Situational awareness isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about staying present, being prepared, and moving through the world with confidence.

Still, a lot of people, often without realizing it, develop habits that can make them more vulnerable, especially in transitional spaces like parking lots, stairwells, or elevators.

The good news? These are simple mistakes, and with a few small changes, they’re easy to fix, and could even save your life.

Mistake #1: Being Distracted or Looking Down

We’ve all done it, scrolling through our phones, digging through our bags, fumbling for keys.

But here’s what a predator sees:
“She’s not paying attention. She won’t see me coming.”

Distraction is a green light for someone looking to take advantage. When your eyes are down and your mind is elsewhere, you can’t spot a threat, or avoid it.

How to Fix It:

Keep your head up and stay alert.
Put the phone away when you’re walking.
Get your keys or access card out before you step outside.
Walk with purpose...

When most people think about predators, they picture random attacks—sudden, violent, and impossible to predict.

But the reality? It’s more disturbing… and far more empowering.

Because predators don’t act on impulse.
They watch.
They study.
They test boundaries.
They choose their moment.

Just like predators in the wild, their behavior follows patterns, and if you know what to look for, you can often spot them before they make a move.

What Predators Look For

Whether it’s a crowded shopping center, a quiet parking garage, or a busy online platform, predators consistently look for three key things before making a move:

1. The Right Location

Predators gravitate toward transitional spaces—areas where people are on the move, distracted, and not paying close attention:

• Parking lots
  
• Elevators
  
• Stairwells
  
• Gas stations
  
• Building entrances
  

These places offer two major advantages: low awareness and quick exit routes.

They’re public, but not protected. Visible, but not secure. In oth...