#1 Skill Everyone Ignores

It’s Not Paranoia, It’s Preparedness

Situational awareness isn’t just for cops, soldiers, or those hyper-vigilant movie heroes.

It’s for you, me, and anyone who doesn’t want to get caught with their pants down.

Whether you're heading to the store, grabbing a coffee, or parking your car at night, being aware of what’s happening around you can be the difference between a smooth day and a disaster waiting to happen.

What the Heck Is Situational Awareness Anyway?

So, what’s situational awareness?

No, it’s not some secret ninja skill. It’s simply paying attention to your surroundings, noticing what’s normal, and catching anything that feels off.

It’s knowing when the vibe changes—when someone or something is out of place. And honestly? It’s as easy as putting down your phone and looking up every once in a while.

You don’t need superpowers to do this. You just need to keep your head up and your eyes open.

This applies anywhere—parking lots, restaurants, heck, even standing in line at the grocery store. Being aware gives you an edge that most people don’t even think about.

The OODA Loop: Fancy Name, Simple Concept

Yeah, I know, it sounds like some secret military tactic, but stay with me here. It stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. Here’s how you break it down:

• Observe: Look around. What’s happening? Who’s near you? Anything seem weird?

• Orient: Based on what you see, how does this fit into your environment?

• Decide: What’s your plan if something’s not right?

• Act: Don’t freeze—do something if the situation calls for it.

It’s a loop because it’s constant. You're always keeping an eye on things, making sure nothing’s about to go sideways.

And guess what? You don’t need years of training to get this right. Just start practicing.

If you want to read more about the OODA Loop and how to use it click the link below:

OODA Loop: How to make quick decisions that keep you safe and alive…

Why It Matters—Even for Regular People Like Us

Look, I get it. You’re not a Navy SEAL or a police officer, so why bother?

Situational awareness is for anyone who wants to avoid being caught off guard. You don’t have to live in fear, but you should be prepared.

This is about noticing what most people miss—like the guy lingering a little too long near your car or that person giving off a weird vibe at the bar.

It’s not about imagining danger around every corner—it’s about being smart and staying ahead of trouble. Whether it’s avoiding a potential theft, a confrontation, or something worse, paying attention means you get to control the situation, not the other way around.

Baseline Behaviors

Now, here’s where things get fun. Situational awareness is just about spotting the things that don’t fit—what’s out of the ordinary in any given situation.

Every place has a baseline—a "normal" that you can expect.

People are casually walking, talking, doing their thing. If someone’s pacing around, looking nervous, or doing something that doesn’t match the baseline, that’s your cue to pay attention.

The trick here is to know what’s typical, so you can catch what isn’t. Not everything is a threat, but when something feels wrong, trust your instincts.

Practical Tips for Staying Sharp (aka How Not to Be That Guy)

Let’s make this actionable. Here’s how to be more aware without turning into a paranoid mess:

1. Put Down the Phone: Yeah, I said it. Walking with your face buried in your phone? You’re an easy target. Keep your head up and look around.

2. Scan Your Environment: Every time you walk into a new space, do a quick scan. Who’s around? What’s the vibe? Where are the exits?

3. Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t wait for proof—act on your instincts.

4. Know Your Exits: Always, and I mean always, know how to get out. It’s not just about emergencies—it’s a habit that keeps you one step ahead.

Minimize Distractions: You’re Not in a Bubble

Distractions are your worst enemy here. Public places are full of them—smartphones, earbuds, daydreaming. Don’t let these things steal your awareness.

You don’t have to be hyper-focused 24/7, but when you’re walking through a parking lot, waiting for an Uber, or even just grabbing lunch, cut the distractions and pay attention. You’ll thank yourself later.

Parking Lots and Public Spaces

It’s late, and you’re walking to your car in a mostly empty parking lot.

If your head’s down, you might miss the person lurking between the cars or the van parked a little too close.

But if you’re paying attention, you’ve already spotted them and changed your route.

Easy. Crisis averted.

Or take public spaces—like when someone’s acting nervous or twitchy in a café while everyone else is relaxed.

You don’t need to freak out, but you do need to keep an eye on them. These are the cues that situational awareness lets you pick up.

It’s Not About Paranoia—It’s Preparedness

Here’s the bottom line…

…situational awareness isn’t about living in constant fear of the worst-case scenario.

It’s about being smart enough to see things coming before they turn into a problem.

It’s your mental toolkit for staying safe and keeping control, no matter where you are.

So, keep your head up, trust your gut, and don’t let distractions turn you into an easy mark.

It’s not paranoia—it’s preparedness. And it could be the thing that keeps you, and the people you care about, safe.

Stay safe, and keep protecting what matters most!

Paul Simoes

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From Around The Net

Emily Blunt didn’t just step into her role in Edge of Tomorrow—she powered into it.

To become the fierce Sergeant Rita Vrataski, she trained six days a week, mixing weightlifting, sprinting, Pilates, Krav Maga, and even wore weight vests to simulate the grueling exoskeleton suit.

Her transformation wasn’t just about looking strong—it was about moving like a battle-hardened warrior, and she crushed it.

If you’re curious about how she pulled it off, trust me, you’ll want to check out her full workout regimen.

Click here to read more.

Ask Us Anything?

Do you have any specific questions you want answered? Just respond back to this email or use [email protected].

Here’s this weeks question:

Q - How do I mentally prepare myself for a violent confrontation?

A - Mental preparation for a violent confrontation is just as important as physical training.

The first step is to acknowledge that violence can happen to anyone, at any time.

By accepting this reality, you take away the shock factor that causes many people to freeze up when something happens.

Here’s a breakdown of how to mentally prepare:

1. Visualization: This is a technique used by athletes and professionals in high-stress situations. Regularly visualize different self-defense scenarios—like being approached by a stranger in a parking lot or dealing with an aggressive individual in a bar. Walk yourself through what you would do, step by step. Picture yourself staying calm, reacting quickly, and using the techniques you’ve trained for. Visualization helps reduce fear and anxiety because your brain gets “practice” in dealing with threats.

2. Controlled Breathing: In high-stress situations, your heart rate skyrockets, which can cloud your judgment and lead to panic. One way to combat this is through controlled breathing techniques. Practice the “4-7-8” method: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This lowers your heart rate and helps you stay clear-headed in the middle of chaos.

3. Develop a Survival Mindset: You need to shift your mindset from “I hope this never happens” to “If this happens, I will survive.” Krav Maga and self-defense training aren't about perfection, they're about survival. Train yourself to stay focused on one thing: getting out of the situation alive and protecting those you care about. You’re not there to win points or look good—you’re there to neutralize the threat.

4. Know Your Responses: One of the biggest reasons people freeze is because they haven’t decided how they would react in a dangerous situation. Make those decisions now. Decide if you’re willing to strike first, if you’ll run when you see a chance, or if you’re comfortable using objects around you as improvised weapons. Having this predetermined plan will help you act quickly when every second counts.

5. Train Under Stress: The closer your training mimics real-life stress, the more prepared you’ll be. Train with partners who simulate aggressive behavior. You want to feel the pressure of someone coming at you fast, shouting, or even attacking unpredictably. This type of stress inoculation helps you avoid the freeze response when it counts.

6. Situational Awareness: Part of mental preparation is knowing how to avoid confrontation in the first place. Practice situational awareness wherever you go—observe exits, notice people around you, and trust your gut. The best self-defense situation is one you never have to fight in.

There you go...

…A bit longer of an answer than I wanted to give but you get the point.

Practice these techniques regularly and you’ll build confidence and the ability to act decisively if violence ever comes your way.

Remember, the mind is your most powerful weapon in self-defense.