How do you feel about self-reliant living?

Tushar BiswasTushar Biswas
9 min read

Table of contents

👋Hello there,

Since you are reading this post, I presume you are either a self-reliant person or someone curious about self-reliant living. No matter what, happy to connect. In this post, I attempted to highlight various aspects of self-reliance and, as a solo dev, what I'm doing about it. I wrote this for you and my "Future Self."

Today, self-reliance is more than just a niche hobby—it’s a global movement driven by Millennials, Gen Z, and beyond, seeking autonomy, sustainability, and resilience in an uncertain world 🌍. From European balconies to Asian rooftops, people everywhere are reclaiming control of their food, energy, and daily needs.

1. What is Self-Reliance? in simple terms

  • Depending less on external systems and resources.

  • Developing a mindset, to reduce dependency on large, centralized systems.

  • Plan and Produce your own resources.

  • Reducing too much dependence on money, products and services provided by others.

2. Why Self-Reliance Resonates Worldwide?

Economic & Supply-Chain Resilience:

Recent crises—from pandemic lockdowns to shipping delays—have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. In 2022, grocery-at-home prices rose nearly 10% in the U.S. alone, marking the fastest increase since 1979 USDA. But this trend isn’t confined to America: in Europe, urban farmers now cultivate entire city rooftops to buffer against food shortages, and 61% of Canadian households grew produce in 2021—a jump from 56% a decade ago EUROPAR, STATCAN.

Urban & Community Farming

  • Europe: Urban agriculture spans an area the size of the entire EU, with 9.1 million family farms across member states—many of which participate in community gardening initiatives EuroCom.

  • Asia: Around 200 million Asians work in urban farming and related enterprises, supplying fresh produce to over 800 million urban residents. In India, it is estimated that five out of every six urban families typically spend 70% of their income on food ResearchGate.

  • Canada: 6 in 10 Canadian households grew herbs, vegetables, or flowers in 2021, showing a resurgence of home-grown food culture STATCAN.

Generational Values & Environmental Concerns:

  • Deloitte’s survey of nearly 23,000 Gen Z and Millennial respondents across 44 countries found that over 60% take concrete steps to reduce their environmental impact—and they crave more hands-on sustainability education than schools currently provide Deloitte United States, Deloitte United States

  • In Australia, 79% of Millennials and Gen Z voters rank climate change as a top electoral issue, underscoring the urgency driving self-reliant lifestyles news

3. Misconceptions About Self-Reliance

“Self-Reliance Means Going It Completely Alone”

Misconception: To be self-reliant, you must reject all help and live in total isolation.

Reality: True self-reliance recognizes interdependence. Even Ralph Waldo Emerson—often cited as the “father” of self-reliance—acknowledged that individuals exist within networks of support and inspiration Wikipedia. Likewise, experts note that extreme self-reliance can become “an out-of-balance dynamic” that denies our inherently relational nature Marci Moberg.

"It’s Only for Rural or Large-Space Homesteaders"

Misconception: You need acres of land to practice self-reliance.

Reality: Urban residents increasingly embrace self-reliance in small spaces. In Europe, entire city rooftops are being cultivated to buffer against food shortages—demonstrating that even apartments can yield produce . In Canada, 61% of households grew their own food in 2021, up from 56% in 2011—many of them in urban gardens or balconies .

“Self-Reliance Is Too Time-Consuming or Expensive”

Misconception: Developing self-reliant skills drains your time and wallet.

Reality: Many entry-level projects require little time or money. For example, growing microgreens takes just 7–12 days and costs under $10 in seeds and a shallow tray . A mini compost jar or regrowing green onions from scraps also requires minimal space and virtually no financial outlay, yet delivers quick, tangible results.

“Self-Reliance Means Shunning Technology”

Misconception: Embracing self-reliance requires rejecting modern tools and innovations.

Reality: Modern technology often enhances independence. DIY solar generators and USB solar chargers empower off-grid power generation, blending low-tech ingenuity with 21st-century electronics Foundation for Economic Education. Even sophisticated projects like home micro-grids use grid-tie inverters and real-time monitoring to optimize clean-energy use.

“Self-Reliance Is Just Growing Food or Harvesting Rainwater”

Misconception: If you haven’t planted a garden or built a rain barrel, you can’t call yourself self-reliant.

Reality: True self-reliance spans many domains—financial literacy, home repairs, community building, mental resilience, and more. In fact, 100% food self-sufficiency is nearly impossible even for seasoned farmers; most “subsistence” growers still rely on cash crops or community trade to fill gaps Resilience.

“Self-Reliance Is Only for Impoverished People”

Misconception: Only those who can’t afford modern conveniences need—or can practice—self-reliance. Reality: Homesteading has evolved into a boutique lifestyle embraced by affluent enthusiasts. Contemporary homesteaders often seek sustainability over necessity: “Homesteading…not a boutique pursuit for wealthy and semi-wealthy” has become a pushback against the idea that self-reliance equals poverty Reddit.

“Self-Reliance Is Uncool, Boring, or Primitive”

Misconception: No one cool chooses to repair clothes by hand or build their own heater.

Reality: Doing your own repairs and growing your own food fosters creativity and authenticity—traits often admired even in pop culture. High school “outsiders” who embraced DIY learned resilience and self-esteem that later propelled their success—the ultimate proof that being “uncool” can be a hidden superpower Teen Vogue.

“Why Bother When You Can Buy Anything Instantly?”

Misconception: If you have money, outsourcing tasks is always the smarter choice.

