Develop Your Own Crisis Plan—Why Preparation Beats Paralysis Every Single Time

It’s tempting to believe that preparation is only for the paranoid, yet every crisis expert—from hostage negotiators to ER nurses—depends on rehearsed routines. When Fabiana’s sister noticed suspicious lights near their home, her warning was initially dismissed; trusting their instincts later saved the entire family from a violent break-in. These micro-decisions and practiced drills, often laughed off when everything is calm, form the backbone of true resilience.

At home and in business, Fabiana drilled family and teams: describing strangers, mapping exits, practicing unusual scenarios. She even made crisis routines a daily game with her children—spotting details, recounting car license plates, or picking out behaviors out of pattern.

Research backs her up—repeated practice converts panic into purposeful action. When faced with the unexpected, the brain quickly falls back on the last routine it rehearsed. Regular exposure to “what if…” scenarios dramatically reduces freeze responses and makes decisiveness automatic.

Identify your three likeliest crisis scenarios—think through them in writing, then walk through the first steps or run a role-play with your family, team, or just yourself. Each drill, no matter how basic, makes you a bit less vulnerable and a lot more courageous. Keep it fun if you like, but stick with it—the real gain comes when you can act before panic takes over.