 on preparation and response
To look at it in a more general way, people have some control over what they prepare for and how they respond to things. A person may not have direct control over whether or not an earthquake occurs, but they can prepare their home to cope with one, or choose to live elsewhere (provided they have the resources).
Also you may not seem to have control over whether a complete stranger comes over and insults you, but you can decide how to respond. Most of the men in my dad's family have bad tempers but I chose to develop self discipline and to learn to process emotions rather than have them make me do things I'd later regret.
Risk assessment is something I constantly perform, whether that means delving into specialized knowledge or not. Doing so provides me with the ability to take risks that most people would be uncomfortable with, while also deemphasizing common behaviors that I deem to carry more cost than benefit. For me, taking responsibility for my well being increases freedom/personal power.
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