An Exercise in Security
Nowadays, you almost can’t look anywhere without seeing an ad for the newest gym, the ‘best’ diet, new workouts, methods, practices, what to eat, what not to eat and what have you.
Exercise – Fitness – Diet – Nutrition. Whether you like it or not, they’re part of almost everyone. Whether you work out, diet, lift, or avoid all of it with a burning passion – Everyone has an opinion. Everyone knows what does and what doesn’t work for them. Or in the least, they should potentially have an idea.
Sure. A large part of the population doesn’t fall victim to the latest trend when it comes to exercise and diet – and thats not just ok, thats good. Trends aren’t something that everyone needs to follow. Especially when it comes to diet and weight loss.
Being happy and at peace with oneself over your looks or how you feel is important. Whether you strive to do better, be better, or remain the same – thats up to you. And no one should tell you differently (with the exception of a medical professional).
What does matter is your quality of life. Are you happy? Are you able to provide for yourself – your family and your loved ones? Do you have the tools to provide? Is there a better version of yourself that you know is out there and want to find? Are you already the best version of yourself?
Look – no one is perfect. Perfection is not something that exists. Being perfect means that there is absolutely no reason to try harder, or to try again, or to keep finding ways to improve. I believe that there can be different ways to achieve a common goal, and that even if something is pulled off successfully, there is a good chance you can do the same thing again – but better. Constantly striving for improvement is something we should all try for. It doesn’t make us less of a human for not being ‘perfect’. If anything it makes us more because we are constantly searching for ‘better’.
Bringing this around to the topic of Security. Being healthy, fit, and mindful are important attributes of the job. This doesn’t mean you need to run marathons in your spare time, but being in this industry means a lot of being on your feet.
Being able to actively stand on your feet for long periods of time – whether you are able to patrol or stand watch, is incredibly important. Just like good shoes are important – good feet to go inside also helps.
In the event of a situation – are you physically prepared to handle things? While making physical contact should always be an absolute last resort, being able to defend oneself, others, or being physically prepared in any means is important. Again – you don’t necessarily need a black belt, but being aware of ones strengths and weaknesses is an asset.
Being mindful is another important trait. Knowing your assignment and having a plan before you actually physically step into the role will help make your detail run a lot smoothly. We all know that most details typically run smoothly – whether you have a plan or not. If you’re lucky enough to not have a plan and still have everything run smoothly – be grateful. No one will most likely notice.
Generally, you’re only caught without your plan if something happens and you don’t know how to respond. Being mindful and aware of anything that can happen and how to prevent and react are important. It also sets your own mind at ease if you know what you’re doing. I think we all perform at a higher level when we’re prepared and people notice these small details.
Working confidently in this industry is important.
Striving to be better in this industry is important – its also what sets you apart from the others.
Its also important to step back, reevaluate, and potentially take some constructive criticism. This is how we all improve.
The security industry heavily relies on teamwork. The partnership between security teams, clients, guests, and people passing through. As long as we’re all helping each other out, at the end of the day we’re all doing our best.
While we don’t have to have the best diet, or the most medals – staying healthy physically and mentally is important in this industry – as it is in most professions. As it is in life.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management. She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security. Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and 
experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities. She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration. Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.
