This is an interesting list of mindset rules to live by. Much of it applies across any discipline or situation in life. I was taught, “one in the hand is worth two in the bush.” And I learned the hard way, don’t go where you aren’t wanted. Also, be nice; it’s shocking how well this works in conflict avoidance of all types. The clear command to obey Christ is an ongoing lesson with which I admittedly have had varying degrees of success. Avoiding the police is another, and there are others.

Making the right decisions and taking the correct actions can save your life. After a career in law enforcement and a lifetime devoted to the study of armed conflict and training others in the art of pistolcraft, Dave Spaulding has developed some rules to live by.

Following proven operational rules and guidelines is a sound practice and, over the years, I have developed some of my own. I should note, while title has a “tactical” ring to it, these rules can be applied to many situations in life — not just fighting. I can’t claim to be the originator for many of these, simply the author and steward of this distilled list which draws from many sources but has been refined through my experience. I have used these rules regularly with great success, as have my family and students.

Although street experience helps hone the danger sense, I believe everyone has a “sixth sense” that tells them when something isn’t right. If you get an “I-should-leave” feeling, I would suggest you leave.  Too many people tell themselves they’re imagining a threat, it’s called “normalcy bias” and it’s deadly! If you get the urge, what’s the harm in leaving? Never doubt yourself! Of all the people in the world to trust, you should be first on your list.

This next section reminded me of a book, The Gift of Fear, by De Becker. Get the book and read it with the intent to admit and respond to your sense of danger.

Years ago, I was teaching a female-only self-defense class when one of the students cornered me at a break. She told me a story of working late in a high-rise office building and waiting on an elevator. She waited awhile and when the doors opened, a man was on the elevator. She said, “He looked like a biker with long greasy hair and a beard. He was smelly and unkempt. Everything in my being told me not to get on the elevator, but I just thought I was being paranoid. I got on and, right after it started to move, he attacked. I had no idea what to do so I just went to another place in my brain. The only thing that stopped the attack was that the elevator stopped on another floor for another rider and he fled.”

Read the article at the link and make personal, family, or church group applications to improve your skills and mindset where necessary. Things don’t seem to be getting better right now; take the time to prepare, above all, spiritually, but also mentally, emotionally, and physically.