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A winter camping trip can be a great way to escape the crowds, bugs, and other annoyances you might find in the summer. Enjoy silence and solitude in a popular national park or state park and a more private camping experience, during which you can appreciate night skies and natural wildlife you might not otherwise see in the warmer months.
Consider packing these snow camping gear essentials along with the rest of your equipment to stay warm and safe in winter conditions:

- __Base layer__: Thin long johns or other base layer clothing options will help you maintain your body temperature, insulating your body and wicking sweat and excess moisture from your skin. These materials also have an elastic quality, making them multipurpose pieces of fabric in a survival scenario. You can use torn base layer pieces for cordage or as first aid bandages.
- __Four-season tent__: Find a durable winter tent option you can quickly deploy in the field under high winds and failing light. It would be best to practice this quick setup with snow stakes or guy lines before leaving on a solo, backcountry [backpacking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ultralight-backpacking) trip. This practice will help you prepare for a snowstorm or other inclement weather events you might encounter. A four-season tent will have a much higher R-value (a measure of insulating capabilities) than a three-season tent, meaning its thicker insulation will offer greater protection in arctic climates or car camping emergencies during winter.
- __Headlamp__: You will have less daylight in the winter months, so it is essential to keep track of available light and set up camp before nightfall. Packing the right gear includes securing a headlamp. This hands-free light source will illuminate your work in failing light and help you spot potential dangers if you must travel at night.
- __Hiking boots__: Waterproof shoes, socks, gaiters, and boots are essential accessories for any winter camping enthusiast. Your feet are the farthest extremities from your heart but will be in nearly constant contact with frozen surfaces, making them the most challenging body part to keep warm. If you are traversing an area that recently experienced heavy snow, you might want to bring cross-country skis or snowshoes to cross loose snowpacks. 
- __Sleeping bag__: A winter sleeping bag is necessary for you to retain body heat and enjoy a restful sleep, enabling you to recharge for the next day. You might also choose to pack a sleeping bag liner, stuff sack, or waterproof cover to enhance the weatherproofing of your sleep system. Place your clothes and boots at the bottom of your sleeping bag while you sleep to warm your clothes using your body heat overnight. This helps you avoid dressing into frozen clothing and footwear in the morning. 
- __Sleeping pad__: A cell foam pad or an inflatable sleeping pad creates a layer of protection between you and the cold ground. This added distance will cushion your sleeping position, promote more rest and recovery, and reflect your lost body heat back toward you. Slide your pad inside your sleeping bag to avoid slipping off it while you sleep. 
- __Waterproof outer layers__: Snow pants and a waterproof jacket will repel moisture from melted snow and keep you warm and dry. Pack waterproof gloves or mittens and a beanie to protect your fingers and ears from cold air and ice. It’s advisable to find outer layers with vents to release excess body heat since sweat will cause you to freeze quickly and dehydrate you faster in a survival scenario.
Cold-weather camping can be a fun, adventurous outdoor activity, but you should first familiarize yourself with these safety tips and other best practices:

