Dangerous Habits and How to fix them:
We live in a world full of distractions—from buzzing phones and loud music to busy schedules and multitasking routines. Unfortunately, these everyday habits can seriously undermine our situational awareness, leaving us vulnerable in critical situations.
Today, let's spotlight some common habits that distract us and explore practical ways to overcome them using the Paratus 3P Process: Prepare, Prevent, Protect.
Habit #1: Smartphone Obsession
The Problem: Our phones demand our constant attention, and it's easy to walk or drive completely absorbed by screens, unaware of potential dangers nearby.
The Fix (Prepare):
Commit to "heads up, phones down" in public spaces.
Practice setting your phone to silent or "Do Not Disturb" when walking alone or in unfamiliar places.
Habit #2: Multitasking in Public
The Problem: Juggling tasks like carrying bags, talking on the phone, or handling children simultaneously can cause sensory overload, impairing your ability to notice threats.
The Fix (Prevent):
Plan ahead to minimize multitasking. Organize bags and tasks before leaving safe areas.
Regularly pause to scan your surroundings, maintaining awareness even when busy.
Habit #3: Wearing Headphones in Public
The Problem: Music and podcasts are great, but they isolate you audibly, making it impossible to detect nearby sounds like footsteps, cars, or alarms.
The Fix (Protect):
Limit headphone use to safe, enclosed spaces, or keep the volume low enough to hear your environment clearly.
Consider using just one earbud when in public to maintain partial auditory awareness.
Habit #4: Lack of Awareness in Familiar Places
The Problem: Comfort in familiar surroundings often leads to complacency, reducing vigilance in everyday settings.
The Fix (Prepare & Prevent):
Regularly remind yourself to observe familiar locations with fresh eyes, actively noticing changes or unusual activities.
Practice a quick mental check-in whenever you enter a familiar location to reset your situational awareness.
Habit #5: Ignoring Your Gut Feeling
The Problem: Instinct is a powerful safety tool, but many dismiss their internal warnings as paranoia or anxiety.
The Fix (Protect):
Always trust your instincts; they're your subconscious recognizing potential threats.
Act immediately if something feels off —move to a safer location or alert someone you trust.
By breaking these dangerous habits and incorporating the Paratus 3P Process, you'll transform from being vulnerable to becoming empowered, actively safeguarding yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Ready to enhance your situational awareness?
Join our community at Paratus Group to learn more about proactive preparedness.
Enroll in the training that could save your life.
Be alert. Be aware. Be safe.
