Short Answer
Set triggers by defining clear, observable conditions that automatically force action. Good triggers are objective, limited in number, and decided in advance — so you don’t have to think when thinking is hardest.
How Do I Set Triggers So I Don’t Freeze or Delay?
Freezing and delay rarely come from fear alone — they come from unclear thresholds. When people don’t know exactly when to act, they wait, debate, and miss windows. Triggers solve this by converting conditions into automatic decisions.
Reality
Why people freeze and delay
Freezing is not a lack of courage. It’s a lack of thresholds. When no condition clearly signals “now,” people wait for certainty that never arrives.
Triggers replace judgment with commitment.
Definition
What a trigger actually is
A trigger is a pre-decided rule that converts a condition into an action. It removes debate, timing anxiety, and emotional negotiation.
- Condition: Something observable changes
- Rule: “If this happens, we do that”
- Action: A specific, limited move
Avoid
Triggers that fail
- Feelings (“when it feels bad enough”)
- Predictions (“if things keep getting worse”)
- Vague signals (“a lot of people are talking”)
- Multiple layered conditions
Use
Triggers that work
- Loss of access (fuel, power, roads)
- Service degradation
- Movement friction increasing
- Hard deadlines you define
Trigger Types
The most useful trigger categories
Access triggers
When access to essentials becomes restricted or unreliable.
Movement triggers
When routes, timing, or freedom of movement degrade.
Service triggers
When utilities, healthcare, or enforcement change behavior.
Time triggers
When a specific time passes without improvement.
Design Rule
How many triggers should you have?
Fewer than you want.
- 1–3 triggers per major decision
- Each trigger forces only one action
- No debate once crossed
Example
Bad trigger
“If the situation gets bad, we’ll think about leaving.”
Result: delay, debate, and missed windows.
Example
Good trigger
“If fuel access drops below 50% capacity, we stage movement within 24 hours.”
Result: action without panic.
Key takeaway
Triggers are not about fear — they’re about timing. Clear thresholds prevent freezing, reduce regret, and let you act while options still exist.
Back to Decision-Making Hub →FAQ
Can I change triggers later?
Yes. Triggers should be reviewed and adjusted outside emergencies.
What if a trigger feels too early?
Early triggers should force preparation or staging, not irreversible action.
Are triggers rigid?
They are rigid during execution so flexibility can exist elsewhere.