1. __Avoid lee slopes__. Avalanches occur on open slopes between 25 and 45 degrees. Setting up camp on a lee slope, or slope with the wind direction, that falls within this pitch range will significantly increase your chances of triggering an avalanche. Skiers, campers, and hikers should also avoid any areas of loose snow. If buried underneath snow in an avalanche scenario, stay calm and conserve your breath. Dig space around your face and spit. Gravity will pull your spit downward, enabling you to determine which direction is up. Use your hands, ice axe, or any tool you have available to dig your way to the surface before you suffocate. 
2. __Build a fire__. Liquid-fuel stoves with a propane canister or wood fire can be great techniques for keeping your body toasty and warm while also drying out wet clothes. Avoid setting up your sleeping area near the fire so you don’t catch any sparks, and ensure you provide enough ventilation for smoke to escape a snow shelter or other enclosed space.
3. __Collect potable drinking water__. Dehydration is one of the most dangerous risks of winter camping. Due to the colder temperatures, you might hydrate less often than you would in a hot or humid climate. In reality, your body dehydrates much faster in cold since it must work harder to regulate your body temperature. One of the first steps to setting up camp should be collecting potable [water](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-water) by melting snow and using a filtration water bottle to filter any impurities.
4. __Create adequate ventilation__. It is a common instinct to close a shelter to retain warmth; however, this can create several problems. Less ventilation will trap humidity and condensation in your tent, thereby moistening your clothing and increasing your likelihood of freezing when you leave the tent. You also risk reducing airflow enough to raise the carbon monoxide content of your tent’s interior to dangerous levels.
5. __Set up a windbreak or vestibule outside your shelter__. Your winter tent might already have a vestibule or windbreak accessory you can attach to the ground with guy lines and tent stakes to reduce wind chill in your shelter area. The vestibule increases the footprint of your shelter area while also shielding you and your gear from the wind. You can build snow walls around your [snow shelter](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/snow-shelter) to achieve the same effect.
*Certain outdoor activities carry an elevated risk of serious injury. Wilderness scenarios require extensive survival gear, including but not limited to food, water, maps, protective clothing, and first aid, along with mental and physical fortitude. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for hard skills and expertise.*
Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).   
Camping in the winter can be rewarding. Read on to learn the benefits of winter camping, as well as what gear you should consider packing and tips for staying safe.

Camping in the winter can be rewarding. Read on to learn the benefits of winter camping, as well as what gear you should consider packing and tips for staying safe.

Winter Camping Tips: What to Pack for Cold-Weather Camping

A winter camping trip can be a great way to escape the crowds, bugs, and other annoyances you might find in the summer. Enjoy silence and solitude in a popular national park or state park and a more private camping experience, during which you can appreciate night skies and natural wildlife you might not otherwise see in the warmer months.

Why Go Camping in Winter?

Consider packing these snow camping gear essentials along with the rest of your equipment to stay warm and safe in winter conditions:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Base layer: Thin long johns or other base layer clothing options will help you maintain your body temperature, insulating your body and wicking sweat and excess moisture from your skin. These materials also have an elastic quality, making them multipurpose pieces of fabric in a survival scenario. You can use torn base layer pieces for cordage or as first aid bandages. </li><li class="">Four-season tent: Find a durable winter tent option you can quickly deploy in the field under high winds and failing light. It would be best to practice this quick setup with snow stakes or guy lines before leaving on a solo, backcountry <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ultralight-backpacking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ultralight-backpacking","linkCopy":"backpacking","category":null}'>backpacking</a> trip. This practice will help you prepare for a snowstorm or other inclement weather events you might encounter. A four-season tent will have a much higher R-value (a measure of insulating capabilities) than a three-season tent, meaning its thicker insulation will offer greater protection in arctic climates or car camping emergencies during winter. </li><li class="">Headlamp: You will have less daylight in the winter months, so it is essential to keep track of available light and set up camp before nightfall. Packing the right gear includes securing a headlamp. This hands-free light source will illuminate your work in failing light and help you spot potential dangers if you must travel at night. </li><li class="">Hiking boots: Waterproof shoes, socks, gaiters, and boots are essential accessories for any winter camping enthusiast. Your feet are the farthest extremities from your heart but will be in nearly constant contact with frozen surfaces, making them the most challenging body part to keep warm. If you are traversing an area that recently experienced heavy snow, you might want to bring cross-country skis or snowshoes to cross loose snowpacks. </li><li class="">Sleeping bag: A winter sleeping bag is necessary for you to retain body heat and enjoy a restful sleep, enabling you to recharge for the next day. You might also choose to pack a sleeping bag liner, stuff sack, or waterproof cover to enhance the weatherproofing of your sleep system. Place your clothes and boots at the bottom of your sleeping bag while you sleep to warm your clothes using your body heat overnight. This helps you avoid dressing into frozen clothing and footwear in the morning. </li><li class="">Sleeping pad: A cell foam pad or an inflatable sleeping pad creates a layer of protection between you and the cold ground. This added distance will cushion your sleeping position, promote more rest and recovery, and reflect your lost body heat back toward you. Slide your pad inside your sleeping bag to avoid slipping off it while you sleep. </li><li class="">Waterproof outer layers: Snow pants and a waterproof jacket will repel moisture from melted snow and keep you warm and dry. Pack waterproof gloves or mittens and a beanie to protect your fingers and ears from cold air and ice. It’s advisable to find outer layers with vents to release excess body heat since sweat will cause you to freeze quickly and dehydrate you faster in a survival scenario. </li></ul>

