When it comes to self-defense, there are mistakes that people often make. This can be the beginning of big problems and an undesirable development of the conflict. In this article we will list the most common of them.

COMMON MISTAKES MADE IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS

These errors may relate to the following aspects:
1) Recognition;
2) Expectations;
3) Time constraints;
4) Correct reaction.

Recognition

Unfortunately, it is often difficult to realize that the situation is moving towards crime and violence. The situation may seem unpleasant, but not critical, and may become dangerous unexpectedly. The problem is that often we are so emotionally involved that we are unable to recognize the signs of violence.

The ability to recognize potential violence is one of the biggest steps in being able to mentally prepare for a problem solution. The more warnings you receive and notice, the better and faster you will respond.

Expectations

The fact is that we mostly think out of habit. We have well-established assumptions, ideas, ideologies and ways of thinking that we use to function in everyday life. These paradigms not only guide our actions, but also become self-reinforcing and self-limiting. The more we think in a certain way, the less we are able to think differently.

Moreover, we take it for granted that our paradigms and way of thinking are "correct". Often we don't see the contradictions, limitations and dysfunctionality of how we think. Another thing that we often don't notice is how much our thinking limits our capabilities, especially in situations that go beyond our normal existence.

One of the biggest problems faced by most people who find themselves in a situation of violence is that they are usually desperate to find not only an effective solution, but also a solution that corresponds to their personal philosophy / worldview. But unfortunately, an effective and acceptable answer are often mutually exclusive.

For example, a person who believes that "violence has never solved anything" may believe this until he is physically abused. While this person is forced to look for an effective response within the framework of his usual paradigms, the attacker has already passed this stage and moved on to aggressive actions.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that in a crisis everything boils down to the following: what is more important, your safety or values?

Time constraints

One of the main strategies of both criminals and people prone to violence is the immediate use of overwhelming force to achieve their goals. It is very important to understand that this is an attack without warning, and not a fight, which leaves no time to mentally prepare for the situation.

The purpose of the attack is to immediately deprive you of the ability to resist. Without prior awareness of the danger, it is often difficult to immediately move to self-defense.

Correct reaction

Let's start with the fact that a fight is not self-defense. Self-defense is legal, fighting is not.

Any action in which you participate must correspond to the existing level of danger - this is especially true with regard to the use of weapons that may pose a danger to the life and health of the target. Understanding the law, threat levels, and your own internal reactions will help you better adapt your actions to stay within self-defense.