DAMMIT BRTELEC, STOP READING MY INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL!!
It seems like everything you post on this general topic is dead-nuts 100% what I would say. It's nice to see someone with the same viewpoints.
Just a couple of examples out of this:
you must also commit to learning to handle your firearm
I once asked a fellow Instructor what he carried, and he responded with "It depends on what day of the week it is", indicating that he carried whatever struck his fancy that day.
I told him right away that I strongly disagreed with that philosophy; that you should carry and practice with the same gun - repeatedly - so that EVERYTHING is automatic. You don't want to have to *think* "Do I flip off the thumb safety? Does this gun HAVE a safety?", etc. Clearing a malfunction can become more problematic depending on your level of expertise. This is something I feel strongly about and drill into my students.
constantly being aware of your surroundings
This is what we call "Situational Awareness". It's too easy to become lost in your own thoughts as you walk in a parking lot or similar. Did you notice that guy 20 feet to your right, wearing a heavy coat and wool hat, even though it's warm weather? Do you see that guy who, in your peripheral vision, is quickly walking TOWARD YOU instead of with the flow of foot traffic? Being aware of your surroundings keeps YOU safe, too!
It is a lot of responsibility. Not one to be taken lightly.
:lolcina: I hammer this into ALL my students, HARD. Invariably I'll have someone in class who "can't wait until someone tries to break into MY house!". Ugh. There's no place for this type of mentality in carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Just last week I was explaining how, when carrying, I am LESS likely to get into a confrontation with anyone. This is because I *know* how it could escalate, whether I wanted it to or not. I'm an easy-going guy, but I'm just that more restrained when carrying.
Preach on, brother!!