How to be Prepared

My son just attended a First Aid Merit Badge training. I sat off to the side reading for school, but I heard most of what was said. One would think that such a training would be a preparedness tool, but I have to differ in this case. The presenter was immature and rushed through important points. He did not know many things and constantly told the boys that they would never need the knowledge of many things he was supposed to be teaching.

If we are really looking to become prepared, we need to find real mentors and advisers. I do not say teachers for a reason. Anyone can teach facts, but a mentor will help you learn them. An adviser will guide you to conclusions. I prefer a combination to really learn what I want and need to know.

I think that the key to being prepared is to reason things out, practice them and study on my own to fill in gaps or gain new understanding. I knew I was lacking understanding in market philosophy, so I went out and found several sources of information and reasoned out the arguments. I knew two years ago that the US was headed toward an imminent financial crisis. I have known for years that there were problems in the markets, but it was only after serious study that I understood how bad it would be and where the signs would begin to manifest themselves. This allowed me to make preparations before the crisis set in.

Do I have a plan for economic problems? Yes. Do I know how to cook without fuel? Yes. Do I have an earthquake plan? Yes. It goes on and on. Will I need each plan? No. Will each plan be sufficient? No. But having at least a partial plan is better than none.

Let me know what you have questions about.

- Mark

Value is based on perception.