What to Pack for Winter Camping

Cold-weather camping can be a fun, adventurous outdoor activity, but you should first familiarize yourself with these safety tips and other best practices:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Avoid lee slopes. Avalanches occur on open slopes between 25 and 45 degrees. Setting up camp on a lee slope, or slope with the wind direction, that falls within this pitch range will significantly increase your chances of triggering an avalanche. Skiers, campers, and hikers should also avoid any areas of loose snow. If buried underneath snow in an avalanche scenario, stay calm and conserve your breath. Dig space around your face and spit. Gravity will pull your spit downward, enabling you to determine which direction is up. Use your hands, ice axe, or any tool you have available to dig your way to the surface before you suffocate. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Build a fire. Liquid-fuel stoves with a propane canister or wood fire can be great techniques for keeping your body toasty and warm while also drying out wet clothes. Avoid setting up your sleeping area near the fire so you don’t catch any sparks, and ensure you provide enough ventilation for smoke to escape a snow shelter or other enclosed space. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Collect potable drinking water. Dehydration is one of the most dangerous risks of winter camping. Due to the colder temperatures, you might hydrate less often than you would in a hot or humid climate. In reality, your body dehydrates much faster in cold since it must work harder to regulate your body temperature. One of the first steps to setting up camp should be collecting potable <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-water' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-water","linkCopy":"water","category":null}'>water</a> by melting snow and using a filtration water bottle to filter any impurities. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Create adequate ventilation. It is a common instinct to close a shelter to retain warmth; however, this can create several problems. Less ventilation will trap humidity and condensation in your tent, thereby moistening your clothing and increasing your likelihood of freezing when you leave the tent. You also risk reducing airflow enough to raise the carbon monoxide content of your tent’s interior to dangerous levels. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Set up a windbreak or vestibule outside your shelter. Your winter tent might already have a vestibule or windbreak accessory you can attach to the ground with guy lines and tent stakes to reduce wind chill in your shelter area. The vestibule increases the footprint of your shelter area while also shielding you and your gear from the wind. You can build snow walls around your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/snow-shelter' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/snow-shelter","linkCopy":"snow shelter","category":null}'>snow shelter</a> to achieve the same effect. </li></ol>

5 Winter Camping Tips

Certain outdoor activities carry an elevated risk of serious injury. Wilderness scenarios require extensive survival gear, including but not limited to food, water, maps, protective clothing, and first aid, along with mental and physical fortitude. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for hard skills and expertise.

Preparing for Wilderness Expeditions

Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).

Ready to Explore More of the Great Outdoors?

Camping in the winter can be rewarding. Read on to learn the benefits of winter camping, as well as what gear you should consider packing and tips for staying safe.

Camping in the winter can be rewarding. Read on to learn the benefits of winter camping, as well as what gear you should consider packing and tips for staying safe.


Blue camping tent pitched in the snow for winter camping.

winter-camping

Resourcefulness is the ability to snap into action regardless of the current situation. It facilitates getting things done despite whatever challenges you face. A cursory glance at a thesaurus will show you “resourcefulness” can be a synonym for “ability” or “acumen.” It derives from the idea you can use your natural resources as a human being for solving problems of any kind or caliber. 
Resourcefulness is essential to almost any job you’ll perform throughout your life. During job interviews, [hiring managers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hiring-manager-guide) try to suss out how resourceful potential hires are. They know more astute and confident candidates will have an easier time learning and growing in their new roles than those who require a great deal of hand-holding. Some people even choose to include resourcefulness in the [soft skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soft-skills-for-resume) section of their résumés when applying to new jobs. 
Self-reliance will go a long way throughout your career. Here are a few examples of resourcefulness in action:

