Pretty much anyone with a survival mindset has been exposed to the concept of “situational awareness”. It has to do with the ever-changing balance you must strike between living your life and watching out lest you be deprived of it.
Stratfor has a short, very good piece on the subject. It covers every basic point you need in order to understand the concept. Well worth the few minutes it takes to read it.
Good stuff, sadly most people are oblivious to their surroundings. Either distracted by their cell phone or converstations with others. Never taking the time to look around to what may be going on.
I employ a techniq once stated by a pilot. That being, putting your head on a swivle and look around you 360.