Frank Elsner, Chief of Safety and Security for the Natural Factors Group of Companies, is urging Canadians to focus on personal preparedness and mental readiness through consistent daily habits. Elsner argues that the most critical safety tools are not complex systems but the small, routine practices individuals adopt.
Recent data reveals a significant gap between public expectations and actual readiness. One in three Canadians frequently feels unprepared in daily situations, while 76% report difficulty concentrating due to stress, digital overload, or fatigue. Workplaces have experienced a 22% increase in preventable incidents tied to communication failures and hasty decisions. "These aren't technical issues—they're human issues," Elsner stated. "Small habits can make a big difference."
Drawing from a career spanning undercover work, intelligence operations, dive team leadership, and tactical response, Elsner emphasizes that awareness is key. "When I worked undercover, the smallest shift in tone or movement could change the whole situation," he explained. "Awareness isn't paranoia. It's paying attention with purpose." He advocates for a practice borrowed from tactical teams: conducting quick, structured debriefs after major tasks to assess what worked and what needs change.
Elsner recommends three practical habits for individuals, families, and workplaces. First, pausing before making decisions can prevent extensive damage control. Second, writing things down by hand improves information retention by 20–30%, a technique he used as a mature student. Third, using short debriefs after stressful moments strengthens future actions. These strategies enhance clarity and reduce stress, particularly in unpredictable scenarios.
To manage overwhelm, Elsner highlights the value of a personal "reset mechanism," such as riding a motorcycle, walking, or cooking, which forces focused attention. "Silence is underrated," he added. "It gives space for better judgment." He calls on Canadians to adopt one daily habit to boost readiness, emphasizing that preparedness is about presence, not fear. Elsner encourages workplaces, schools, and community groups to integrate discussions on awareness and decision-making into their culture. For more information on organizational safety, visit https://www.naturalfactors.com.
