Situational Awareness
We were just discussing this topic at work at the PD. It lead to a larger discussion of why some people "get it" and others do not.
Our thoughts:
"Mindset" involves an understanding that the world can be an unpredictable place, where bad things happen to good people, and things can happen to you for no particular reason. (People understand the randomness of some events, like a car accident caused by icy roads, but do not necessarily understand the "randomness" concept when it applies to street crime.)
You need to be willing to take appropriate action to neutralize the threat or to remove yourself from the danger, once you identify that you have a problem.
You have to maintain situational awareness, so you can identify a problem and not be surprised.
You need to develop (often through experience) the ability to analyze available information and make a reasonable decision QUICKLY.
Oftentimes, when people discuss the topic of "mindset" it veers into a discussion of whether or not you are willing to take a life to protect yourself or others. This is a critical issue, and we all need to think this through in our own mind, in detail, but that's NOT the only issue.
"Paying attention" has a lot to do with mindset. So does pre-event training and preparation.
And "preparation" covers simple things, like (1.) Keep your cell phone charged, (2.) Have a small high-intensity light available (SureFire G-2 Nitrolon would be a quality, low cost option for this), (3.) Keep maps in your car of anywhere you might be traveling, (4.) Dress for the weather, (5.) Make sure your spare tire has air in it. Make sure your vehicle has gas and coolant/anti-freeze and the belts/battery/alternator are in good shape, and so on.
People who "don't get it" don't pay enough attention to prepare for any unusual occurrances.