Plan

In emergencies, clear communication and quick action are crucial. Develop a family emergency plan that includes:

• A designated meeting point if you’re separated

• Emergency contact information

• Evacuation routes and alternatives

• A list of supplies to grab if evacuation is necessary

Practice your plan regularly to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do. This preparation will reduce panic and confusion during an actual crisis.

5. Start Small and Stay Consistent

Preparedness and self-reliance can feel overwhelming at first, but remember that small steps add up over time. Begin with manageable tasks like assembling a basic kit or learning one new skill. Set realistic goals and review your progress periodically.

Consistency is key. Incorporate preparedness activities into your routine, such as rotating emergency supplies, practicing fire drills, or reviewing your financial plan. Over time, these habits will become second nature.

We built Program 62 to help with this. It was designed to guide you through this process. Whether you are just beginning or already have pieces in place, a systematic road map is essential for becoming a prepared citizen. The 12 week program helps you build a custom fit preparedness plan for you and your family and covers basic skills and gear that you need to get started.

Embracing the Preparedness Mindset

Ultimately, preparedness and self-reliance are about empowerment. They enable you to face life’s uncertainties with confidence and poise. While it’s impossible to predict every challenge, being prepared ensures you’re ready to adapt and overcome.

By taking steps today to build your resilience, you’re investing in a safer, more secure future for yourself and your loved ones. Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the journey toward greater preparedness and self-reliance.