How to build a situational awareness mindset
Recently, someone asked me how to develop and practice situational awareness.
It’s a complex topic that I can probably write multiple posts about, so let’s start with the basics.
Situational awareness is more mindset than skill.
So, how do you develop a situational awareness mindset?
Recognize and believe that threats exist.
Many people either don’t realize or refuse to believe that bad things happen. They are apathetic, complacent, or in denial. They say things like “I live in a safe neighborhood” or “bad things don’t happen to people like me.” Many times they blame victims for being in situations or acting certain ways.
People who have this mindset have very low chances of recognizing and avoiding threats. By denying that bad things happen, they’re putting themselves in harm’s way.
Accept that you’re the only one who’s responsible for your safety and security.
Once we’ve accepted that bad things do happen, it’s time to accept that nobody’s coming to save us. Not the cops. Not our spouses. Not our safe, gated neighborhoods. And sure as heck, not our government.
Many people want to help others in need, but they cannot be everywhere at once. Looking out for ourselves is on us.
Trust your gut. Always.
Ladies, I’m talking to you. Women learn to be polite and not overreact and avoid making people (men) feel bad. I mean this from the bottom of my heart — fuck that. I would rather be alive and wrong about a situation than dead and right.
Our subconscious can often notice subtle hints that our conscious minds can’t process fast enough. Your intuition is there to guide and protect you. When you get that feeling that something is off, there’s a reason for it. Ignoring your gut can be deadly.
Staying in this mindset requires discipline because it’s much easier to live on auto-pilot, especially when busy, which is how most of us live.
The effort is worth the payoff, and eventually, a situational awareness mindset will be like second nature.
