There is a famous quote by the author G. Michael Hopf that states “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”  For multiple generations we have experienced the "good times", and as a consequence we have created generations of increasingly weak people. 

In society these fragilities manifest in many ways including victim culture, poor work ethic, a collapse of values, narcissism, feelings of entitlement, blaming society for all life's woes, lack of personal responsibility, and over-dependency on the state.

These problems and other contributing factors such as macro-economic mega trends, a breakdown in global trade, unfavourable national demographics, the impact of social media, a breakdown in the perception of truth and facts, and the rise of politically divisive and puritanical thinking are now leading a rapid degeneration of our social cohesion, societal structures and norms.  We are teetering on the precipice of "hard times".

The challenge that we face is that weak, or psychologically unprepared people lack even the basic requirements to get through the hard times - we need to build resilience across our nation, and that requires individuals to focus on themselves and ask the key question "What can I do to improve my personal and household resilience in order to withstand sudden changes in circumstances, an emergency or disaster?"

To build Economic Resilience

1. Try to pay off all of your existing debts - or at least reduce your debt burden. This can be achieved by selling off unwanted items, reducing your weekly expenditure or downsizing your property.   You should always pay off your higher interest or short-term loans first.
2. Look for alternate forms of currency to mitigate your exposure to financial loss in the event of runaway inflation.  For example, consider holding precious metals, certain crypto currencies or other national currencies to spread the risk.
3. Diversify your income. If possible don't rely solely on income from one source. To supplement your earnings, consider taking a second job, or start a small business or side gig that reduces your exposure to sudden loss of your primary income.
4. Reduce your miscellaneous discretionary spending to help build up savings to insulate yourself from an unexpected event or emergency.
5. Ensure you have a reasonable quantity of physical cash available, in the event that banks temporarily fail and you can't access your accounts - the more the better.

To develop Practical Resilience

1. It's important to research how societies have coped with disasters in the past, both locally and other nations. This will build your understanding of how events can unfold and how people managed to get through these times - winners and losers.
2. Improve your self-reliance by learning key skills such as growing your own fruit and vegetables, raising livestock, DIY, basic medical skills, carpentry, engineering and food preservation.
3. Develop your skill sets in an area that you believe will improve your career options and flexibility regardless of economic or societal shocks.
4. Reduce your reliance on the national power grid by investing renewable energy sources such as heat pumps and solar panels.
5. Purchase a back-up generator in case electricity fails
6. Build up a supply of long-life food that can be consumed if supply chains fail or restrictions are introduced.
7. Ensure you have a supply of key survival and emergency equipment including back up items such as batteries, fuel, medicines and water reserves.
8. Consider relocating outside of cities to somewhere safer and more secure in the event of a crisis.
9. Consider moving into a shared home with members of your wider family to create a stronger, more robust family unit with many income streams.
10. Invest in log burners that can be used to heat your home cheaply in the event of a gas and electricity crisis (also consider the local availability of a source of cheap wood).
11. Ensure you are able to protect yourself by taking self-defence lessons and investing in appropriate equipment.
12. Ensure you have a reasonable supply of medical equipment and stock of any essential prescription medicines that you rely on.

To improve Emotional & Psychological Resilience

1. Eat healthier, focusing on nutrition and a balanced diet.
2. Get stronger and fitter through physical exercise and sport.
3. Become part of the local community, creating strong and genuine relationships.
4. Become part of a community of likeminded people - developing meaningful relationships with people who share your concerns and see the benefits of becoming more prepared.
5. Get plenty of fresh air, sunlight and sleep.

If individuals take the challenge seriously and change their mindsets they will be far better prepared for a volatile and uncertain future - able to pivot in the event of a crisis and look after themselves, their friends and family regardless of what life might throw at them.