It’s easy to get complacent, especially when someone starts to believe that the journey is over. They’ve bought what they are going to buy, attended a few tactical schools and feel confident in the ability to recognize/react to all of the major SHTF threats. Here are 5 reasons I believe that preppers tend to get complacent, let me know what you think in the comment section.
1- They run out of money to prep with. This is probably the most common reason preppers sit back and take it easy. Once people awaken to the fact that the 2 days worth of food in the pantry is not enough, spending usually commences in full force. Once the money runs out or the credit card(s) are maxed out, that’s all she wrote.
2- They run out of space. Similar to the money problem but this time it’s related to the area where the preps are stored. Once the closets and basement are full the mindset sets in: “we are done prepping because we are now fully stocked and ready to go.”
3- The threats lose their urgency. When you read about EMP strikes, Cyber Attacks, Economic Collapse and Martial Law over and over again for months or even years it’s easy get complacent. The articles lose their punch, their urgency, their ability to make people act because although the threats are real the constant regurgitation has watered them down.
4- Predictions are incorrect. I remember watching a DDP episode where one person just knew that a massive solar flare would send us back to the stone age in 2012. It didn’t happen. Others have predicted TEOTWAWKI type events in the past years and those have yet to materialize. Gun control this year didn’t happen across the board although the push is on. Precious metal prices have not gone through the roof and hyperinflation has not set in. Not to say that these scenarios aren’t possible (we are well on our way) but when you have failed predictions credibility starts to fade.
5- Information overload = need to unplug. This is sort of related to # 3, but with the overload of prepping type shows, blogs, websites, YouTube vids it’s understandable that some might want to unplug in an attempt to go back to a “normal” life. A life where every day isn’t filled with doom and gloom and reasons why looters will be busting down doors is plastered all over the web.
So there you have it, 5 reasons why preppers tend to get complacent. What do you think?
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Good list PJ. I believe finances and the “new wearing off” (loss of a sense of urgency) cause most preppers to peak and valley throughout the process more than anything else.
A number 6 on the list could be the thought or feeling of “I cannot get there” or that their ability to prep is inadequate.
I would also add “peer pressure”, for lack of a better term. Friends or family find out you are prepping, even if you tell them with the best of intentions, such as trying to show why you are prepping, can give you a ration of grief and snide remarks from others that dont agree with the subject.
Thank you for a thoughtful, well-written and sane site! My husband and I represent the awkward niche of hyper-educated armed liberals with prep bags in every vehicle, a bug out plan and off-the-grid independent property (where we just hosted Thanksgiving for a dozen people.). I appreciate the apolitical, fact-based articles and links. This is my new favorite prep site and I will be sure to pass along the link! Peace & Prep 🙂
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I’m glad you think I’m sane, that can only be a good thing! 🙂 Welcome to the site.