This is a key consideration too many people new to the idea of self-defense (particularly firearms for self defense) fail to take into account. You have to be clear and committed to knowing what circumstances you are willing to begin taking "active measures" for your self defense.
Sure, we all practice good op-sec - stay alert and aware of our surroundings, exit routes, who/what is nearby, how many... You're not walking around with your head buried in your phone, or even worse, headphones in and tuned out to your surroundings....right?
But you have got to know ahead of time under what general circumstances and maybe even a few very specific edge cases - when you would employ deadly force. When will you draw your firearm? When will you go to escape mode where traffic laws, the well-being of your vehicle, and the safety of those who would stop you no longer matter? If it comes to a fight, are you prepared to strike genitalia, eye-gouge, throat-punch - blows intended to end the fight quickly but that might have long-term even deadly consequences? It gets real personal, real fast. When it is life and death, there is no such thing as a "fair fight." You fight to win, period.
The fact that you consider these kinds of things ahead of time does not make you bloodthirsty, does not mean you're out looking for a fight. It means you are prepared to live another day and ensure your loved ones and even innocent bystanders live to see another day.
“When it is life and death, there is no such thing as a ‘fair fight.’ You fight to win, period.”
Yup.