The Maturity Continuum

Based on The Seven Habits:

In harmony with the natural laws of growth, the Maturity Continuum provides an incremental, sequential, highly integrated approach to the development of personal and interpersonal effectiveness. They move us progressively on a Maturity Continuum from Dependence, to Independence, to Interdependence.

We each begin life as an infant, totally Dependent on others. Then gradually throughout the months and years, we become more and more Independent- physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, until eventually we can take care of ourselves becoming inner-directed and self-reliant. As we continue to grow and mature, we become increasingly aware that all of nature is Interdependent- there is an ecological system that governs nature, including society and human life.

On the Maturity Continuum, Dependence is the paradigm of YOU- you take care of me; you come through for me; you didn't come through; I blame you for the results.

Independence is the paradigm of I- I can do it; I am responsible; I am self-reliant; I can choose

Interdependence is the paradigm of WE- we can do it; we can cooperate; we can combine our talents and abilities and create something greater together.

Dependent people need others to get what they want. Independent people can get what they want through their own effort. Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success. Therefore, independence is much more mature than dependence, and independence is a major achievement in and of itself, however, independence is not supreme. Interdependence is a far more mature, more advanced concept. As an interdependent person, you have the opportunity to share deeply and meaningfully with others, and you have access to the vast resources and potential of other human beings. Interdependence is a choice only independent people can make.