How to be completely self reliant

It is easy to learn a few skills but in life one needs to learn many to be completely self reliant. This is a process and does require hard work and persistence till one reaches one’s destination of becoming completely self reliant. The best aapect of reaching there is knowing we shall never be let down by others. This is the reason why smaller and more integrated communities are more efficient today than mega cities and malls as they do not have too many factors to depend on. This task itself is a challenging but rewarding goal. It involves developing skills, mindset, and resources to meet your own needs without depending on external systems.

Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

1. Develop Essential Survival Skills 

Food Production: Learn gardening, permaculture, hunting, fishing, and foraging. 

Water Sourcing: Know how to collect, filter, and purify water (rainwater harvesting, wells, distillation). 

Shelter Building: Understand basic construction, off-grid living, and alternative energy (solar, wind). 

First Aid & Medicine: Learn herbal remedies, basic medical care, and emergency response. 

2. Achieve Financial Independence 

Reduce Debt: Eliminate loans, credit cards, and mortgages. 

Earn Passively: Invest in income streams (real estate, stocks, online businesses). 

Live Frugally: Cut unnecessary expenses and adopt a minimalist lifestyle. 

Bartering Skills: Trade goods/services instead of relying solely on money. 

3. Secure Off-Grid Living 

Land Ownership: Buy property in a sustainable location (with water, fertile soil). 

Renewable Energy: Install solar panels, wind turbines, or micro-hydro systems. 

Waste Management: Compost toilets, greywater systems, and recycling. 

4. Master Self-Sufficiency Skills 

Food Preservation: Canning, drying, fermenting, and root cellaring. 

DIY Repairs: Fix your own car, appliances, and tools. 

Clothing & Textiles: Sewing, knitting, and leatherworking. 

Defense & Security: Basic self-defense, firearms training (if legal), and home security. 

5. Mental & Emotional Resilience 

Adaptability: Learn problem-solving and improvisation. 

Stress Management: Meditation, journaling, and mindfulness. 

Community (Optional): While self-reliance is key, having a trusted network can provide backup. 

6. Reduce Reliance on Modern Systems 

Grow Your Own Medicine: Herbs like aloe, echinacea, and lavender. 

Alternative Communication: Ham radio, signal mirrors, Morse code. 

Transportation Independence: Biking, animal transport, or fuel-efficient vehicles. 

7. Continuous Learning & Adaptation 

Read books on survival, homesteading, and mechanics. 

Practice skills regularly (fire-making, navigation, etc.)

Stay updated on sustainable technologies. 

We need to give enough importance to this essenrial aspect of life and never ignore it for we shall need this definitely in the journey of our life.

It is not as complicated as it sounds intially. We must give it enough time to understand it completely and then begin doing this. We could start smal by mastering one skill at a time (e.g., growing food, then energy, then finances). Full self-reliance takes years, but each step makes you more resilient. 

With each step taken and each skill mastered, we shall also start becoming more adaptable in all the conditions that life may throw at all of us and shall become more helpful and useful to others around us too. With this, our self esteem too shall improve for sure. Lets begin now, friends. 

By Jamuna Rangachari