Tips for Being Aware But Not Paranoid | Active Self Protection Extra 

God bless you, John.

I was in the middle of typing "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you" you said it. LOL

I realized how much attention is drawn by not only my phone, but simply by the fact that I had the bas tendency to get lost in thoughts and my mind. What I like to do when I'm in the streets is just looking at everything, as you said, with curiosity. It's incredible how much information we are ignoring from what our eyes can provide us. On state orange: if the guy's look is awful, he has his hands on his pockets, and he looks at me but is constantly checking around him, I generally take it as if he's making sure nobody is around and that means he has evil intentions.

Thanks and God bless you too.

This is very helpful. Thank you!

Well said

God bless you too!

This video should have 100 times more viewers…

Aware is not paranoid... it's part of being mindful of what is in your world. There's a lot of good things (and people, and especially dogs) in my world and I want to enjoy them. Good stuff, John!

Paranoia is an enlightened state of awareness!

I’m 18 and just got my concealed carry permit. Binge watching this whole channel to learn how to do this stuff right

Same with my instructor

This is very well said! I have learned so much from this channel. Keep up the great work!

As a bonus to making you a more prepared self defender, having more situational awareness gives you more chances for acts of kindness. If you're more aware of your surroundings then you may be more aware of those in public who may need some help (someone dropping a bunch of stuff, an elderly person trying to carry something heavy, etc etc).

And God bless you my broda...

GREAT VID !!! LOVE ASP 🇺🇸

Thank you, John, this was helpful. Awareness does not have to mean uncomfortably aware.

And there it is, the very explanation I could never put to words. People have mentioned to me that I'm paranoid but I feel like I'm being prepared and aware. You explaining "is everything okay" is exactly what I'm doing. I've never looked for something wrong, I've always made sure that everything is right or okay, then when it isn't, respond accordingly. That may be leaving where I am, waiting where I currently am for a few minutes before proceeding or just not going in the first place. Another outstanding video where I picked up another piece of valuable information to put in my tool kit. Thank you.

I liked the analogy you touched on for a moment in the Christmas Eve Mall video. It's like defensive driving in a car. Don't just stare at the tail lights directly in front of you, but scan far ahead. Slow down or speed up to avoid a potential issue like people merging, drunks, road rage, etc. (even if it never becomes a problem). Be aware what's coming up behind you or either side. Watch for other cars at intersections and don't assume they are going to stop just because the are supposed to. Same when walking around. Be aware.

Great video

good stuff!👍

Its so hard nowadays. If you even look at someone wrong its a threat. Some people go too far nowadays .

You summed it up with explaining that paranoid is suspecting everyone and aware is noticing what’s out of place. Some people also feel this is a lot of work to try to do and remember. however do it enough, heck make a game of spotting things out of place with the kids in the car, then it becomes natural and like muscle memory. I liked the last video. Seems common sense but I’ve seen to often how much people miss right in front of them. Will use the last video it for our community watch group.

Because you have taught that to me

Best explanation of alertness I’ve heard. Be curious. Thanks

Just came off 6 months of grand jury duty----first time. That is a real eye opener on the amount of criminal activity that goes on in your county. It wasn't long into our monthly meetings I found ASP and ASP Extra channels.....few others. Started marinating in the information and teaching. It helped to just watch video after video until I was starting to pick up the lessons I thought John would list. One Sunday after church walking toward the door into Walmart I saw a young man watching me. He flipped his hoody up, felt around in the front of his waistband and started walking. I kept eye contact with him and he with me. Not sure who was trying to intimidate who.... By the time I walked into the store the greeter was on her body mike talking to security. She'd already seen him and he was shaking like crazy and I was an older lady alone. Soft target. When I walked in I had grabbed a buggy and stopped right there at the greeter. A couple then quickly entered the store and zipped up to the greeter talking away. They had watched him and felt very suspicious of him. Not sure of the outcome with all that....or the outcome the young man wanted to take place. But I accredit these videos to helping me be aware. Yes I have purchased pepper spray and carry now. Lessons learned in the jury duty stint...people under the influence or needing some drug money will kill you. Am I paranoid. No----just a little more educated and prepared. Hope this helps someone. Jesus bless.

Great vid, I think I've deterred a few encounters with me just being aware of what is going on around me, THANKS !!