1. __Adapting to new situations__: To be resourceful means you always [adapt](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/adapting-to-change) to any new situation. Imagine your supervisor decides to have you [collaborate](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills) with a new team in your company. You’ll need to rely on both your own resources and discover the innate talents of the rest of your team members as you try to come up with the best ways to work together.
2. __Solving problems__: Imagine your coworker drops the ball on an important assignment. You could complain about their lack of [time management](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bob-igers-time-management-tips) skills, or you could snap into action and pick up the slack. You could also rely on your [emotional intelligence](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence) to figure out what happened with your team member. They might have countered a painful and unusual problem in their life you can help them with, too.
3. __Taking initiative__: Resourceful employees are always looking for ways they can go the extra mile. After they’re done completing tasks of their own, they’re always on the lookout for new ways they can help others or additional problems they can solve.
Entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian’s long and eclectic career has enabled him to cultivate his ability to be “relentlessly resourceful,” as he describes it. Here’s some of his advice about how to always find a resourceful solution, whatever the problem: 

- __Adopt a solution mindset__. Have an open mind so you can determine when to tap into your natural resources. “You have to have this idea that, ‘OK, I see a problem,’” Alexis says, “‘and I have an idea for what could be a solution, and I’m going to try it.’” Resourcefulness is having the foresight to recognize issues and the tenacity and talent to solve them.
- __Learn from your mistakes__. Even the most resourceful people in the world will still struggle in the face of certain challenges. “Be willing to question all of these times you get punched in the face about something that [disappoints](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dealing-with-disappointment) you,” Alexis says, “really understand why it happened.” The good news is your experience will become an asset in the future. 
- __Never give up__. No matter how dire or complex the problem, there’s always a potential solution. “You’re going to run into impediments all the time,” Alexis says. “A great CEO doesn’t seize up. They continue to pump their legs harder to adapt and make solutions.” [Learn not to doubt yourself](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-doubt) by meeting challenges head-on and overcoming them. 
- __Take on multiple challenges__. Alexis became more resourceful by trying new things constantly. “Early on, you have to be willing to wear all the hats,” he says. “You have to be willing to be a generalist. And even your early employees need to accept the fact that they’re going to take on responsibilities that they are not great at.” Try [brainstorming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/techniques-for-productive-brainstorming) with your team members about ways you can tackle challenges in creative ways.
Resourcefulness requires you to approach the world from a curious and creative vantage point. Keep these tips in mind to hone your own abilities as a problem solver:

- __Collaborate with team members__. Resourceful leaders recognize when to reach out to others. [Delegating](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/delegating-explained) to a subject matter expert will allow you to solve a problem quicker than trying to do everything yourself. Still, see if you can join in the process so you can further cultivate your own [problem-solving](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-problem-solving) skills, too. 
- __Cultivate creative thinking__. A resourceful mindset is a creative mindset. To work on your resourcefulness skills, try to think outside of the box. If you always try to solve problems in the same way, you’ll never gain any extra experience or understanding of the world around you. [Take risks](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks) and try to do things in unique and creative ways.
- __Develop confidence__. You’ll have a better chance of tapping into the right resources if you have the confidence to use them. The more difficult situations you go through, the more you’ll have the [self-awareness](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-self-awareness) necessary to tackle new problems in the future. Try to get out of your [comfort zone](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/step-out-of-your-comfort-zone) so you can become more sure of yourself.
- __Learn valuable skills__. Everyone has innate talents, but resourceful people are always on the lookout for ways to acquire and develop new skills. Become a lifelong learner. As you learn how to do new things, you’ll be less wary when pertinent problems arise. 
To build a successful startup, you must first find a problem to solve and learn how to counter the competition. Sign up for a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/homepage) to discover Alexis Ohanian’s approach to thinking creatively, being resourceful, [finding funding](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/startup-funding-tips-from-alexis-ohanian), and nailing your execution.
Resourcefulness is an important trait for both your professional and personal life. By drawing on both your natural abilities and acquired skills, you can jump over any hurdles that come your way to achieve success. Learn more about how to be resourceful and gain some additional insight from MasterClass instructor and longtime startup entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. 

Resourcefulness is an important trait for both your professional and personal life. By drawing on both your natural abilities and acquired skills, you can jump over any hurdles that come your way to achieve success. Learn more about how to be resourceful and gain some additional insight from MasterClass instructor and longtime startup entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. 

