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Trust Your Instincts

Personal Safety

high priority
4 min read
Updated December 2024
Overview

Your intuition is a powerful safety tool that has evolved over thousands of years. Learning to recognize and trust your gut feelings can help you avoid dangerous situations before they escalate.

Key Points
  • Your subconscious picks up on danger signals before your conscious mind
  • Physical sensations often accompany intuitive warnings
  • It's better to be wrong and safe than right and sorry
  • Don't let social politeness override your safety instincts
  • Practice listening to your inner voice in low-stakes situations
Step-by-Step Implementation
1

Recognize Physical Warning Signs

Learn to identify how your body responds to danger: increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension, or a feeling in your stomach.

2

Don't Rationalize Away Concerns

If something feels off, don't talk yourself out of the feeling. Your subconscious may have noticed something your conscious mind missed.

3

Act on Your Instincts

When you get a warning feeling, take action immediately. Leave the situation, seek help, or move to a safer location.

4

Practice in Safe Environments

Start paying attention to your gut feelings in everyday situations to strengthen your ability to recognize them when it matters.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Ignoring gut feelings to avoid seeming rude or paranoid
  • Overthinking and rationalizing away warning signs
  • Waiting for concrete evidence before taking action
  • Dismissing feelings as 'just anxiety' without consideration
  • Not trusting your instincts about people you've just met
Emergency Actions
  • If you feel immediate danger, leave the area immediately
  • Don't worry about being polite if your safety is at risk
  • Call for help or contact authorities if the feeling persists
  • Move to a public, well-lit area with other people around
  • Contact someone you trust to let them know your situation
Related Safety Tips
Stay Alert in Public
Share Your Location
Additional Resources

The Gift of Fear - Key Concepts

Summary of Gavin de Becker's safety principles

PDF • 1.8 MB

Intuition and Safety Podcast

Expert discussion on trusting your instincts

Audio • 25 min
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