There is a lot going on in the world... And while most things we read about in the news are out of our control, we can control our attention, our decisions and actions, the habits we build or break, the values we live by and how we prepare for challenges. Let's get to it!

#0 - Prepping is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't overwhelm yourself and burn out. Take it easy and move one step at a time. Don't advertise to the world that you are prepping. Keep it under the radar and vet people first before you spill the beans!

#1 - Stop constantly consuming the news. It will reduce your anxiety. You don't want to be oblivious to what's going on in the world, but limit your news consumption to once a week or less. Most of it is just smoke clouding your mind and 99.9% of "breaking" news exist only to steal your attention and drive you to a news websites so they can monetize your traffic. Your attention is a scarce resource. Be very mindful of what you use it for. Stop doomscrolling!

#2 - Store what you eat and eat what you store. Have enough food and water on hand to cover three days, then a week, two weeks and so on. Aim for at least a month of supplies. Build your stash slowly but steadily. Rotate your food. First-in, first-out. Cheap, shelf-stable and healthy food to keep on hand includes dry rice, beans, lentils and chickpeas. They require cooking, so keep enough water and a backup cooking method including fuel around. Stockpile important medications.

#3 - Take care of your body. Get your teeth and whatever else needs fixing taken care of as soon as possible. Floss, waterpik and then brush your teeth at least twice a day. Get a cheap mouthguard if you're grinding your teeth. Work out. Walk, run, carry stuff and have comfortable equipment like good shoes, backpacks and all-season clothing. Catch some sunlight, touch some grass. Get enough sleep. Eat and drink healthy things. Stretch. Treat your body well.

#4 - Find your tribe(s). Get to know your neighbors. Find a third space outside of home and work/school where you can spend some time with other humans. Build a network of people with skills that can be helpful and think about how you can support them.

#5 - Money gives you flexibility. Have an emergency fund to cover your expenses for a week, then a month, then three months. Aim to save enough to cover 12 months of living expenses. It may take a long time to get there, but just start and save as much as you can. Live frugally. Wait a couple of days before buying random stuff. Find additional income streams. Have cash in small bills at home so you can still buy essentials should the power go out. Reduce debt. Learn about investing fundamentals; check out Bogleheads.

#6 - Improve your skills: first aid, self-defense, communication, electronics, gardening, basic vehicle repairs and maintenance, home repairs, healthy cooking, land navigation, etc. If you're working in a field which may be automated by AI, learn another skill which is less prone to automation (e.g. electronics repair, carpentry, plumbing, etc.). Always try to improve your skills and learn new ones.

#7 - Keep your car/bike in working order. Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times and your vehicles battery charged. Know how to change a tire and do basic maintenance and repairs.

#8 - Backup your data, ideally in multiple locations. Don't rely on the cloud. Download important data like Wikipedia from Kiwix and any software you would need to set up your computer and phone again without the internet.

#9 - Have different means of communication (like using this platform). Get your ham radio license and play with long-distance, high-frequency digital modes like JS8Call and those you find in FLDIGI. Be able to receive radio frequencies. Be able to receive local TV channels with a cheap antenna. Establish a communications plan with people you may be separated from.

#10 - If you are new to this or feel behind the curve, just know that everyone starts somewhere. Every small step you take today builds a foundation that puts you further ahead than you were yesterday. Just keep breathing and moving forward.

Lastly, some stoic quotes that you may find helpful.

* Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.

* Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years.

* You have power over your mind not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

* The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.

-- Marcus Aurelius

* Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

* It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.

* Associate with people who are likely to improve you.

-- Seneca

* First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

* No great thing is created suddenly.

* Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

* The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.

* Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.

* How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?

-- Epictetus