Alexis Ohanian on How to Be Resourceful

Resourcefulness is the ability to snap into action regardless of the current situation. It facilitates getting things done despite whatever challenges you face. A cursory glance at a thesaurus will show you “resourcefulness” can be a synonym for “ability” or “acumen.” It derives from the idea you can use your natural resources as a human being for solving problems of any kind or caliber.

What Is Resourcefulness?

Resourcefulness is essential to almost any job you’ll perform throughout your life. During job interviews, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hiring-manager-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hiring-manager-guide","linkCopy":"hiring managers","category":null}'>hiring managers</a> try to suss out how resourceful potential hires are. They know more astute and confident candidates will have an easier time learning and growing in their new roles than those who require a great deal of hand-holding. Some people even choose to include resourcefulness in the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soft-skills-for-resume' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soft-skills-for-resume","linkCopy":"soft skills","category":null}'>soft skills</a> section of their résumés when applying to new jobs.

The Importance of Resourcefulness in the Workplace

Self-reliance will go a long way throughout your career. Here are a few examples of resourcefulness in action:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Adapting to new situations: To be resourceful means you always <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/adapting-to-change' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/adapting-to-change","linkCopy":"adapt","category":null}'>adapt</a> to any new situation. Imagine your supervisor decides to have you <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/collaboration-skills","linkCopy":"collaborate","category":null}'>collaborate</a> with a new team in your company. You’ll need to rely on both your own resources and discover the innate talents of the rest of your team members as you try to come up with the best ways to work together. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Solving problems: Imagine your coworker drops the ball on an important assignment. You could complain about their lack of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bob-igers-time-management-tips' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bob-igers-time-management-tips","linkCopy":"time management","category":null}'>time management</a> skills, or you could snap into action and pick up the slack. You could also rely on your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence","linkCopy":"emotional intelligence","category":null}'>emotional intelligence</a> to figure out what happened with your team member. They might have countered a painful and unusual problem in their life you can help them with, too. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Taking initiative: Resourceful employees are always looking for ways they can go the extra mile. After they’re done completing tasks of their own, they’re always on the lookout for new ways they can help others or additional problems they can solve. </li></ol>

3 Examples of Resourcefulness

Entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian’s long and eclectic career has enabled him to cultivate his ability to be “relentlessly resourceful,” as he describes it. Here’s some of his advice about how to always find a resourceful solution, whatever the problem: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Adopt a solution mindset. Have an open mind so you can determine when to tap into your natural resources. “You have to have this idea that, ‘OK, I see a problem,’” Alexis says, “‘and I have an idea for what could be a solution, and I’m going to try it.’” Resourcefulness is having the foresight to recognize issues and the tenacity and talent to solve them. </li><li class="">Learn from your mistakes. Even the most resourceful people in the world will still struggle in the face of certain challenges. “Be willing to question all of these times you get punched in the face about something that <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dealing-with-disappointment' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/dealing-with-disappointment","linkCopy":"disappoints","category":null}'>disappoints</a> you,” Alexis says, “really understand why it happened.” The good news is your experience will become an asset in the future. </li><li class="">Never give up. No matter how dire or complex the problem, there’s always a potential solution. “You’re going to run into impediments all the time,” Alexis says. “A great CEO doesn’t seize up. They continue to pump their legs harder to adapt and make solutions.” <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-doubt' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-doubt","linkCopy":"Learn not to doubt yourself","category":null}'>Learn not to doubt yourself</a> by meeting challenges head-on and overcoming them. </li><li class="">Take on multiple challenges. Alexis became more resourceful by trying new things constantly. “Early on, you have to be willing to wear all the hats,” he says. “You have to be willing to be a generalist. And even your early employees need to accept the fact that they’re going to take on responsibilities that they are not great at.” Try <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/techniques-for-productive-brainstorming' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/techniques-for-productive-brainstorming","linkCopy":"brainstorming","category":null}'>brainstorming</a> with your team members about ways you can tackle challenges in creative ways. </li></ul>

Alexis Ohanian on Being ‘Relentlessly Resourceful’

