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Writer's pictureJoshua Barnes

The Crucial 12 Steps of Taking Inventory in Challenging Environments


Mastering Survival Series - Part 1


In the face of unexpected challenges and emergencies, our ability to survive often comes down to our resourcefulness. In a survival situation, being aware of the resources available to us can mean the difference between life and death. Whether it's a wilderness adventure gone awry or a natural disaster, taking inventory of both personal and natural resources becomes a fundamental step toward resilience and survival.



This blog delves into the 12 crucial steps of taking inventory in a survival situation, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate and triumph in the toughest environments.



Step 1: Know Your Arsenal

At the heart of successful survival lies a keen understanding of your personal resources. Identify your skillset, knowledge, and the tools you have at your disposal. Your experiences, training, and abilities will play a critical role in determining your survival prospects. Take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses, and use this knowledge to make informed decisions as you face adversity.

Step 2: Stay Calm, Stay Focused

A survival situation is undeniably stressful, and panic can cloud judgment. However, taking inventory helps keep you calm, centered, and focused. By knowing what you have and what you need, you are better equipped to formulate a plan and allocate resources effectively. Maintaining composure in high-pressure situations is key to optimizing your chances of survival.

Step 3: Prioritize Your Needs

Once you've assessed your resources, it's essential to prioritize your immediate needs. Shelter, water, and food are the cornerstones of survival. Taking inventory empowers you to determine which necessities require immediate attention, allowing you to focus on securing these vital elements.

Step 4: Discover Hidden Gems

Nature can be a generous provider. Taking stock of natural resources available in your surroundings can significantly impact your chances of survival. From identifying water sources to foraging for edible plants, the ability to recognize and utilize these hidden gems is a skill every survivor should possess.

Step 5: Be Adaptable

In survival situations, adaptability is key. By taking inventory, you understand what you have to work with and can adapt your strategies accordingly. Unforeseen circumstances may require innovative thinking and resourcefulness, and your ability to pivot can be a life-saver.

Step 6: Make Every Resource Count

Resources in a survival situation are limited, so it's crucial to use them wisely. Taking inventory helps you ration supplies and make the most of every resource at hand. Efficient resource management extends your survival potential and ensures you have what you need when you need it most.

Step 7: Think Outside the Box

Survival requires creative problem-solving. Taking inventory stimulates resourceful thinking, pushing you to explore unconventional uses for your resources. This ability to think outside the box may lead to ingenious solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Step 8: Boost Your Morale

Staying positive and motivated in a survival situation is essential. Taking inventory and understanding what you have can significantly impact your morale. Confidence in your abilities, combined with the knowledge of available resources, boosts your resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

Step 9: Recognize Your Limits

As important as it is to be resourceful, knowing your limits is equally critical. Taking inventory helps you recognize when you are reaching your physical or mental boundaries. Acknowledging your limitations allows you to seek help or adapt your plan accordingly, preserving your energy and resources.

Step 10: Build a Strategic Plan

A comprehensive inventory serves as the foundation for a well-thought-out survival plan. Armed with the knowledge of your resources, you can strategize and prioritize effectively, maximizing your chances of a safe outcome.

Step 11: Stimulate Resourceful Thinking

Resourcefulness is a mindset cultivated through practice and awareness. Taking inventory stimulates resourceful thinking, a crucial skill that can be honed through training and preparation. The more resourceful you become, the better equipped you'll be to tackle challenges in any survival situation.

Step 12: Stay Prepared, Stay Resourceful!

The final step in mastering the art of taking inventory is to make preparedness a way of life. Cultivate a habit of staying informed about your resources, continually improving your skills, and exploring your surroundings. Embrace resourcefulness as an integral part of your survival mindset, and you'll be better equipped to tackle any adversity that comes your way.




In conclusion, taking inventory of both personal and natural resources is the backbone of successful survival in challenging environments. These 12 crucial steps equip you with the knowledge and mindset needed to navigate through the most trying situations. Remember that resourcefulness is not just about what you have but how you use it. So, stay calm, stay focused, and stay resourceful. Embrace preparedness and resourcefulness as lifelong skills, and you'll empower yourself to conquer any survival situation that life may throw your way.


I hope our information helps out if the time comes to ever need it, and If you like what we are doing at the Woodsrunner School. Show your support, by sharing our content.


Joshua Barnes

Founder & Director of Operations

Woodsrunner School, LLC

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