When it comes to the essentials of survival, the ability to maintain focus is vital. Staying focused requires a plan so you can see the big picture while executing the small details. For this article, I took my inspiration from the navy seals. The seals implement a five-step plan to perform missions. The first phase is the insertion. The activity is all about getting the team to the area of execution. Phase two is infiltration. Once you get there, the team needs to be able to get to the physical location to perform the objective. Phase three focuses on the actions during the objective. What is the point of your mission? Phase four is exfiltration. This process involves getting out of the objective area, and phase five is extracting the team or getting back home.

At every phase of this process, some things can go wrong. You need to think through these contingencies so you can be productive keep pushing towards your objective no matter what obstacles you encounter. If you are not moving forward, you are moving backward.

The five-phase system can apply to your survival situation. An emergency can be scary and leave your mind panicked, but this is when you need to focus the most. The first thing you need to do is assess the scope of the task you have in front of you. What do you need to get done? During phase two, you need to define the specifics of what needs to get done and design the project. Consider all the tools and supplies you will need to accomplish that task. Then consider who in your group you can delegate to help get this job done.

Phase three is acting on the plan. All of the planning you did in step two goes into motion during this phase. Phase four is testing, inspecting, and improving. Did your plan work? How can you do it with fewer supplies or energy? How can you improve this process in the future? Test all options now before you are in trouble. Phase five involves teaching others to replicate the process.

Be persistent. Dig deep and focus. Be more today than you were yesterday.

During the disaster, your mind’s focus is critical. Don’t be distracted by the lights and alarms. Focus on what is working and make those things work for you. You may not have to fix everything that has gone wrong. Those things that are effective may be enough to get you through the situation safely.

Avoid analysis paralysis. Don’t overthink the situation. Try to simplify whatever you can so you can focus on the success of the situation instead of the problems.

Stress levels will be high, and this can cloud your mind—practice metal modeling. When the sun is shining, and the weather is sweet, think about what could go wrong and how you can work with that. Try to consider contingency plans.

Assign tasks to your team and delegate responsibilities. If everyone is looking one way, make sure someone is looking the other way. Lean on your team, and don’t let your ego get in the way. You can’t do it all alone. It is okay to ask for help.

Mental focus is your key to survival. Have the five-stage plan ready to go well ahead of time. Practice mental exercises so your body knows what to do even when your mind wants to panic. Lean on your team and learn from them. Be ready for the inevitable.