When all the Christmas lights are up, and the tree is decorated, it’s a nice time to slow down. Sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire. It’s also a nice time to plan the future.
We got our first real snow this week. And it got me thinking. Much of our time is spent outside during most of the year. But winter gives you an opportunity to focus inward and grow your preparedness in other ways.
Having a clear plan is key to real preparedness. It’s not just purchase one thing here and there. If you don’t know how you will use it (or even how to use that fancy trauma kit you bought) then those items are useless to you. And thinking you will be able to “figure it out” on the fly is foolish and short sighted.
As you sit and relax by the fire, now is a good time to read through those books you have been piling up all year. Remember, all those ones that you told yourself you would make time later. Later has arrived.
For our businesses and homestead, the last half of December is dedicated to planning and preparing. In the business, we figure out the directions we want to take. Reviewing how things went at different events, we decide which to sign back up for again. We also look at what content we want to create in the coming year.
On the homestead, we review what worked, what failed and where we need to focus to continue to grow our preparedness. As an example, we made a very elaborate spreadsheet to track our food and non-food supplies. It’s a great concept, yet it failed miserably because it was always out of date.
Instead, we have decided to choose a count of items we wanted on the shelves. Now when we do the inventory, it’s a simple walk down the shelves and see what is missing. Yes, there are the random items here and there. But inventory and stocking go much quicker when we are not worried about an elaborate spreadsheet that might not even work if crap hits the fan.
When it’s snowing outside, it’s time to take your energy inside. Planning for the next year is a big part of making that happen. Not saying a plan won’t change, but going without a plan is just crazy.
Take a day or two and plan for the next year. And then grab that mug of cocoa and read a good book. Make it educational and you will get even farther.