5 Situational Awareness Tips to Help You Become More Alert

1. Ask “What If?” to Build a Prepared Mind
One of the easiest—and most powerful—ways to boost your situational awareness is to ask yourself “What if?” as you go about your day.- What if I got a flat tire right now?
- What if I spotted someone following me in the parking lot?
- What if I saw smoke coming from my neighbor’s window?
2. Create Stories About People You See
This tip may sound odd at first—but it’s incredibly effective.
3. Make a Simple Plan for Likely Scenarios
Once you’ve identified a few potential scenarios, it’s time to build a plan. You don’t need a 40-page binder for every situation. Start small: create bullet-point plans for things like:- Fire escape routes
- What to do if you get separated from your group
- What you’ll say if someone aggressive confronts you
Here's a good video about critical thinking. Watch it!
4. Practice and Fine-Tune as a Team
Planning is the foundation—but practice makes it work. Whether it’s a fire drill at home or a “lost wallet” test at the store, walking through your plans helps everyone feel more confident and less stressed if the real thing happens. Use the crawl-walk-run method:- Walk through the plan slowly, explaining each step.
- Try it faster, with fewer prompts.
- Add pressure or time constraints.
5. Get Training and Teach What You Learn
You don’t need a tactical background to be situationally aware. But the more you practice and train, the sharper your instincts become.
The Bottom Line: Situational Awareness Is a Lifestyle
Situational awareness isn't rocket science. It means noticing what’s going on around you and responding appropriately when needed. Over time, it helps you feel more capable and in control. With these five grounded tips, you’ll build confidence in daily life and be better prepared to handle unexpected moments—without needing to overthink or stress about them. Start with one habit, keep it simple, and build from there.Additional Resources
- What Is Situational Awareness: Stay Alert and Stay Alive
- Master the OODA Loop: Boost Your Situational Awareness Today
- Situational Awareness and Decision-Making
- Teaching Situational Awareness to Kids
FAQs: Situational Awareness
Start by turning off distractions. Lift your head, look around, and run a few “what if” scenarios in your head. It’s free and takes just seconds.
Make it a game. Try memory challenges like Kim’s Game or have them point out things that are “out of place” in familiar environments.
Not at all. It also helps you avoid traffic headaches, find opportunities, and understand people better. It’s a life skill, not just a survival one.

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Great post Brian! I tend to think of it in a diff way ( but ultimately the same I guess lol) As a woman always go with your gut!!!!
This applies more as a former rape counselor… something happens once “ could be just one of those things “ . Like passing the same person on the street, now notice the same person twice. Could be coincidence or unexplained. If a similar thing happens a 3 time… not an accident, not coincidence consider this may be on purpose. That’s when you really need to step up your personal awareness… and really follow your gut. Don’t be afraid of being a “ bitch” say something and say it loud.
Just my 2 cents lol