Stay Alert: Unpacking the Meaning Behind ‘Keep Your Guard Up’

Are you constantly being told to “keep your guard up”? Do you ever find yourself wondering what that phrase really means? Are you envisioning a group of knights with shields and swords, ready for battle? Fear not, dear reader. We are here to help unpack the meaning behind this pesky phrase.

What is meant by ‘keeping your guard up’?

Often times, when someone tells us to keep our guard up they mean for us to be vigilant or aware of potential dangers. In other words, stay alert! It can also mean being cautious in general – don’t let your guard down too easily. This may sound like practical advice but let’s dive a little deeper.

The problem with keeping your guard always up

While it may seem safer to keep our guards up at all times (cue images of people walking around with shields), there are problems associated with living in such an overly cautious manner (“Better safe than sorry”). For example:

• It can make social interactions difficult: If your guards are always up then how will you form relationships (“Don’t take everything so seriously”).
• Creating unnecessary stress: Being constantly on high alert breeds anxiety and stress (“Just relax already!”).

But why do we have these constant urges about staying alert?

Evolutionary reasons behind the urge

Scientists believe that humans evolved this trait as a method of survival. Keeping one’s guard up could have saved early humans from becoming prey . However, nowadays since most of us aren’t constantly battling predators it seems excessive isn’t it?!

Tennis player analogy

We’ll use tennis players as an example – They’re encouraged by their coaches either verbally or through body language during changeovers between sets by phrases such as “Stay sharp”, “Stay focused” etc which essentially implies that they remind themselves not be overly confident and remain alert even when they are leading or winning the set. If they become too comfortable, it may lead to a lack of concentration which in turn can result in making silly mistakes that could cost them the game (“There’s always room for improvement”).

So what’s wrong with being overly confident?

Being overconfident

While confidence is generally seen as a good thing, there’s such a thing as too much confidence (e.g., Javagal Srinath bowling to Sohail). Overconfidence can also be seen as keeping our guard down.

The trait of “I-Know-It-Alls”

Overconfidence translates itself into other people watching you like – yes, exactly – an “I Know It All”. People who believe they know everything can actually shut themselves off from new information and opportunities because their ego won’t allow them to think otherwise (“No one likes a know-it-all.”).

How does this affect us on daily basis?

The effects are numerous:

Slowing your personal growth

Believing that we already have all the answers prevents us from seeking feedback (“Feedback is crucial.”) We only look for confirmation, especially if it helps raise up our position at work or status amongst our friends group.

On another note,

Can cause more harm than prevention

Taking precautions after precautions, piling up one precautionary measure upon another just increases paranoia & decreases productivity in general. Also having no relax time will steal away valuable hours remaining productive (“Work-Life Balance : A Necessity”)

Alright so now that you understand some consequences lets talk about how possible ways using little humor!

With understanding comes humour

We’ll present here few situational examples where exaggerated guard might feel funny –

• You’re walking suspiciously fast while creating bubbles clearly audible during every step
• Your colleague approaches awkwardly and says “I might have spilled on your shirt”
• Dogs scaring you more than dark alleys because unlike alleys, dogs may lick u to death!

Taking it easy and some fun

Now we are not saying do away with precautionary measures altogether. All that’s needed is a balance between caution and carefree attitude.

So next time someone advises you to keep your guard up, feel free to ask for details (“are there real dangers involved here or should I just chillax?”). Laugh off small miscalculations instead of feeling jittery all the time (cue image of people laughing at their mistakes) (“Embracing Errors: A Cathartic Experience”)

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s evident from various examples that straddling along this line between over-cautious & being off-guard helps us remain positive while keeping our senses sharp.
So remember – “It’s better to be safe than sorry”, but sometimes one needs an occasional break from safety!