The 7 Deadly Sins to Avoid When Prepping

When it comes to prepping, there are certain character traits that could be potential deadfalls if you do not keep them in check. Let’s go over these characteristics or deadly sins, and see if you fall into any of these areas. And if so, do you have the survival skills that it takes to rise above them. Along with the characteristics, we will provide you with some survival tips that may help. 

Envy

You have probably heard of a story or seen a program on television where a group of people turns on each other when placed in difficult and challenging situations. When society, along with everything else, goes south, how do you think you will react? If you do not properly prepare and supplies run low, there could be a situation where your group starts to turn on to each other. During times like this, it is easy to fall into the “every man for himself” mindset. However, the key to survival is working together to achieve a common goal, survival. Working together and not against each other is the only way you and your group are going to survive. 

Greed

When faced with a situation where food, ammo, water, and just about everything else will be in short supply, it is natural to have a hoarding mindset. We get our hands on anything that we can and stockpile it up just in case we should ever need it. Besides, stocking up on ammo and food is one of the top priorities for a prepper, right? Stocking up on necessities is one thing, taking from other survivors, or even your own group is another. Don’t let greed take control of you and make you do things that you know are not right. 

Sloth

One of the quickest ways to fail in a survival situation is by being lazy. Prepping means to prepare for an upcoming event, either anticipated or realized. By ensuring all of the work has been done ahead of time you will save yourself from some very challenging decisions in the future. Check your gear, supplies, and equipment. Once you are complete, do it again. Make sure you know how to use your gear and that your food and water is still sealed and usable. Upgrade your equipment when you can and make sure you know how to use and maintain your firearms. 

Lust

Lust falls in line with greed. Wanting something someone else has can make you act in ways you do not normally do and possibly regret later. Ensuring that you are properly prepared will help to avoid potential situations like this. If someone has something you want, then you probably should have thought about that when you preparing in the first place. 

Pride

Pride, while nice to have to a certain extent, can lead you into trouble once SHTF. It can make you blind to situations or events that you would otherwise be able to pick up on easily, like allowing yourself to be lead into a trap. Don’t allow yourself to become too prideful. Knowing when to back down or when to bend will help to ensure you are around to see another day.

Gluttony

Yes, you want to ensure you have enough to survive when SHTF. However, you also have to know when enough is enough. Too much stuff can slow you down and end up being a burden. What’s the point of having a huge food cache or an arsenal of weapons if you are forced to leave your site? Do not fall into the trap of buying gear that you will never use or really don’t need. Instead, acquire the gear you know you will need and practice using it, this includes hiking with it in your pack. Once you learn how to survive with what you need all of that unnecessary stuff won’t even be an afterthought. 

Wrath

As with pride, wrath can get you into trouble if you are not careful. Learn to let things go move on. There may come a time when your group is threatened by another group and possibly threatening your supplies and resources. Instead of getting upset, control your emotions and use a clear head. Even if you are right and they are the ones doing wrong, it’s better to play it smart. Besides, you never know when the tides of fortune will change in your favor. 

So, after a good look at yourself, do you see any characteristics listed above that describes you? If so, take the time to train yourself on putting them in check. It’s better to start practicing now then waiting till after everything goes down. By using events that pop up during our daily lives, we can practice methods for controlling our emotions that could lead us into some unfavorable situations in the future. The survival tips and survival skills we have mentioned will carry you a long way towards success.