Over ten years ago, I had the chance to take a wilderness survival training course, an experience that was quite unique. While school taught me about mathematics and government, this course taught me about self-confidence.

During the course, I learned many essential skills like starting fires without matches or lighters, identifying edible plants from poisonous ones, and signaling for help. However, the most valuable lesson was learning how to build a shelter from scratch.

Building A Shelter

Along with seven other students, I built a shelter from scratch. During the testing phase, a severe thunderstorm struck, providing a real test for our shelters. Mine was one of the few that remained standing and the only one that didn’t let any water through. I slept through the night without getting wet, and my shelter was voted the best-built. Tearing it down proved how sturdy it was.

I went into this with little experience and ended up impressing even the experts. Building that shelter boosted my confidence more than many other experiences in my life.

Building Confidence By Building A Shelter

Confidence is crucial for surviving in the wilderness. Decisions can mean life or death, and you can’t afford to hesitate. Wilderness survival taught me that confidence is a skill you develop through your actions, not something you’re born with. To become confident, you must take risks and live with the consequences.

Confidence Is Required In The Financial World

Much of your financial life involves taking risks. Investments can decrease in value, and starting a business can be a gamble. However, these methods are proven ways to build wealth and ensure a thriving future, much like building a fire or shelter to survive in the wilderness.

You Do Not Need To Build From Scratch

Building a shelter showed me that I could create something amazing using existing resources. For instance, I built my shelter around a fallen log, which reduced the amount of work needed. Some of my peers thought I was being lazy, but I was the only one who stayed dry.

Similarly, building wealth or a business is often easier when you use existing resources. Franchises generally have a higher success rate because they follow a proven business model. Investing in quality mutual funds or index funds can also be a smart move. While you can build from scratch, it’s often better to build on something stable.

Look For Signs Of Danger

Surviving that storm required me to recognize signs of danger like wind, water, and animal activity. These signs can be subtle, but with training, they become easier to spot.

Avoid The Dangers

You can plan to minimize risks. By placing my shelter on the east side of a log and on a flat slope, I protected it from wind and water damage. Similarly, in investing and business, recognizing signs of danger can help you make better decisions. Pay attention to market trends and general advice to manage risks effectively, much like preparing for a storm.

Final Thoughts

Both finance and wilderness survival require confidence and preparation. Entering either world with the right mindset and skills can be incredibly rewarding. My experience with wilderness survival has helped me on my journey to financial success.

Papa Foxtrot Biography

I’ve always been cautious with money and learned where to invest it wisely. My parents taught me financial literacy early on, which gave me a significant advantage. Through Forge Your Wealth, I aim to help others gain the financial literacy they need to succeed.

I hold a PhD in biochemistry, recently started a job in the industry, and am married to the love of my life. While I graduated without student debt, my wife did not. Over three years, we paid for our wedding debt-free and paid off her student loans.