Reality: Over-delegation can lead to “independence poverty,” where individuals lose critical skills and become vulnerable when services fail or costs rise. A balanced approach to self-reliance builds capability and confidence without rejecting modern conveniences Influential U.

“If Something Can Be Delegated, It Should Be Delegated”

Misconception: Efficiency demands we always hire out tasks, from lawn care to budgeting.

Reality: While delegation frees time, doing things yourself deepens understanding and self-efficacy. Psychologists identify a strong internal locus of control—key to mental well-being—in self-sufficient individuals, who “trust in their own instincts” even when facing ridicule Psychology Today.

“People Will Judge Me if I Go ‘Off-Grid’ or Live Simply”

Misconception: Society will see you as odd, outcast, or fringe.

Reality: Many self-reliant practices inspire admiration. In fact, hard-earned independence is often “underappreciated” because it relies on a supportive community network that enables individuals to “ignore” external opinions safely Psychology Today. Most onlookers respect someone who can confidently care for themselves and contribute back.

4. Why You and I Should Care About Self-Reliance?

  • Gain Real Confidence & Agency

What you feel: A deeper sense of “I’ve got this”—even when plans go sideways. Evidence: Building self-reliance enhances confidence and independence, reducing reliance on external validation and support PositivePsychology.

  • Build Your Resilience & Mental Well-Being

What you gain: Tools to bounce back from setbacks—financial, emotional, or logistical. Evidence: Self-reliance is closely linked to psychological resilience, which protects against depression and anxiety Mayo Clinic.

  • Save Money & Reduce Waste

What you save: Grocery bills, utility costs, and expenses on convenience services. Evidence: Simple practices like home composting and container gardening cut household waste and lower grocery spending The Simply Luxurious LifeÂŽ.

  • Strengthen Daily Problem-Solving Skills

What you practice: Creative thinking and hands-on solutions—skills employers and communities value. Evidence: Self-reliant individuals develop better decision-making, flexibility, and satisfaction in everyday life Mister Independent.

  • Protect Against Uncertainty

What you guard: Supply-chain disruptions, price spikes, and service outages. Evidence: Post-pandemic surveys show a surge in home-growing and prepping—people want a buffer against global shocks.

  • Foster Genuine Well-Being

What you nurture: A lifestyle that values health, sustainability, and community connection. Evidence: Practices like urban gardening and local seed saving link you to nature and neighbors, boosting mental health and social capital Medium.

5. Why Self-Reliance Matters More Than Ever With Rapid Progress of AI?

Predictions abound that AI and automation will upend nearly every industry—surgeons replaced by robots, writers by algorithms, and even entry-level roles disappearing. While these forecasts vary (and may prove overly dramatic), they underscore a critical truth: the future is uncertain. Cultivating self-reliance ensures you retain purpose, skills, and autonomy, no matter how technology evolves. 🚀🤖🌱

  • Robots Surpassing Human Experts

News: Elon Musk claims robots will outperform top surgeons within five years Diario AS.

Implication: If even high-skill professions can be automated, developing hands-on self-reliant abilities (gardening, basic repairs, food preservation) becomes a powerful hedge against job displacement.

  • Widespread Job Disruption Forecasts

News: Bill Gates warns AI could replace most jobs in the next 20 years, leaving only a few roles—like creative arts and social work—intact Windows Central; in India, Gates suggests coding, energy, and biology may survive the AI takeover The Economic Times.

Implication: As routine tasks vanish, self-reliance skills offer economic resilience—bartered produce, repair services, or value-added homestead goods can supplement income.

  • Entry-Level Roles Under Threat

News: A World Economic Forum report highlights that AI is reshaping the career ladder, placing entry-level roles at higher risk World Economic Forum.

Implication: Young professionals can future-proof their careers by cultivating real-world skills—like project management, DIY tech builds, and community organizing—through challenge-based learning on our platform.

  • Universal Basic Income Debates

News: Musk has floated a “universal high income” as AI slashes labor demand, while others question its feasibility Yahoo Finance.

Implication: Even if UBI emerges, personal fulfillment and mental well-being are tied to mastery and agency; self-reliance challenges foster a sense of purpose beyond paycheck-to-paycheck living.

  • Technology’s Double-Edge

News: Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledges AI will create new jobs but warns many current roles may disappear India.

Implication: Self-reliance doesn’t reject tech—it integrates it. By learning to harness renewable energy, automate small systems, or code basic AI scripts, you combine modern tools with timeless independence.

6. A Few Interesting Reads & Watch:

7. So, What Am I Doing About it?

I'm building a people-first platform, that will help us to develop self-reliant mindset by building sustainable and eco-friendly projects. The first version of the prototype is kind of ready. It was actually a hobby project and I'm reaching out to everyone to get some valuable feedback. So if you are interested, and want to give it try at this stage then:

  • Please Visit & Explore: Head to https://selfreliant.vercel.app/ to create your free account. A few things may not work; and your data might get reset as it's still in the development phase.

  • Explore & Share Feedback: Use the feedback form, email me directly: itusharbiswas@gmail.com or write in the comment section. Tell us what resonates, what’s confusing, and what you’d love to see next.

  • Spread the word with your friends, share your thoughts, and ask me questions. Thank you so much for reading.

Whether you have a backyard orchard in Spain, a rooftop in Mumbai, or just a sunny windowsill in New York—self-reliance is universal. Your feedback will help us fine-tune the experience, and together let’s build a more resilient, sustainable future—one challenge at a time 🌿✨

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Self-ReliancemanagementHappinesslifestylemindfulness

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Tushar Biswas
Tushar Biswas

transient yet eternal…