Situational Awareness is the only way to roll! John, your teachings are really great. I share them with many people, family and friends.

"Aware is not Paranoid" Thanx David Thompson. Paranoid is the unusual, unrealistic fear that.... The public is in more peril in this 21st century than any century before. Being aware of those dangers is far better than waltzing around in a delusion of safety.

The point of awareness is so *can* just relax and enjoy things. By training to get habits of being aware of things, you don't have to be constantly on watch. You wouldn't call a car driver who is always looking for ways to improve as being paranoid or fearful, quite the opposite. I think these people are projecting, because they've avoided facing these issues so their only other options are blissful ignorance or fear and paranoia. That's all you've got if you haven't learned anything else.

I need to re read coopers book.

I wouldn’t consider myself paranoid, but I’ve always been very aware of my surroundings since I lived in a very crappy neighborhood in northwest Houston. I’d always put my life ahead of my girlfriend’s and her friends. I’d always make sure I’m street-side on the sidewalk just in case someone happens to jump a curb, always in front of her going into an unfamiliar establishment, etc. As far as I’m concerned, it’s not always about covering your own ASP, it’s about covering those around you. Thank you for continuing to make these videos, John! Always very helpful!

the navy nuke background makes so much sense. everyone I've met with the same service experience is a spitting image of John, metaphorically speaking...

Hey John , Keep your hands where I can see 'em.

I was pretty sketched out when I had to pull up to a self storage place to drop some stuff off around midnight, which was just off a moderately busy area and off in an area kind of like an alley.

Very well presented! You articulate so well the psychology of self defense. Very helpful. Thank you. Chuck

Yes! I enjoy watching people and trying to read them. The more you do this the more data you have in your head and the better you get at it.

I definitely watch people's hands alot more now...lol...love your vids John

Myself I scan every area I enter. Usually a quick glance will alert you if someone or something is out of place. The creep detector is built into everyone but some choose to ignore it. My opinion is this, an ounce of caution is worth more than a ton of regret... Stay watchful but dont take away from your life...

I got a couple of tricks. Especially if I want to look behind me or get a better look at my surroundings without making it obvious. 1, pretend to drop my keys or my wallet so that I can have a reason to stop and on my way both down or up from picking up what I dropped I re-scanned the area to verify if indeed someone was following me or if someone is still looking at me... 2. Pretend t stop to tie my shoe. For the same reason. It gives you an excuse to look around, just to double check. 3. Whenever I am waiting outside a building either for an Uber or if I’m against for a buddy to meet me there I make sure that if there’s a glass window or any other reflective surface that can help me see things coming from behind or the sides in case I just want to catch a s small glimpse if I have my back turned.

I do exactly that when I go in big park a lots I like to park my car out where I can see it from a distance. And I'm also looking to see if people are coming and going and who's lordering around my car. I never leave home without my firearm.

I try to scan wherever I am to see if anyone needs help, like an elderly person, or someone getting ready to walk in front of a car, or someone clearly distraught. I can see where this would also make one aware of a need for defense. That being said, I still can't see the need for civilian everyday carry in a modern industrialized republic.

I was in a WinCo today, First week of the month.. the cashier called it EBT week, the people were uh... Unique.... I was paranoid as fuck walking around. Normally never feel that way, but holy shit this WinCo trip really had me on one.

My childhood made me a perfect self aware and situationally aware person. My husband with a good upbringing thinks im paranoid...nahh im being aware always and if i mention it to him ..then im worried

Something too I’ve noticed is that when soldiers go to war, they come home AWARE of everything, and civilians (people who have not been in life threatening situations) mistake that state of awareness as “paranoia,” and it’s a shame. I have military men all throughout my family, plus I grew up in a bad major city, so my level of awareness has been honed since I was little. I was taught awareness early on, but have met people over the last 38yrs who I would swear are walking around in a state of sleepiness 24/7. I’ve had friends from the Midwest that I’ll ask “hey did you notice that guy over there with the hood and sunglasses” and they’re like “oh I didn’t even know he was there,” and people sleep walking around like that will either get mugged or killed someday because they won’t be able to identify a threat until it’s just too late! Great video John, thanks.

