Your Open Heart Center (or Will Center) in Human Design can profoundly shape the ease, or dis-ease of your professional happiness. It offers growth and insight but also presents challenges if not navigated mindfully.

In Human Design, each bodygraph contains nine centers, each representing a group of energies, ways of being, or talents. The heart center specifically speaks to four energies that define the realm of willpower and competition. Astonishingly, consistent accessibility to willpower is only available to about 30% of the competition. For the rest of us,  70% of the population have open or undefined heart centers, including myself, which motivated me to write this article. (For ease of reference I shall also refer to both types as "open.")

Many motivational speakers and high-performing leaders have a defined heart center. I remember in my early 20s, my father gifted me a trip to Palm Beach, Florida, to attend Tony Robbins' Date with Destiny event. Tony Robbins has a defined heart center. He belongs to the 30% that has consistent access to willpower, and he is the ultimate master of it. When in the presence of individuals with a defined heart center, the energy is contagious and powerful. Like a mirror, our “openness” magnifies that energy for everyone. However, after leaving the venue and hopping on the plane—my friends and I went from a room full of motivation and “hell yea”s  to a void of silence. All those resolutions—poof, gone—and self-doubts start creeping back in. Unfortunately, this phenomenon happens frequently in the grind of daily living on a massive, albeit more micro level. For those with an open heart center, this can lead to futile efforts at competition, constant unhealthy (and unfair) comparisons, spiraling into cycles of self-doubt and low self-esteem. From boss to employees, from coach to athletes, from teacher to students, from parents to children. A never ending unhealthy dynamic between unrealistic expectations and the devastating pressure to please and perform and not having the consistent fuel to feed it.

Since the Heart Center governs willpower, self-worth, and the drive for material success, it can significantly impact your career, depending on your Human Design. When open, you may be more susceptible to external influences on self-worth and motivation. However, you can turn these potential challenges around through conscious self-inquiry. Below are some prompts that I have created and am working on. Having only discovered Human Design in my 40s, I know it will take some time to reset outdated mental structures of willpower and competition. What I also know is that as I master a healthier mindset, I can help many others master it too. Here are four key areas to explore for open heart centers:

1. Fluctuating Self-Worth:

- Reflection: When do I experience feelings of inadequacy, especially in competitive settings, leading me to overworking in order prove myself?.

- Solution: I cultivate self-awareness and practice self-acceptance. I recognize my inherent worth beyond external achievements. When I do that, and I don’t put the burden on others to recognize me, then I can truly love. 

2. Overcommitting and Burnout:

- Reflection: When do I overcommit to prove my worth, or to feel included,  leading to burnout?

- Solution: I set boundaries, I pace myself and I manage your workload. I accept myself as I am. Prioritize tasks and learn to say no. When I do that, I feel safe.

3. Seeking External Validation:

- Reflection: I realize that having an open Heart Center might condition me to seek approval from others, leading to career decisions based on others' expectations.

- Solution: I focus on your inner guidance and values. I make career choices that resonate with my authentic self and long-term goals. When I do that, I feel good. 

4. Inconsistent Willpower and Motivation:

-Reflection: I realize that fluctuations in motivation can make maintaining consistent effort challenging. I realize and reassure myself that this is completely natural and healthy for me. 

- Solution: I embrace my energy's natural ebb and flow. I plan tasks according to my energy levels and allow periods of rest and rejuvenation. I trust Universal Source. 

Despite challenges, an open Heart Center brings unique strengths. When you become wise about it’s lessons, you gain mastery in (and can mentor others about): 

1. Flexibility and Adaptability: You are likely more adaptable to change, an asset in dynamic environments.

2.  Empathy and Compassion: Your openness enhances empathy, making you a valuable team player and leader.

3. Collaborative Spirit: You may excel in roles where collective success is prioritized.

By understanding and managing the challenges of your open Heart Center, you can leverage its strengths to build a fulfilling and successful career without the unnecessary pressure of self-judgment.