I noticed the other day that when I walk through a door, stepping onto a public sidewalk I always pause and look the direction that I am walking away from first, then I look the direction I am going. Looking back, this isn’t a glance, this is a scan of who/what/where everything is at that moment. Usually takes 2-3 second, 2-3 seconds that I’m not looking in the direction I’ll be headed. So I started to wonder, which is the best way to look first? Direction of travel or direction left behind? Habits are hard to break but this one, I may just have to break it.
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Through a door- mindful of my six, my immediate need Is to know what’s behind the door
Onto a public sidewalk- I take a 180-210 degree scan
In both cases, I try to be always on the move so not going to take 2 seconds.
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For me looking first the direction I’m going seems to have more sense. I always want to know what is ahead of me, then I’m checking behind (opposite direction) and if all is good, I’m going my original direction (already checked).
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I approach this situation like I was driving … Look to my left, then right just to note the flow. After that I’ll get my bearing on my destination then ensure my “rear” is clear.
…and another thing… Happy birthday! 
. Let 'em spoil ya rotten today.
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I don’t think there is a correct answer. I was trying to remember what I use to do when I exited, before I started to pay attention. I guess I just walked. At first I felt like I was paranoid but now paying attention to my surroundings is amazing.
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We were taught left, right, left and I add another right. I don’t have mirrors mounted on my head so it’s on me to remain aware in all directions.
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Head on a swivel beats your head on stick any day of the week.
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Happy Birthday @Mike164 ! Have a great day!
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Hey, it’s @Mike164 's birthday too! Don and Mike on the same day. Party in the USCCA 
Happy birthday Mike.
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Happy birthday . I agree with @Trever1. There is no reasoning to it. I stay in condition yellow paying attention to people’s moods.
Edit- generally look for the beauty in everyone.
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Happy Birthday Mike. And many more. 
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I find myself, that I look in the direction of travel but constantly check behind and both sides, but when in a large crowd how do you spot the threat that would be my issue… And Happy Birthday Mike.
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I think one has to have confidence that they will see it. When everything is normal everything looks and feels normal. When something is out of place check it out. Take appropriate measures.
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Hey WTF? Just kidding Bruh! 
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OK Robert, That was “SWEET” Way to go Brother.
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Happy birthday sir!
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Happy Birthday Don!!! 
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