Once I was in a bus and a high school aged boy had a real axe in hand and some bag that I reckoned was some sort of school project. How alarmed I should be in this situation with him holding an axe in open? EDIT: Summary of video that I picked up: Be paranoid -vs- Be curious as to your surroundings. People around might be a threat -vs- they ARE a threat until proven otherwise.

Great advice!

May God bless you and your family. Keep the faith and sharing your experience and knowledge with us.. I for one am grateful for you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Also, ask all of the people wearing hoodies for the time.

Great video, my son and I were talking abut this very thing a couple of days ago.

Great Video! Appreciate it!

John's the coolest cat on the web.

Perfectly said and articulated. 😀👌

Perfect explanation of the difference.

John, ever since I've discovered your main channel you've enforced in me transitional spaces and to just look around. Look at people and meet their eyes but not in an aggressive fashion but just see and you can judge a lot from that. You are a great teacher and wish I could attend some of your in person classes.

Another great video with teaching points. I retired after 22 years in the military and my mind has been conditioned to be aware 24/7/365. For non military folks, they must learn to practice situational awareness skills. Many of your fine videos show criminals who have the advantage because the victim is not aware of their surroundings. Great job and God bless you and your family!

One thing that was left out was try to be aware of not being in the three Ss environment if possible!

A classic example. I walked to the market to get some beer this evening. As I exited the market, a person standing in the shadow asked me if I could help him out and spare him a beer. I said no and walked away. I smoke cigars, so I walked a dozen steps, then turned into the breeze to light my cigar. Knowing that I was into the wind. The point was that I wanted to see his reaction and intent. I wanted eyes on him. I then turned against the wind and lit my cigar. After another dozen steps, I turned to see what was behind me. This is awareness of one's surroundings when things don't seem normal.

This is a great video! I love that eyes and hands saying. I find myself watching people's hands whenever I'm in public space

Last week, I roundhouse kicked an elderly lady in the crafts section of Walmart. She was one of them, I’m sure of it!

I have taught similar lessons in my prior career and I must say you were able to put it succinctly, with good information.

"The nice thing about paranoia is you only have to be right once to make it all worthwhile." -George Carlin

Pay attention to details...Definitely helps to be aware and one step ahead,when possible!!.....

This background is better than your usual use of the green screen. The green screen makes your video's look low quality

Great video. And very timely. I shared this with my friends.

Well said and broke down where anyone can understand great video John keep up the good work god bless

I never knew you were a Nuke! No wonder I like you lol!

I tell my students that situational awareness provides us the ability to smell the roses, see if anyone needs help...with their shopping, getting across the road, dealing with an attacker. We'll see potholes, Lego (important if we're barefoot), as well as being able to identify active, violent threats. John, you described it will.

Love the start of this video. Oooh! John you are the best man you really know how to get people's attention. Seriously though, thanks for the awesome tips. Some of us really believe in the self defense thing so hardcore that others sometimes looks at us like crazies. As always sound advice from the ASP King.

Added to favorites. Great for those people who ask isn't it exhausting looking over your shoulder all the time. Or why live scared?

I pocket carry my mouse because i can look natural with my hand ON IT. A shoulder, hip, ankle holstet...not so much. During jacket weather my mouse is ready to shoot THRU my jacket pocket. Draw faster than THAT wyatt.

"Left of Bang" is a good book on this subject. Thank you for another great video.

So last night I happened to look out my bedroom window and spotted some dude walking alone in our community. It was around 9:15pm. Since it's kinda rare to see neighbors outside at that hour, i kept looking and though...well maybe he lives around so let me keep looking in case he goes another way. He did! Kept walking all the way around the neighborhood including the front of my property and then all the way towards the main entrance to our community. No cars were viable and I immediately told my husband who just said to me "ok". Was I paranoid or alert here?

Green shirt + green screen = fun

Thanks. I always look around for threats. I just need to be curious. When you look for specific things you could miss em. Thanks for the help. Love your channel. God bless!

I believe I'm kind of "paranoid". Leaving in California democrat state where 99.999% of the time not carrying a gun, every time I walked into a place and took a couple seconds to analyze and play "IF" to be able to have a plan if something bad happened. 🤷🏻‍♂️👮🏻🚨🚔👉🏻💨💨💨💨

Not me. I live in an area in Houston called Greenspoint aka Gunspoint. There are always plenty of good reasons to be aware. Lol!