Resourcefulness requires you to approach the world from a curious and creative vantage point. Keep these tips in mind to hone your own abilities as a problem solver:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Collaborate with team members. Resourceful leaders recognize when to reach out to others. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/delegating-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/delegating-explained","linkCopy":"Delegating","category":null}'>Delegating</a> to a subject matter expert will allow you to solve a problem quicker than trying to do everything yourself. Still, see if you can join in the process so you can further cultivate your own <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-problem-solving' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/creative-problem-solving","linkCopy":"problem-solving","category":null}'>problem-solving</a> skills, too. </li><li class="">Cultivate creative thinking. A resourceful mindset is a creative mindset. To work on your resourcefulness skills, try to think outside of the box. If you always try to solve problems in the same way, you’ll never gain any extra experience or understanding of the world around you. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-take-risks","linkCopy":"Take risks","category":null}'>Take risks</a> and try to do things in unique and creative ways. </li><li class="">Develop confidence. You’ll have a better chance of tapping into the right resources if you have the confidence to use them. The more difficult situations you go through, the more you’ll have the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-self-awareness' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-self-awareness","linkCopy":"self-awareness","category":null}'>self-awareness</a> necessary to tackle new problems in the future. Try to get out of your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/step-out-of-your-comfort-zone' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/step-out-of-your-comfort-zone","linkCopy":"comfort zone","category":null}'>comfort zone</a> so you can become more sure of yourself. </li><li class="">Learn valuable skills. Everyone has innate talents, but resourceful people are always on the lookout for ways to acquire and develop new skills. Become a lifelong learner. As you learn how to do new things, you’ll be less wary when pertinent problems arise. </li></ul>

How to Be Resourceful

To build a successful startup, you must first find a problem to solve and learn how to counter the competition. Sign up for a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/homepage' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/homepage","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> to discover Alexis Ohanian’s approach to thinking creatively, being resourceful, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/startup-funding-tips-from-alexis-ohanian' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/startup-funding-tips-from-alexis-ohanian","linkCopy":"finding funding","category":null}'>finding funding</a>, and nailing your execution.

Find Your Niche

Resourcefulness is an important trait for both your professional and personal life. By drawing on both your natural abilities and acquired skills, you can jump over any hurdles that come your way to achieve success. Learn more about how to be resourceful and gain some additional insight from MasterClass instructor and longtime startup entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian.

Resourcefulness is an important trait for both your professional and personal life. By drawing on both your natural abilities and acquired skills, you can jump over any hurdles that come your way to achieve success. Learn more about how to be resourceful and gain some additional insight from MasterClass instructor and longtime startup entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. 


Alexis Ohanian posing while seated in a chair. 

alexis-ohanian-on-how-to-be-resourceful

Canadian [astronaut](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-qualify-to-be-a-nasa-astronaut) Chris Hadfield is a renowned astronaut. In 1992, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) assigned Colonel Chris Hadfield to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He became NASA’s Chief CapCom for twenty-five [space shuttle](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-launch-a-space-shuttle) missions. NASA selected Colonel Hadfield as a NASA Mission Specialist, and three years later, he was aboard the Shuttle Atlantis, where he helped build the Mir space station. In 2001, on the Shuttle Endeavour, Colonel Hadfield performed two [spacewalks](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-spacewalk-learn-why-astronauts-perform-spacewalks-and-how-astronauts-train-for-spacewalks), and in 2013, he became Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) for six months off the planet. Colonel Hadfield continues to bring the marvels of science and [space exploration](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-the-skylab-space-station) to everyone he encounters.
Readiness is the state of preparedness. Career readiness, for example, refers to the foundation of higher education or a mix of experience that prepares a person for a particular [career path](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/career-path-guide). Readiness also describes the ability and willingness to perform a task at the highest level with clarity and precision in an emergency situation. To achieve this state of mind, you need to have the training and confidence to make and execute sound decisions. 

