Six weeks ago we bought a new all-in-one printer/copier/fax for the home office. We brought it home, loaded the drivers into the computer, and went through the set up procedure. During the set up one of the things the printer did was to go through a calibration process. This process ensured that the print heads were in proper alignment. It also ensured everything else on the printer including the feed rollers and the driver programs were operating properly.
Once we ran a test print and verified all the computers in the house could connect to the printer either locally or wirelessly we pretty much forgot about the printer. Like many things in life, a printer is not something you think about until you need to use it. One evening about two weeks later I heard a noise in the office. I thought maybe it was an incoming fax since I have the ringer turned off for the fax function. When I went in the office I noticed lights flashing on the new printer in the word “calibrating” scrolling across the screen. At that point I did something that felt really strange, I read the owners manual! I guess I need to give up my man card now. It explained that the printer periodically recalibrates itself to verify that it’s functioning optimally.
It reminded me of something that Zig Ziglar always said, “You need to do a checkup from the neck up.” Zig Ziglar is one of the fathers of positive mental attitude. He believes what the mind can conceive the body can achieve. Apparently my new printer is a devotee of Mr. Ziglar. In calibrating itself it was doing a regular checkup to verify that all of its programs and systems were operating properly.
When we set goals and make plans we are calibrating our internal compass. We are putting a mechanism in place to move us towards what we want to achieve. Life sometimes happens and we get a little bit off course. From time to time we need to recalibrate ourselves. This will verify our programs and drivers are operating properly.
Here is a definition of calibrate; to check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard. When was the last time you calibrated yourself? Do you, like my printer, calibrate yourself regularly? What does this mean? At least once a week, preferably the same day and time, I suggest you review your visions, your goals and your attitude. Verify that the three are still in alignment. Make the changes or necessary adjustments to get back in alignment. This will help ensure that you are progressing towards your most important goals.
