Systems that run lean and far break in predictable ways. Supply chains stretch, then stall. Price shocks land at the street level, not just in spreadsheets. During the 2021-2022 shipping delays, freight costs jumped over 500% and didn’t just hit warehouses—they hit grocery stores, job sites, and homes. Inflation followed, rising to 8.8% globally in 2022. When distant systems fail, what’s missing is not luxury—it’s parts, raw goods, basics. The risk isn’t collapse. It’s slow, grinding drag that blocks small, necessary moves.
Principle
Stability comes from shortening the distance between you and what you need. Systems that can flex and repair at ground level hold their shape longer. It’s not about cutting ties. It’s about not being stuck.
Application
Work at the layer you can touch.
- Source Nearby: For what you use often—materials, parts, food—find steady local suppliers. Build real accounts. Don’t always chase the cheapest option.
- Hold What Breaks: Keep spares of small parts that regularly fail and are slow to replace. Don’t overstock—just cover the gaps that stop your work cold.
- Keep Basic Tools: The right wrench, a backup pump, spare cables—small tools that let you fix simple problems fast. If you always need to call someone, you’ve built a delay into your system.
- Learn Simple Repairs: Understand how to troubleshoot the tools and systems you rely on. Not to become a specialist—just to keep things moving.
- Work With Locals: Local businesses often flex where large suppliers stall. Build steady trades with people who can say yes when you need them.
Limit / Cost
Local doesn’t mean cheaper. Faster doesn’t mean better stocked. Redundancy costs money and takes space. Tools and spare parts can sit idle. Skills fade if not used. Sometimes the local supplier can’t deliver either. Over-building safety nets can make you slow and heavy. The point is not to control everything—the point is to keep moving when friction rises.