Prepare Yourself Now for the Changing World

Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

My mother’s favorite proverb was, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This timeless wisdom suggests that it is better to stop a problem from happening than it is to correct the problem once it has happened. For example, preventing a fire is much better than dealing with a fire once it has occurred. Of course, not all problems are within our control, but some of their negative effects can be reduced with preparation.

Here are three suggestions on how you can prepare for the future now:

1. Focus your spending on your basic necessities now

The news has been full of warnings about inflation, bank failures and a potential financial crisis, which will inevitably bring with it significant changes in how we live and work, including the potential for new solutions, such as the centralized digital currency and centralized digital identification.¹

Wealth can be lost like the bubbles in a bottle of champagne. Money and things can be taken from us at any time and, often, for any reason. Although we wish we could control all aspects of our lives, in reality, we are limited in the decisions we can make. Who knows what lies ahead, but what we do know is that we can prepare ourselves now to be more resilient to future changes, including disruptions, in our lives and communities.

Begin today by preparing a list of 1) what are your basic needs or necessities to live a simple, meaningful life; 2) what things are nice to have; and 3) what things are extravagant and perhaps unnecessary. Begin today to focus on your basic needs and cut back on the unnecessary. Not only will this strengthen your finances in the face of a crisis, but you may also feel less stressed and freer. (The challenge, of course, is that we keep redefining what our necessities are, wanting more and more.)

2. Free yourself from your fears now

The rate of change is accelerating, perhaps faster than many people are able to cope. It is in our best interest to prepare ourselves to deal with these rapid changes by trying to understand what the proposed changes could be, anticipating how we might react to these proposed changes, and reflecting on how we can reduce our level of fear if and when these changes become a reality.

Having too many fears blocks us from living our lives to the fullest. Having too many fears zaps our energy and creates unnecessary drama and tension. By giving into our fears, we are allowing something outside of us to have more power than we believe we have ourselves.

Ask yourself if you are fearing loss (“Will I lose my job, money, or relationship?”), fearing change (“How can I keep my old routine or the way things used to be?”) and ultimately, fearing the unknown (“What will happen to me if I resist the change?”).

Seek to understand the source of your fears. These may have formed in early childhood when you were taught to be extra careful in life, or to be suspicious of the world, believing the world is limited and that there never was or never will be enough money, support, or love. By repeating these limiting beliefs, the cycle of fear continues. These unresolved fears may amplify the level of fear you may feel when faced with new situations.

Reduce your level of fear by understanding the source of the fear; questioning its continued validity; realizing what you can and cannot control; proactively asking yourself, “What can I do right now to lessen this fear?”; and shifting your focus of attention to something more positive.

Instead of being fearful or trying to control external circumstances, focus on creating a meaningful life — cherishing your health, spending time with people you like, and using your talents to make the world a better place.

3. Discover how you find meaning in your day and in your life now

As world-famous psychiatrist Dr. Viktor Frankl discovered during World War II, having a sense of meaning was the most important determinant of survival. But he observed, “Even more people today have the means to live but no meaning to live for.”²

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Ask yourself, "What is most important in my life and how can I improve my life so I am putting these important elements at the core of my life each day?" Remember, the will to meaning comes from within. It is this connection to meaning that will sustain you and guide you through the next crisis.

Ultimately, the best way to prepare for our changing world is to focus on the necessities of life, reduce our fears, and discover how an understanding of meaning is critical. But we must begin now.