Standards survive when they become defaults, not arguments. Silent Signals teaches a practical way to make standards automatic: a set of small, repeatable physical cues you place in your environment to communicate your rule to yourself and others without debate. James explains why nonverbal signals reduce negotiation, preserve dignity, and protect your attention. You’ll get three plug‑and‑play signals—one for morning focus (a single mug or kettle on your desk), one for family boundaries (a closed jar or token that means “do not interrupt”), and one for work/meeting posture (phone facedown + pen across notebook)—with exact placement and the short line to state once so it lands. The episode includes a two‑minute installation ritual to set the signal, a seven‑day micro‑trial to test whether the signal reduced compromises, and a single reflection question to keep the practice honest. Practical, low‑ego, and usable tonight: make your environment enforce your standard so you don’t have to argue for it.