Egocentrism

What is egocentrism?

Egocentrism is defined as self-interest or self-centeredness. An egocentric person unwisely believes that his or her own point of view is somehow unique or special, and invalidates other points of view. Some psychologists have theorized that egocentrism can be demonstrated as one’s inability to recognize that there is any point of view other than one’s own.

How can egocentrism affect your recovery?

In treatment, you may have been reminded that “It was your best thinking that got you here!” And while it would be foolish to believe that every choice you’ve ever made was wrong or harmful, it would also be foolish to assume you automatically know what the right choices for your recovery will be. When it comes to your early sobriety needs, your sponsor, friends in recovery (especially those who have been working a successful program longer than you have), or Higher Power usually have some better ideas. Trust them. They have your best interests at heart.

On the road to recovery you can no longer rely on yourself to be your own best judge, and it becomes necessary to surrender your willfulness enough to allow the Twelve Steps to work for you. Abandon your old ideas of exactly what will get you and keep you sober. You’ve already tried them, remember?

The Serenity Prayer, commonly used in Twelve Step groups, can help you let go of egocentrism and self-will:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.