If you make your own coffee, I'm sure there are several variables that should be just right. What are they?

For me, I use an old drip coffeemaker. I grind my coffee right before making it, setting the grind size 'four clicks to the left' and to the number 8 (this gagues the amount.) Then, I fill the coffeemaker with brita water to just under the 6. I press the button thay says 'strength force' (not sure what it even means or does, but whatever I definitely don't want to miss out on it).

It makes me just enough to have two cups before leaving for work with just a little bit left over in case I'm feeling particularly groggy.