How to Calibrate Feelings?

This weeks TECHNIQUE is to Calibrate life, not just be present in it.

CALIBRATING life is so much better than just “being present” in it, because being present is an incomplete mantra that has been heavily suggested in recent years. I admit, “being present” sounds wonderful and peaceful, but it is simplistic and incomplete. Learning and growing occurs by understanding the past and changing the future. That is the technique called Calibration.

In the book, Chatter, Ethan Kross explains that the voice in our head isn’t a burden, but rather a blessing. The problem is the negative and destructive thinking, while calibrating is the remedy. He emphasized that “A life lived only in the present can become Reactive. Emotional. Patterned.”

In fact, Einstein tried to pointed this out by saying, “The true definition of madness is repeating the same action, over and over, hoping for a different result.” 

Calibration is a way to understand an experience, correctly label it, and then adjust for future behavior. It takes power back from long held negative self talk or narrative, and gives the best chance for happier, healthier, and more memorable life.

If we take the analogy of flying a plane, Being present means looking out the window, while Calibration equals checking instruments, adjusting course, correcting drift.

Without calibration, patterns are repeated without realizing it, emotions are mislabeled, and future behaviors are based on reaction not reason.

With calibration, questions start with “What just happened?”, then “What does this mean?”, and finally "What do I do now?”

The Take Away:

The internal voice is not supposed to be suppressed or silent. It’s will grow wiser and stronger when heard.

Experience → Reflect → Label → Adjust → Act

“Don’t just live your life… Calibrate it.”