In the world we live in today, safety and security has become a #1 priority for so many people. The process of establishing safety and security begins with the right mindset. Having the right mindset consists of:
- Situational Awareness
- “What if” thinking
- Creating a Plan
- Knowledge and Training to Succeed
Situational Awareness allows the removal of “blinders” that are often worn through normal everyday living. With the enhanced digital age our attention & focus is often so consumed somewhere else, instead of what lurks a step away or around the next corner. Situational awareness is key to staying safe and in determining your next course of action when a potential scenario presents itself. Being aware of your surroundings is a conscious decision and does not occur naturally. It takes training and practice.
“What If” thinking. The “what if” question opens your mind to unforeseen scenarios and begins the creation of your emergency plan. Creating emergency scenarios in your mind before they have actually occurred prepares you ahead of time to react to that emergency. “What if that car doesn’t stop at the red light?” “What if the person in front of me at the checkout counter pulls out a gun?” This process prepares your mind for your reaction in case the scenario actually plays through, allowing you to move to the next phase.
Creating a plan. The more “What if” thinking that takes place, the easier it is in creating a plan. If you anticipate an action will occur, your mind is already preparing for your reaction. This thought process takes place in quick reaction planning as well as long term planning such as defending your home. “What if Civil Unrest showed up to my front door?”. “What if I had an encounter with an armed criminal?”.
Knowledge and Training to Succeed. Defending what you love always comes at a price. Time, money, effort… The right knowledge and training can dramatically increase the odds of surviving a deadly encounter, so you don’t have to pay the ultimate price. Whether you are adding to the security of a structure, purchasing or learning to handle a firearm, or attending self-defense classes, every bit of knowledge and training will increase your odds of success.
Experiencing a life-threatening situation, or deadly encounter, is not pleasant and I do not wish it upon anyone. But I know that the odds of prevailing through such an experience can substantially be increased just by the knowledge one has and the ability to gain the proper mindset needed to survive. More to come.
Oz Johnson is the owner of, Johnson Group Tactical, a Phoenix based Firearms and Tactical Training service.
For any questions regarding my article, please email me at [email protected]
Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
Johnson Group TAC
JohnsonGroupTAC.com
602-448-8283
