When it comes to exploring your values and what you truly stand for, doing thought experiments will help to test your resolve. Understand in your heart where you stand. Write it down. Define the limits you are not willing to cross. Understand your whys. Where is your faith based and what are you protecting? Having a clear understanding before you are faced with stressors will remove emotions from decision-making, and give you confidence. You need to be agile mentally and physically for survival.