The Will/Ego Center
Within the Will/Ego Center lies the ability to value and manage our earthly resources, such as time, money, relationships, energy, etc. Both open and defined-centered beings are best when they monitor their sustainability, and at the core is our use of rest. We have discussed the idea of waiting and how it is built into the entire Human Design system; resting is another aspect you will see over and over in the chart--we must take care of ourselves in order to effectively create what we want to see in our lives
The concept of giving/receiving is also an important part of this center--we can only give to others out of our own abundance, and we also receive back what we give to others exponentially. This is why you will sometimes hear this center called the Ego, because the idea of surrendering our energies to something greater than ourselves for the betterment of all is so important in this center.
If You Have an “Open” Will/Ego Center….
Most people--approx. 88% of the world--will have this center undefined, or open (white) . "Willpower" for you will be variable; you may notice that when you are with certain people or in certain environments you are able to "push" whatever you are doing until completion, but many times you may not be able to do so. It is important to realize this variability when making decisions. You may be quick to say "Yes" to things when you may not have the energy to do them, so using your Strategy of waiting to respond will help you know which actions are for you to follow through with. Our conditioned world believes that hard work is the way to make things happen, but when you consider that most people in the world have this shifting ability to work hard and push through, you begin to realize what a farce this really is. You will do your best work and follow through--with or without breaks--when you take the time to make sure the initial decision was yours and not someone else's.
This openness can help you know what is truly valuable in life. You discover, with time and experience, your own value in the areas of work and your personal life. Along the way, you may question your value because of the "hard work" society you live in. When this happens, make sure you return again to your Strategy. Ask yourself:
Do I feel like I have something to prove?
Am I undervaluing myself?
Am I questioning my worth?
Where does my worth come from?
Truth is, you are SO valuable that you are worth getting the rest you need, making decisions that are in your best interest, growing and evolving to serve others as well as yourself. AND never forget: You are worthy of getting paid your worth and treated with love and respect. Then, you can reach out to the world with a full cup, resting in your ability to provide for yourself and helping others as you see fit.
If You Have a “Defined” Ego/Will Center….
You are part of a small population of people--approximately 12%--who have this center defined (colored-in). You have consistent access to "willpower"; you can push through the need to take a break, but constantly doing so will be to your detriment. The Will Center is energetically linked to the immune and digestive system--pushing too much may cause problems in one or both of these areas. To use this center effectively, you must learn to listen and obey your need for cycles of rest and work. The urge to work through times of weariness is very strong, and of course there are times when that urge is needed to get through something; just make sure that you aren't succumbing to this urge consistently; learn to rest.
You may notice that you use the word "I" a lot--this is not being self-centered; instead, it is your voice from within speaking as a way to be of service to others. You are here to empower others through teaching, sharing of resources, and sharing from your experience. Surrendering and listening to that voice will allow you to know when to serve and empower.
You are also in this world to create material resources. Most people think of the word, "money" when "material resources" are discussed. But this can also be about food, shelter, information, leadership, etc. You may be very connected to things on the material plane and probably take good care of your things.
***************************************************************
Note: Possessing a Defined Will myself, I have noticed that I recoil sometimes when talking about money and the things I value, and discovering this part of my chart was a bit unnerving at first. I mean, I'm a spiritual seeker--how can I be concerned about money and material things? My journey with Human Design has helped me to revisit my views around this. I discovered that most of my uncomfortableness was due to deeply conditioned beliefs that told me there wasn't enough in this world for everyone, and that taking what I needed was selfish. I had a love/hate relationship with money: I needed it, but also hated the fact that I needed it. I was saying I believed in a Higher Power, but living as if I didn't. If this is also something you struggle with, sit with the discomfort. Allow your Higher Power to help ground you in your own sense of well-being.
***************************************************************
It is important to re-emphasize your need for rest. You have a lot of willpower and you love to be of service to the world. Taking care of yourself and surrendering to the needs of your body will empower the unique expression that is you to serve yourself, your family and the world.