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...