Let me tell you about the dark side of prepping.
It starts innocently. You get a few supplies. Then a few more. Then you're researching gear at 2am. Then you're worried about scenarios you never considered. Then you're buying backup backups. Then you're stressed about things that might never happen. And spending far too much on the advice of every Youtube personality you come across.
That's not prepping. That's anxiety with a credit card.
The Line Between Healthy and Unhealthy
Healthy preparedness creates peace of mind. You did the thing, checked it off, and now you can relax.
Unhealthy obsession creates more anxiety. Every solution reveals ten new problems. You can never be "done."
Signs You're Doing It Right
- You feel MORE relaxed than before you started (you have a plan!)
- Your preps are organized and maintained (not chaotic piles)
- You have a budget and stick to it (no debt for preps)
- Your family supports it (or at least tolerates it)
- You focus on realistic scenarios (hurricanes, job loss, power outages) but have fun with the more extreme. (Just in case)
- You can take a European or cruise vacation without obsessing!
- You still enjoy golf, hobbies, and just plain fun in your life
Signs You've Crossed the Line
- You are MORE anxious and losing sleep over scenarios (every prep reveals 3 more worries)
- You're spending money you don't have (and going into debt)
- You're neglecting relationships or work
- You can't enjoy life ("what if disaster strikes during vacation?")
- Your spouse is worried about you (not the disasters)
- You are sacrificing present happiness for hypothetical future disasters
- You prepare for unrealistic scenarios (zombies, alien invasion)
- You can't stop thinking about worst-case scenarios at all times
The real goal: Get 6-12 months of supplies in place. Maintain them quarterly with a good system. Then GO LIVE YOUR LIFE.
Preparedness Is the Foundation. It's Not the House.
Don't spend your whole life building the foundation and forget to actually live in the house.
Your preps exist so you can stop worrying and start living. If they're causing more worry, something has gone wrong.
I think we professionals are especially prone to this because we're trained to think through EVERY possible complication. But at some point, we have to say "this is enough" and trust our preparation.
READ NEXT
Why We Prep: A Story from the ER →