12 Key Points from Deep Survival

Accept the reality of the situation. Look, see and believe. Recognize that everything, good and bad, emanates from within. They "go inside". Survivors see opportunity, even good, in their situation.

Keep your sense of humor and keep calm. Use fear to focus. Stay on guard against the mutiny of too much emotion.

Get organized - discipline. Set up small manageable tasks and routines. Push away thought that your situation is hopeless. A rational voice emerges, which takes control of the situation. Act with the expectation of success.

Be bold and cautious while carrying out tasks. Survivors are able to transform thoughts into action. Be willing to take risks to save yourself and others. Break very large jobs into small manageable tasks. Set attainable goals and develop short-term plans to reach them.

Take joy in completing tasks. Create an ongoing feeling of motivation to prevent the descent into hopelessness. This provides relief from the unspeakable stress.

Be grateful - you are alive. This is how survivors become rescuers instead of victims. There is always someone else they are helping more than themselves - even if that someone is not present.

Sing, play mind games, recite poetry, count anything, do mathematical problems in your head. The more you have learned and experienced of art, music, poetry, literature, philosophy, mathematics, and so on, the more resources you will have to fall back on. Count your steps, and dedicate each hundred to another person you care about. Engage the crisis almost as a game. Playing leads to invention, and invention may lead to a new technique, strategy or a piece of equipment that could save you.

Survivors are attuned to the wonder of the world. The appreciation of beauty and the feeling of awe opens the senses. This relieves stress, creates strong motivation, and allows you to take in new information more effectively.

Develop a deep conviction that you'll live. Survivors consolidate their personalities, fix their determination, make no more mistakes, be very careful, and do their very best.

Let go of your fear of dying. Put away the pain - survivors manage pain well. Resignation without giving up.

Be determined. Have the will and the skill. Know your abilities and do not over- or underestimate them. Survivors believe that anything is possible and act accordingly.

Let nothing break your spirit. There is always one more thing you can do. Survivors are not easily frustrated or discouraged by setbacks. They accept that the environment is constantly changing. They pick themselves up and start the entire process over again, breaking it down into manageable bits. Survivors always have a clear reason for going on. They keep their spirits up with rich memories. Survivor learn from and are grateful for the experiences they've had.