Something I mentioned often during my lectures is that you can not solve a problem you were not able to identify. Therefore, to spot a potential threat having proper assessment skills can be very valuable. A very simple daily habit I encourage all of my clients to establish is to assess someone in a systematic manner. Either from the bottom up, or the top down. What I mean by this is start at the shoes and scan all the way to the top of the head quickly but thoroughly. Or vice versa if you prefer. Wow this is mainly in the context of identifying potential threats this can be a great general habit to establish. Through the lens of threat assessment, taking in an entire person may allow you to spot things like hidden weapons, nervous or aggressive body language that is inappropriate, or other behaviors that seem out of place and may indicate you need to pay further attention. Even if you are not in a position to engage a threat, being able to accurately describe an individual completely while law-enforcement can be very useful. Consider the difference between calling and saying “it’s a guy in a blue shirt.“ Versus “ male approximately 5’9 to 5’11, brown medium length hair, green eyes, blue shirt, tan cargo pants and brown boots.” This is a clear difference in how much more information you can glean by simply being systematic when you’re glancing at individuals you encounter throughout the day. The goal of this habit is not to become apprehensive or paranoid, but just be systematic in all things you do. Be prepared, take your personal security into your own hands and stay safe out there.