Something I try to keep top of mind is identifying signals and noise. A lot of life can fall into these two categories.
Signals are things you should take action on or at least seriously consider. Noise can usually be ignored.
A couple slow days in business is usually noise. A week or more of slow days might be a signal that something is wrong.
Same thing with health. One bad meal is noise. A week of slipping on workouts and eating like trash is probably a signal.
It even shows up with content. One negative comment is noise, especially if the overall response is positive. But if multiple people you respect are saying the same thing, that might be a signal to pay attention.
I’ve had times where I overreacted to noise and wasted energy on stuff that didn’t really matter. I’ve also ignored signals and paid for it later. The hard part is being honest with yourself about which is which.
A question that helps me is:
“Is this a one‑off, or is this a pattern?”
If it’s a pattern, it deserves attention. If it’s a one‑off, it probably doesn’t.
Maybe take a look at an area of your life that’s been bothering you and ask yourself: is this signal or noise?
— Bus
4 comments
Leo Amaya
Agreed. I try to tune the static out, coming from N.Y.C & moving to Texas was a must for me, too much of too much. Distractions here & distraction over there are overwhelming at times. I’m no self appointed judge but I will call it how it is. Iv been holding it down since 1994, struggling to pay rent & feeding my teacup toy poodle (Lady) 4 turtles & my cat Angie. I was 14…& I learned that everything happens for a reason. God is something I do not believe in…I know. Eyes on the prize & never forget about the hunger, never forget that our freedoms are & were never free. The balancing of emotion & the anger stabbed into your bones must be vented. Art & music have always been there for me. They can steal my drums, they can steal my tools but they can never do what I do & that’s simply being true to my self. Rock on & only god can judge.
Briar
Someone I love and respect told me when I was growing up that “not every thought is important” which I needed to hear at the time. I like what you said about recognizing patterns, that’s great advice
Steven V Sandwall
Wise words. Thanks bus
Matthew Hess
True that!
Quentin Presente!