> “There are certain professions, astronaut being one of them, where the stakes are life or death. You have to keep yourself and your crew at a peak level of readiness to deal with things going wrong; I took that as one of my big responsibilities as the commander. . . . Something I learned a long time ago was your life is a process of getting ready for when things go wrong. Getting ready for when something happens out of the blue and you suddenly have to take action now—when you don’t have time to ask somebody else.” — Chris Hadfield
In 2013, Expedition 35 to the International Space Station experienced an emergency. The crew discovered a leaking ammonia coolant, and Commander Chris Hadfield acted fast to avert disaster. “One of the worst emergencies on a spaceship is the ammonia breakthrough because if you get one big lung full of ammonia, that could be the last breath you’ll ever take,” Chris says. Consider his tips for preparedness:

1. __Be confident__. Trust your training when a crisis arises to help you manage your emotions. “It’s [about] years of preparation, years of training. . .so that you don’t get all keyed up with peaks and valleys of [emotions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-your-emotional-intelligence) of things that might potentially happen,” Chris says. “But you have a deep reserve of competence and confidence so that you can do something that seems. . .hairy or wild and do it with assuredness—that is actually what you would prefer. No one wants a nervous surgeon.”
2. __Move quickly__. A key aspect of preparedness is your ability and willingness to act promptly. “If you’ve done the work [and] if you have built up a certain set of [skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hard-skills-vs-soft-skills), then at some point, you need to be able to act on it,” he says. “And don’t dither. Don’t prevaricate. Just [trust yourself](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gut-feeling). Decide, and move forward with the comfort of your own [decision-making](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/decision-making-styles).”
3. __Study the situation__. Make sure you perform a readiness assessment after the fact. “When you finish something, look back and debrief it, at least to yourself, if not with everybody else involved,” Chris says. For his part, his ability to handle the ammonia crisis on the spaceship came as a result of ongoing learning, a part of his readiness toolkit. “I’ve not only survived that one,” he says, “but I’ve learned some things from it so that when the next crisis comes along, I’ll be even better able to hopefully prevail and win and fix the new spaceship—however it chooses to break.”
When an emergency arises, quick thinking can make all the difference. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to hundreds of classes, including Crisis Story, where Chris Voss, Chris Hadfield, and others share how they took decisive action when it mattered most.
Readiness contributes to success, especially in space. Learn about astronaut Chris Hadfield's experience averting a crisis on Expedition 35, and how you can apply his tips on preparedness to your life and work.

Readiness contributes to success, especially in space. Learn about astronaut Chris Hadfield's experience averting a crisis on Expedition 35, and how you can apply his tips on preparedness to your life and work.

Astronaut Chris Hadfield on Readiness in a Crisis

Canadian <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-qualify-to-be-a-nasa-astronaut' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-qualify-to-be-a-nasa-astronaut","linkCopy":"astronaut","category":null}'>astronaut</a> Chris Hadfield is a renowned astronaut. In 1992, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) assigned Colonel Chris Hadfield to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He became NASA’s Chief CapCom for twenty-five <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-launch-a-space-shuttle' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-launch-a-space-shuttle","linkCopy":"space shuttle","category":null}'>space shuttle</a> missions. NASA selected Colonel Hadfield as a NASA Mission Specialist, and three years later, he was aboard the Shuttle Atlantis, where he helped build the Mir space station. In 2001, on the Shuttle Endeavour, Colonel Hadfield performed two <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-spacewalk-learn-why-astronauts-perform-spacewalks-and-how-astronauts-train-for-spacewalks' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-spacewalk-learn-why-astronauts-perform-spacewalks-and-how-astronauts-train-for-spacewalks","linkCopy":"spacewalks","category":null}'>spacewalks</a>, and in 2013, he became Commander of the International Space Station (ISS) for six months off the planet. Colonel Hadfield continues to bring the marvels of science and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-the-skylab-space-station' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-the-skylab-space-station","linkCopy":"space exploration","category":null}'>space exploration</a> to everyone he encounters.

A Brief Introduction to Chris Hadfield

Readiness contributes to success, especially in space. Learn about astronaut Chris Hadfield&#39;s experience averting a crisis on Expedition 35, and how you can apply his tips on preparedness to your life and work.

Readiness contributes to success, especially in space. Learn about astronaut Chris Hadfield's experience averting a crisis on Expedition 35, and how you can apply his tips on preparedness to your life and work.


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