3 Easy Ways to Remove Yourself from the Victim Pool

If you think about predators such as wolves you know that they hunt in a very specific manner. They look for very specific characteristics that indicate that their intended prey will result in a successful kill. Their easiest prey is located at the local watering pool? Why? Because the prey is usually so caught up in quenching their thirst that they are not paying attention to what's around them.

So what does all this have to do with you and removing yourself from the victim pool? Because violent crime is like a wolf's hunt and you don't want to be seen as prey. A predator's job is to look for someone, i.e. prey, to attack. Your job is to make sure you don't look like prey.

There are 3 easy self-defense ways to remove yourself from the victim pool that won't cost you a cent.

The first is your body language. How you present yourself in public will determine whether or not you're going to be an easy attack or someone to avoid. If you are slouched over, not making eye contact or looking timid, you are going to pop up on the wolf's radar as viable prey.

One of the easiest fixes for body language is to hold your shoulders square, walk with a purpose, and make eye contact. You want to walk with an air of confidence. Even if you don't feel it, use the old adage, "fake it until you make it" to keep yourself safe.

The reality is that a predator isn't going to mess with someone who appears to be able to take care of themselves. A predator's own survival instincts will kick in and they don't want to get hurt or be caught. They'll pass you by and look for another target.

The second is being aware of your surroundings . Perfect prey is someone who can be attacked before they even know you are there. Look around at any mall or shopping center and pay attention to how many people are talking on their cell phones, deep in their own thoughts, talking intently with someone or reading a book. They are completely oblivious to their surroundings and make perfect potential prey.

This doesn't mean that you walk around like a scared rabbit. But that you are alert and can identify potential threats within your surroundings. Pay attention and you'll start to recognize potential predators by their body language.

The third step is reducing the inducements. The reality is that a predator is targeting you as there is something you have that he wants and your body language tells him that he can take it. If you are going to carry around a lot of valuable "stuff" then you better be prepared to defend it or give it up.

Here's a fun little exercise that will make you more aware of how predators think and the things you may be doing that you didn't realize you were doing to place yourself in the victim pool.

The next time you are in a public place, like the mall, stop and get a drink or something to eat and sit down somewhere where you can just watch people. While you are watching them, think like a criminal and play the role. Now scan for potential victims: