We've been over the ten (fifteen?) essentials numerous times. Most people could probably recite them in their sleep. Everyone knows how to put together a solid survival kit, perhaps weaker in some areas then others but all basically functional to one degree or another. But what would you say are the ten essential skills for survival? What about habits? If survival is 95% mental, what are the mental tools everyone should have in their "kit"?

The will to survive

Being able to improvise. Not only a skill you need in an emergency but one that helps in every day life too. It's interesting to me the people who don't have this skill.

A healthy recognition that things can go wrong, and the fortitude to take reasonable measures against such events.

A thick enough skin to brush off people who aren't capable of the above.

The ability to see materials, natural and man-made, for what they can be, not what they were manufactured to be.

An innate curiosity about how things work -- machinery, energy converters, animals, ecosystems, crowds.

Just off the top of my head:

Good situational awareness
navigation
Basic meteorology
Good "woodcraft"
First aid
Mental toughness
Emotional resiliance
A strong will to survive
good judgment
knowledge of one's vehicle, equipment and kit, including repair and maintenance
A keen eye for impending trouble
good planning skills
Ability to work with others as both a leader and as a follower
. . .

Jeff

I have one that never gets said, but I think it would help tremendously: A love of the natural world. If you're the type of person who truly enjoys nature and can appreciate its qualities, then I think you would be much more calm while stuck in it. Indeed, you may not even want to use the word "stuck" but instead consider it an unplanned vacation.

Know Thyself.

Practice forgiving yourself by facing and embracing your errors and weaknesses so you can move forward with a clear eye and mind - without dragging the anchors of regret and doubt. When others try to send you on guilt trips by accusing you of errors and weaknesses, just look them in the eye and say, "And proud of it!"

Cody Lundin talked about having a Wayne's World-style "Party On!" mentality in "98.6 Degrees". No matter what obstacle was facing you, he wrote, you've just got to have a go-get-'em "Party On" attitude and just keep hoofing forward.

I admit though, that's a LOT easier said than done. And I doubt I could give a war-cry of "Party On!" if, say, I've just broken my arm. I'd probably cry out a stream of expletives first.

I can NEVER go wrong with the things my late stepfather always taught me, though, which include the following...

Keep things clean and in working order, including your tools, your work area, and yourself.

Keep your eyes open and be aware of what's going on.

Everything you do is a learning experience. The more information you take and keep in your brain, the better off you are.

Go with what your gut tells you when making an important decision. If one of the choices feels wrong, it most likely is.

Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales is a great resourse for that question.

As far as actual hands-on skills go, off the top of my head:

Firecraft
Knifework
Knife sharpening
Knots
Map & Compass nav
Water purification
First Aid
Shelter building
Signalling (have you practiced with your signal mirror?)
Sewing

Experience on how to dress & regulate layers to stay warm/dry/cool. Be in the habit of drinking often to stay hydrated. Know the signs of hypothermia/frostbite/heatstroke.