01 October 2010

Survival Mindset

Many experts, including survival expert Cody Lundin, state that 90% of survival is psychological. Even the US Army Survival Manual states, "Without the will to survive, your chances of surviving are greatly diminished." Survival Psychologist Dr. John Leach found that only 10 to 15 percent of any group involved in any emergency will react appropriately. Another 10 to 15 percent will behave totally inappropriately and the remaining 70 to 80 percent will need to be told what to do. He also states that the most common reaction at the onset of an emergency is disbelief and denial. The best thing you can do in a survival or disaster situation is S.T.O.P. Not just stop what you are doing but use the S.T.O.P tool.

Stop: Unless it's dangerous, quit moving and sit down. take at least 30 minutes to allow the adrenaline to wear off.

Think: Assess your choices and tools available.

Observe: Take the surroundings into account, because this will affect what comes next.

Plan: Based on your previous actions make a plan. Make some immediate decisions and get going. Don't expect anyone to help you, and don't procrastinate.

Ray Smith, a former Marine Drill Instructor, with 27 years on active duty as a survival instructor, was asked, "What is the secret of survival?"
"Faith in God. It's a major factor in all survival scenarios."
Basically never give up, always stay positive and think before you act. Everyone gets so caught up in stockpiling gear they forget to prepare their minds. Don't forget this important step in your preparation.

No comments:

Post a Comment