When we preppers think of mindset and what will help us through a SHTF event, I would hazard a guess that most of us first think of mental toughness. Sure, toughness matters and we do need a lot of that during these difficult and stressful times.
What I’m going to share in this article is a mindset that I believe is helping me through this kind of slow-burning SHTF that we’re currently in. I am seeing the benefits in many areas of life of my rationing mindset and I hope it might be helpful to you, too.
What is a Rationing Mindset?
As this is an idea of my own, I can’t consult Webster’s Dictionary for any help here. I would say that a rationing mindset has got two parts. The first part is being able to track usage of available resources and maintain awareness of what is an acceptable usage level in your current context. The second part is the kicker: being willing and able to cut down the above usage when the context demands it.
In a certain way, a rationing mindset is definitely connected to mental toughness. Can you do what is necessary to reduce your usage of resources when you need to? If you cannot, then your alternative is to increase your resources. Based on what I’ve read of Selco’s writings, that can be a high-risk endeavour, indeed, in a true SHTF.
Example: Toilet Paper
QUICK: How much toilet paper do you need to supply your household for a week at your current usage levels? If you don’t know how many rolls on average, ask yourself if that is a useful number to know. Knowing how much you use for a week allows you to quickly extrapolate right up to a year with basic math.
NEXT: How much toilet paper do you currently have on hand and how long will it last? If you don’t know these two numbers, you might want to also ask yourself if these are useful number to know. Yes, I’m certain I can hear a number of you calling out that you have several shelves full of it, and that is lots.
Remember the demand for TP during the pandemic? It could become a valued trading item. However, wouldn’t it be helpful to know how long your stash will last if you cut it in half, trading the other half for, say, fuel?
TRY THIS: In a similar vein, whatever your current usage is, cut it in half. Yes, this week. Just cut it in half. Set out what everyone gets to use and hide the rest (if you can). If you don’t know your usage, check your usage this week and halve it next week.
This is the rationing mindset. Think of the best way to accomplish this. Do you…..leave out the full supply and let everyone help themselves, trusting that they will reduce by 50%? Do you….leave out a few rolls and keep the rest in a secret place for towards the end of the week? OR, do you….ration a number of squares to each person per day or give them their own roll and wish them luck?
If you do run out before the end of the week, you can send your family members to this great article on Toilet Paper Alternatives!
You might be pooh-poohing (ha ha pun definitely intended!) and say that is a stupid drill, and what can I or anyone else learn from it? Here is where I see the value in it: You will determine at least two of the three levels of rationing in your household for that item.
The Three Levels of Rationing
The first level of rationing is Unconstrained Usage. I would say this is a comfortable level of usage where you are not concerned with cutting back. For toilet paper, this would what I would call your regular household usage during non-pandemic times. Keep in mind this is not a wasteful level. You are not using excess, but perhaps not monitoring carefully. Let’s be honest: you could be using less.
The second level of rationing is Constrained Usage. This is at around 50 – 70% of the first level, so you are definitely cutting back on how you use the item. The percentage of this will vary from item to item. What’s important here is that the level of usage is still functional. Using the example of the toilet paper, in constrained usage, you have cut back substantially on what you are using, but the toilet paper is still doing its job.
The third level of rationing is Ultra Constrained Usage. This is the level of usage of an item that is just above the limit of functionality. This level of usage is not pleasant and barely doing its job. This is just above the level where you would say, “Using this amount of toilet paper isn’t worth it, or is worse than not using any!”
You may remember a time when you were low on toilet paper but couldn’t get to the store right away. Suddenly your usage went from level one to level two, and then, when only those last few squares remained…..to level three.
Why Care About the Levels?
The levels are a tool. There are different ways to use them. With certain crucial items in the household, you could actually experiment and identify the three levels (e.g., toilet paper, toothpaste, rice, oatmeal).
In your records of your preps, do you record only how much of each item you have? Or do you record how long it will last? Now, that you know the levels, how long would it last at each of the three levels as you have defined it? This can help you understand exactly what it is you have and what the long term potential of it actually is in three different contexts.
The levels can also be a shared language amongst the household. You can do a drill, such as the toilet paper drill suggested above, “Hey everyone, money is tight this month, we’re going to level two on toilet paper. Please act accordingly.”
And, yes, this is harder to do with food. I fast once in a while because I think it is invaluable training for any SHTF (Warning: Do not do this unless you first check with your doctor that it is safe for you!). Cutting back portions or going without supper are going to be pretty routine occurrences during SHTF. I don’t want to be finding out what hunger like while under all of the other stress at the same time. I see my preparedness as training towards mental flexibility, and therefore, I don’t mind if it’s difficult sometimes.
It’s Rational to Ration Y’All!
Adopting a rationing mindset gives you more insight into how long your preps could actually last. Could you see yourself trying the TP drill suggested here? Do you have your own ideas about rationing TP or other preps you can share with us? Please tell us in the comments section.
About Rowan
Rowan O’Malley is a fourth-generation Irish American who loves all things green: plants (especially shamrocks), trees, herbs, and weeds! She challenges herself daily to live her best life and to be as fit, healthy, and prepared as possible.
One Response
Knowing what could happen in the future, I find myself slowing down and really savoring certain items. An example is since chocolate and coffee are becoming more expensive due to not just inflation, but world weather events, etc I seem very naturally conscious of how much I consume. I tend to savor my interactions with both. So far I haven’t cut way back, as we stocked up on the first mention of inventory issues, but I am aware of how many months supply we have and replace the items when shopping.
I like the idea of giving each person their own TP roll, if that is ever an issue. There are alternatives to paper for this use, but for some people having some of their own might be comforting.
Do we really need to practice severe moderation or denial? I wonder because if I think back on my life going into this mindset comes quite naturally when one is faced with a real shortage situation.
On the ither hand, I do think practicing fasting, so one knows what to expect, if for no other reason like the health benefits, is worth while. Also, keeping track of one’s supplies in an organized way is important for peace of mind. The article did make me think, so I found it worthwhile.