Madison DeVage

Extended Summary 5
June 10, 2014





Habit 2: Identifying Your Center

In the novel, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey discusses
about finding your center in life or harmony. Do you know where you stand? What is
the center of your own life? However, identifying your center can most likely be
difficult. Covey discusses the best way to recognize your center.
Covey states that the best way to find your center is took look closely at your
life-support factors. If you can relate to any of the centeredness descriptions listed
on a separate page you can determine what your center is. Covey emphasizes that
having a combination of these centers also counts. Covey also thinks, that by being
able to identify and reflect on your centeredness outcome, you are able to be more
effective as a person.
On a personal level, I believe that I am a combination of spouse-centered and
work-centeredness. My feelings of security are based on the way my spouse treats
me. At times, I can be vulnerable to moods and feeling of my spouse. During conflict,
there is deep disappointment when my spouse disagrees with my or does not meet
my expectations. I also define myself by my occupational role and feel most
comfortable while working. Although I feel that this group of centeredness can be
toxic at times, I feel that these centers best describe me as a person, I also firmly
believe that this combination of centers can be beneficial.
In conclusion, I inflexibly agree with Coveys thoughts. Which is, that if one
can identify their center, that individual will have a sense of harmony in life, which
will lead to being an effective person at home, or in the office. I chose a photograph
that best represents my center. This photograph contains be and my boyfriend. We
thrive off of each others moods and feelings. Although this may seem lethal in a
relationship at times, when a couple is constantly sending good vibes to one
another, it is a perpetual cycle of happiness.











What is your center?

Spouse-Centered:
Your feelings of security are based on the way your spouse treats you.
You are highly vulnerable to the moods and feelings of your spouse.
There is deep disappointment resulting in withdrawal or conflict
when your spouse disagrees with you or does not meet you
expectations
Anything that may impinge on the relationship is received as a threat

Family-Centered:
Your security is founded on family acceptance and fulfilling family
expectations.
Your sense of personal security is as valuable as the family
Your feelings of self-worth are based on the family reputation.

Money-Centered:
Your personal worth is determined by your net worth.
You are vulnerable to anything that threatens your economic security.

Work-Centered:
You tend to define yourself by your occupational role.
You are only comfortable when you are working.

Possession-Centered:
Your security is based on your reputation, your social status, or the
tangible things you possess.
You tend to compare what you have to what others have.

Pleasure-Centered:
You feel secure only when youre on pleasure high.
Your security is short-lived. Anesthetizing, and dependent on your
environment.

Friend-Centered:
Your security is a function of the social mirror.
You are highly dependent on the opinions of others.

Enemy-Centered:
Your security is volatile, based on the movements of your enemy.
You are always wondering what he is up to.
You seek self-justification and validation from the like-minded.


Church-Centered:
Your security is based on church activity and on the esteem in which
those in authority or influence in the church holds you.
You find identity and security in religious labels and comparisons.

Self-Centered:
Your security is constantly changing and shifting.