Thanks John.

John, thanks for your service. Navy nukes get excellent training and experience in situational awareness. Some say nulcear power plant operators must be like cats -- relaxed but super aware. Most of my career was in commercial nuclear power, where about half of my colleagues came from the Navy Nuclear service. Love your channel!

Stop texting!

I'm more yellow every where I got I'm always watching people

Absolutely agree with this video

It's called " Common sense" some people just don't have it

Last time I went to Wal-Mart I was on my way out and noticed a odd looking fellow. He was looking at me and I had to walk right passed him to leave. I tried to not look at him but I couldn't resist bc he was so odd. As I walked by we caught eyes and it was like the nerds from Wayne's world backstage. He immediately engaged and asked "did you drop a knife in the parking lot?" I chuckled and said nah sorry and walked out. I was ready (my entire edc system was on me and mentally prepared) but not paranoid. Wal-Mart's hilarious sometimes

what if a muscular guy in black leather and shades is walking towards you carrying a long floral box?

Best gem I ever got from TV was from Andy Sipowicz(sp?) on NYPD Blue talking to his new-cop son: "People, places, the things they're doing, and the times they're doing them".

Awareness is probably the most important aspect of self defense, but it’s deceptively easy to cross the line into paranoia. You see someone walking down the street in front of you wearing a hoodie with their hands in their pockets. They put their hood up and start walking nervously. You keep pace to investigate. Now you’re risking a confrontation. What’s in his pocket, skittles or a gun? Is he nervous because he’s up to something or are you making him nervous.

I watched this video 4 years ago. Now, I have questions. I get off work at 1 to 2 am and still live in a bad neighborhood. I have a private spot located under a carport and the two spots on both sides of me are SUVs. The nose of my car is facing a building. When I open my door to get out I am literally trapped and have no where to go except toward the back of the car. No room front or on both sides. Mind you I always have my gun on me but getting out of the car and having to simultaneously quickly turn toward the back of the car isn’t easy. How can I live through this situation. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a when something is going to happen, @ActiveSelfProtectionExtra

It seems very strange that people have to be taught these things. Maybe it comes from the "mind your own business" mentality. Your safety is your business. Being aware is normal. Being afraid all the time is paranoid.

Creation revelation says so much if we look up and behold.

Well said John...!

I highly i agree it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings not your instagram feed

I am not paranoid. I always take a loop around the parking lot before parking to check it out. I always park in a pull thru or back in and prefer to park near lights and away from other cars. I note who is loitering or sitting in a car, especially if it is running. Before exiting my vehicle I check my CCW gear for position (belt and cant) and concealment garment for print. I always leave my car empty (nothing visible in cabin) and lock twice (lastly with remote). I am very aware of my six and check it regularly. When embarking, I lock door, release brake, shift to Sport and belt up as quickly as possible using both hands. If interrupted, I am prepared to peel out (I can, because I back in or pull thru). I always look out for boxing in or blocking maneuvers from perps. I am not paranoid.

Awesome vid on situational awareness

Seriously though, I realize that anyone who doesn't believe in the second amendment usually finds anyone who does as "paranoid". How do you deal with that when said judgements come from your significant other?

I'm curious about the right kind of response to someone giving you a "hairy eyeball" that notices you make eye contact in response. I've had this situation happen with particularly troubled looking street folk and I get the feeling that they are sort of unstable and paranoid in their own right. Making eye contact with them seems to be a threat in itself and almost an escalation. In the kind of scenario I'm describing, I assume these people are unhealthy so I try to keep them in my peripherals without looking again and making them think that I'm wanting problems. Sometimes they are targeting you and will ask for spare change or something revealing a motive. This isn't all homeless panhandlers, many of whom i will give a moment of genuine conscious interaction with (which they are often deprived of), im really just referring to the vibe and scenario above. This isn't a well-structured question but I'm hoping maybe someone has some useful insight to offer.

Every time I see someone zoned into their phones I just want to give them a business card that has the active self protection logo on it with links to your channels . They need a wake up

That green screen is looking at me kinda funny. :) Good advice, especially about the eyes and hands.

For consideration, I like to add condition black. A mindset where you're brain freezes and skips condition red and is unable to take action. Never get to condition black.

I think of it as spidey sense