Noise Discipline = “Minimizing your noise signature to a degree that it does not compromise mission essential actions.”  That definition may sound more like a tactical reference found in a military guidebook issued in basic training.  That’s where I first learned the terms “noise discipline” and “light discipline.”  Both referenced the discipline required to keep from exposing your position to the enemy in combat.  While I wasn’t assigned to a combat unit, all Marines were (and still are) treated to a healthy dose of combat training – and these particular disciplines are very basic.

With the my service now well behind me (’91-’99), I find that the foundational aspects of military service still shape my overall approach to life – both personally and professionally.  I do grapple daily with an increasing and consistent erosion of my overall self discipline.  My motivation for creating this blog is that it may somehow act as a repository for my thoughts and collected research around the very specific concept of noise discipline – though I will apply the idea in a different manner than you might expect.  

Noise = a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance

Discipline = train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way

For the purposes of this conversation, retain your general definition of DISCIPLINE, –  reframe NOISE to involve any  of your audible ‘or visible’ outward expressions of thoughts and/or ideas – your Twitter and Facebook posts, the bumper stickers on your car, your personal contributions to discussions  in the workplace or at home, your appearance and pronounced identity, etc.  Then, as a second excercise, also consider NOISE to include any audible or visible stimulus that you consume on a daily basis – your social media feed, radio, tv, print media, 

I ask you to collaborate with me in an effort to seek mental minimalism – or essentialism.  I’ll ask you to consider a ‘noise’ fast or a narrowing of intake and consumption. Similarly, fasting from non-essential output will also be a part of this exercise.    

Lastly – and perhaps most importantly – how does a blog contribute to noise discipline?  A blog is an author’s outward expression (noise)…and the ensuing dialogue through comments is the follower’s outward expression of counter thoughts or ideas (noise).  Similarly, the passive follower of this blog is perhaps choosing to ‘consume’ yet another ‘feed’ (noise).   Is this therefore one big excercise in hypocrocy?  No, IMHO…there really is no perfect forum to present ideas that call for a narrowing of intake and a suppression of output.  There is no way to present the concept of noise discipline without actually plotting the thoughts and contributions into a virtual ‘sandbox’ – this blog.  Finally – you should know that this blog is partially stemming from my need to write.  I may include posts that are inclined toward masculinity, as I’m generally ashamed of the physical and mental weakening  of the modern male. Noise discipline can apply to many areas – most importantly…manning the f*** up and using your God-given talents and resources to contribute to your family’s well being, to society, and to yourself.  Yes, this is a blog moreso inclined toward the male reader – though I hope everyone can benefit from the content in some way.