Entire books can be written on the will to survive, but what it all boils down to, in my opinion, is the ability to recognize a survival situation early and act before the mind is bombarded with fear and panic. This comes through knowledge and training and a strong will to live.

-Survival is nearly 100% a mental challenge.

-The best survival tool is your mind.

-Fear of the unknown, of failure, even embarrassment will hinder you ability to survive.

-Anticipate problems and recognize dangers to avoid survival situations.

-Fear of being alone can seem unbearable. Learn to rely solely on yourself.

-Stay determined, but stay smart. Don’t push on in bad weather, but don’t sit down and die either.

-Every minute your are alive, you are winning.

-Keep in mind these key search factors:

1. A search will start sooner if you leave your schedule with family or friends.
2. Searches for missing hikers usually start within 24 hours after they are overdue.
3. Searches for missing aircraft start within an hour after they are overdue.
4. Searchers almost always cover the same area twice.
5. Rescuers will usually search for 5 days without any further leads, before reducing their efforts.

-Practice survival skills. Then you can say, “Hey, I’ve done this before.”