If there is one thing for certain in anyone’s life it’s that there will be challenging and adverse circumstances at some point. Bad luck in the form of illness or injury, job loss or family break-ups touches most of our lives in one way or another, regardless of how successful we are.
Indeed, it is these setbacks and how we deal with them that shape us as people. You can’t gaze into the future, but you can plan for difficult times, and doing so can save a lot of heartache and uncertainty further down the line as well as plan for the worst.
How to Plan For the Worst
Know Who To Turn To
Recovery is all about the support networks you have around you. These groups of personal friends and the right professional contacts can make all the difference when it comes to bouncing back. On a personal level, cherish your friendships and nurture connections that run deeper than retweets and likes on Facebook.
Take the time to see friends and family in person and spend quality time together to strengthen bonds. Those relationships can be a lifeline if circumstances take a turn for the worse. Get the right professional contacts through word of mouth – if you have an accident, knowing a.good personal injury attorney can mean a speedier recovery and better compensation.
Make a Rainy Day Budget
Living within your means is a skill which seems to be rapidly disappearing in today’s environment of instant access credit and rampant consumerism. But it’s something which most definitely comes in handy when a crisis hits that will affect your income.
Figure out exactly where you can cut back if needed and work out some easy ways to save money on your expenses. Aim to set aside some savings each month as a rainy day fund to tide you over -3-6 months of your usual income is the goal.
Check Your Cover
No one likes paying out for insurance, but the truth is, it can be a lifeline if disaster hits. Home and contents insurance is a must have in case of theft or natural disaster, while life insurance for you and your partner, especially if you have kids, is a must to provide for them if anything happens to you.
If you are self-employed, income protection insurance can be a lifeline if you get ill and cannot work anymore. If you are an employee and get medical insurance, take full advantage of it, and if you get wind there are changes or job losses planned, take advantage of cover while you can by booking in medical and dental checkups to fit in any treatment required before things change.
Develop Emotional Resilience
In life, you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it so it’s worthwhile learning how to develop some emotional resilience. This will help you handle the stresses of any negative situation better. It can transform your life for the better as it gives you tools to cope with whatever unexpected adversity crops up.