Prey or Pro… Which “P” are you?
In nature as in civilization, predators go after what they assume will be prey. There are certain characteristics predators look for and feel out before they mark they’re target for attack.
Attackers do not go after a “Pro.” I’ll get to that in a minute, but first, let’s talk about “Prey.”
In the animal kingdom, lions sit and wait for a heard of gazelle to come by. Looking through the grass they may see hundreds of gazelle but are looking for only one in particular, that one gazelle showing signs of a prey. To the untrained eye each and every gazelle looks like a prey to a lion but that’s far from the truth. Lions want a quick and easy target. Gazelle’s that are young or old, weak or injured and even a possibly distracted gazelle, that doesn’t seem interested in the group will make the perfect prey.
When the moment is right, the lion attacks with full determination and intent to capture and kill the targeted prey.
Unless a lion is desperate and/or has no other options available, he will rarely go after a strong healthy gazelle or any other animal if he can avoid it.
How does this translate for humans in civilization? I’ve said before, predators are predators whether in the animal or human kingdom. The characteristics of a predator are the same and so are the characteristics of prey. When an attacker looks through a crowd of people for a victim, he looks for the same characteristics as the lion.
Someone who walks with little or no purpose, lacking self confidence by keeping eyes down and/or avoids eye contact, walking alone and away from groups and possibly showing signs of injury or low athletic ability. This is a “Prey.”
A “Pro” is someone who shows signs of self confidence, walks with purpose, makes eye contact and isn’t afraid to start conversations. Pro’s also show signs of athletic ability. I’m not saying you have to be an athlete or even look like one. I’m suggesting that if profiled for an attack, someone who works out and is visibly physically strong will be less likely to be attacked. Furthermore, if the attacker is desperate and there is no prey to be found, a physically fit person will be able to defend themselves with the proper training.
We have a choice each day, a conscious choice to look like a prey or a pro. Over time making the “Pro” profile part of your routine will be less conscious and more subconscious, meaning we don’t have to think about it all the time, it will just be. Until then, make the decision to pay attention to surroundings including people. Pay attention to patterns of behavior and choose behaviors that keep you looking like a Pro!
Start Strong, Finish Stronger!
Nathan
Looking for real world self defense training? Check out “Are You Prepared? Self defense program. For information please contact me at Nathan@trinitybody.com
