4 Steps To Situational Awareness

Situational Awareness is increasingly important. We live in a HIGHLY DIVIDED nation. The social chaos began long ago. It will accelerate. None of us are immune to the possibility of encounter. It can happen suddenly, and without warning. UNLESS… you are situation aware.

Situational Awareness sounds simple enough — being aware of your surroundings. But it is non-existent form most people… Knowing what’s going on around you. Identifying potential threats, criminal behavior, and dangerous situations.

I once read the statement, “Situational awareness is more of a mindset than a skill”. I couldn’t agree more. It can be practiced by ANYONE with the will and the discipline to do so.

If you are one of those who would like to become more situation-aware, here are four steps to get you there:

Recognize That Threats Really Do Exist

At the very core is accepting and recognizing that threats really do exist – even within your bubble. They may exist within your proximity during your day-to-day travels and routines. Unfortunately many people are afflicted with normalcy bias. Most have little consideration for their own security while living in their cocoon of perceived safety. What they don’t know is that it (their perception of security) is a very thin veneer. A false sense of security can be consequential…

Take Responsibility For Your Own Security

The police, are not everywhere. YOU are the first line of defense. Responsibility. Remember this, “When seconds count, the police are just minutes away”. You would be LUCKY if they arrived in minutes. Likely much longer. You need to look out for yourself, and not succumb to a mindset that someone else will be there to protect you.

Trust Your Gut Or Intuition

You know that ‘voice’ of intuition in the back of your head? You should listen to it. Apparently many victims who experienced feelings of danger prior to an incident – chose to ignore them (and therefore became victims). Your semi-subconscious mind, coupled with your senses, have a way of alerting you to potential danger – if only you ‘listen’ to it.

Conscious Effort To Practice Situational Awareness

The final step is to actually do it. Discipline yourself to consciously practice situational awareness. Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Your gut feelings. And to stay ‘in the yellow’ (relaxed alert). This is not paranoia (believing danger is lurking everywhere). Rather, it’s a subtle adaptation to one’s behavior and mindset. Practice being alert of your surroundings, even while you’re distracted or busy (when many times even hostile activity can go unnoticed).

Stay away from crowds.