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Centered Quote by Kim Malone Scott

“Here’s what I need to do to stay centered: sleep eight hours, exercise for forty-five minutes, and have both breakfast and dinner with my family. If I skip one or two of those things for a day or two, it’s OK. But that’s the routine. Also, every so often I need to read a novel (ideally one a…” quote by Kim Malone Scott
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““Here’s what I need to do to stay centered: sleep eight hours, exercise for forty-five minutes, and have both breakfast and dinner with my family. If I skip one or two of those things for a day or two, it’s OK. But that’s the routine. Also, every so often I need to read a novel (ideally one a week), go away for a romantic weekend with my husband (ideally four times a year), and take a two-week vacation with siblings and parents (once a year). If I can manage to do those things, I can usually stay centered no matter what storms are raging around me.””

Kim Malone Scott

About This Quote

Source Interview: Podcast “WorkLife with Adam Grant”, 2022

Maintaining personal equilibrium requires consistent daily habits and periodic larger experiences, but occasional lapses are tolerable as long as the overall routine is upheld.

In simple terms: Balanced life needs regular habits and occasional special activities.

Key Takeaway

Stick to core habits, schedule special activities.

Themes

well‑being routine relationships self‑care

Mood

calm focused hopeful

Type

advice motivational reflective

When to use this quote

  • daily sleep
  • exercise
  • family meals
  • weekly reading
  • romantic weekend
  • annual family vacation

Key Concepts

Habits balance social connection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which habit most supports your sense of center?
  • How can you adapt when a routine breaks?
A Different Perspective

If special activities are missed, stress may accumulate.

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