ENDURE: November 21, 2014

Let it.....Nooooo!

Spoiler Summary - sometimes being prepared is so darn underrated.

I opened the trunk of my car to grab a few things when something caught the corner of my eye.  What?  Ugh!  I looked into the parking lot lamps and realized - yep, it was snow.  Now, I heard a few of the reports calling for a dusting "North and West of the city" - but I didn't think much of it.....however, when I saw the flakes falling from the sky a few hours later I was forced to face a reality I never quite like: ol' man winter is knocking.....and no matter how badly I want to ignore and put it off, the bone-chilling, tire-skidding, back-straining and otherwise soul-taxing months are right around the corner.  

So now what?  How will this first warning sign of worse things to come influence me (and us all)?  Well, if the Science on preparedness is correct, some people won't even think twice - it's not enough to worry about - so they'll likely just ignore it until it's worthy of their attention.  Others will get inspired and start checking out how many inches fell in other spots - key skiing destinations perhaps - and plan their next vacation, even if only in their dreams.  And still others will think through a checklist of items in order to make sure they're prepared, a process that they've put in place after years of experience.....and maybe a close enough call that they were forced to act.

So which are you?  Are you the put it off until it's bigger news type?  Or, are you the dream it through type?  Or, maybe, you're one of the pay attention and mobilize few?  And, how many of each category are there?  Well, the statistics aren't so wonderful. Some surveys say as little as 25% of individuals have a preparation mindset (as evidenced by having either written or discussed an emergency plan with their families).....and some experts say that the 25% estimate is WAY too high.  Maybe this is why there always seems to be a conversation about how many folks "forgot how to drive" on the first snow fall.  Or, perhaps it's why, regardless of whether the "naturally occurring" or the stock-market variety, so many people find themselves stuck in harm's way when disaster hits.

But imagine if we could look into the future.  What if we knew that something was so likely that it was virtually guaranteed to happen.....then would we act?  Some would.....but unfortunately, if the statistics about natural disasters tell us anything it's that many would do everything they can to "ride it out".  After all, one of the most powerful phrases in our language is:  "It's not going to happen to me"......until it does.....and then we find ourselves saying "I can't believe I let this happen - the signs were all there".

Truly, I'm not much of a snow person.....but no matter how much I dislike it....the signs that it's on its way are clear and present.....the question is not if it will snow, but whether I'll prepare & prevent or procrastinate and pay-later.  It's a choice we all face.....and although perhaps one of the most obvious examples, it may be one of the gentlest reminders we get of one of the most harsh realities we face:  pay now in preparedness, or pay later in regret.  Well, if it's more than just the driving routine that needs winterizing......we're here when you're ready.  Think about it.

Have a great weekend,

Mike E.