A survival mindset is the will to engage the opposition without stopping, even if hurt, until the attacker is no longer a threat.  Only with a killer instinct will an individual have a fighting change at escaping and surviving a violent encounter.  If an individual doesn’t possess the proper mindset for combat, then the sudden shock of being attacked will mitigate any skills and they will freeze.  To harness this instinct, turn fear into anger and aggression.  Focus this emotion against the attacker until the threat is neutralized.