I came across this word 'self agency' a few years ago and have been intrigued with it since. Why do some of us feel stuck, hopeless, or helpless when life is filled with endless possibilities, choices, power to make decisions. Yes, some of us may feel like at times the environment does not allow us to make certain decisions but Viktor Frank has something to say about that: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way". When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves if not our circumstances, perhaps the way we look at the situation, our mindset. He believed that we could find hope in even the darkest of places and that our motivation for life comes from meaning.
In the realm of personal growth, the concept of self-agency is like the secret sauce that transforms you into the leading role of your life's story. It's about taking charge, making impactful decisions, and steering your narrative. To truly grasp and nurture self-agency, let's explore some practical strategies inspired by the wisdom of controlling stimuli, selective association, movement, continuous learning, emotional management, intuition, and deliberate action.
1. Control Stimuli:
Agency kicks in with what you allow into your mental space—essentially, what your environment feeds your mind. If your attention is constantly hijacked, it's time for a reset. Research reveals that the mere presence of your phone during work can be distracting. Conversely, taking a stroll, especially outdoors, restores your attention and enhances concentration.
To enhance your agency, practice retreating to quiet, screen-free zones to escape overstimulation. This could involve spending time in nature, silencing your phone notifications at work, or opting for a peaceful environment during meals.
2. Associate Selectively:
Surrounding yourself with positive influences is paramount for developing self-agency. Boundaries with difficult individuals, disengaging from negative online interactions, and being mindful of groupthink dynamics are crucial. Cultivate relationships with those who uplift you, encourage your potential, and resonate with your values.
Choose friends, family, and communities that affirm your goals, nurture your talents, and provide a reality check when needed. Positive social interactions, like volunteering or engaging with your local community, become foundational for your well-being and self-agency.
3. Move:
Physical movement, coupled with proper rest and nutrition, restores the balance between your body and mind, fostering motivation, strength, and stamina. Research emphasizes the health risks associated with prolonged sitting, advocating for short breaks to combat inactivity.
Integrate movement into your routine by setting hourly reminders to assess your mood. If feeling stuck or overwhelmed, a simple change of scenery or a quick physical break can work wonders. Consider discussing work issues during a walking meeting for a refreshing perspective.
4. Position Yourself as a Learner:
Continuous learning is a hallmark of high agency. Nurture your curiosity, explore new ideas, skills, and relationships. Adopting a growth mindset, acknowledging that you are a work in progress capable of learning and changing, helps combat the fear of failure that often accompanies new endeavours.
Whether through classes, kinesthetic exploration, or engaging with others, be intentional about expanding your knowledge. Embrace mindfulness techniques or cognitive-behavioral therapy to manage perfectionism and put mistakes in perspective.
5. Manage Your Emotions and Beliefs:
Unconscious beliefs and emotions can silently guide your actions, often hindering your potential. Increasing awareness of these inner drivers empowers you to navigate life with confidence. Practice self-reflection to catch harmful emotions, question them, and consciously release tension, enhancing your self-awareness.
Recognize that emotions and beliefs shape your thoughts and behaviors. By naming and acknowledging them, you gain greater self-control, building a foundation for increased agency.
6. Check Your Intuition:
Intuition, when used wisely, becomes a valuable ally in decision-making and creativity. Distinguish between visceral gut feelings and strategic intuition. While the former is useful in navigating unclear social situations, be cautious not to confuse it with bias and prejudice.
Quiet your mind, enhance self-awareness, and listen to your body to develop strategic intuition. Over time, you can refine this skill, relying on your inner knowledge to inform your decisions.
7. Discern, Then Act:
Low agency often manifests as procrastination, excessive worrying, or impulsivity during decision-making. To counteract these impediments, adopt a discerning approach. Create an environment conducive to reflection, allowing time for emotions to settle. Clarify your primary objective, gather facts, and generate options without being driven by emotions or biases.
Draft a plan, put it in writing, and allow room for intuition to surface. Reassess the plan later, recognizing that action doesn't demand 100 percent certainty. Higher-agency individuals act when they are 80 percent sure or more. Over-deliberation can lead to paralysis; act confidently, reassessing as needed.
Embrace Your Agency:
In the journey of life, self-agency is the key to steering your ship amidst the waves. As you sense the ebb and flow of experiences, don't ignore the subtle nudges indicating a need for change. Exercise the discipline to pause, pay attention, and navigate towards a path aligned with your values and aspirations.
By practicing self-agency, you not only take responsibility for your life but also influence the lives of those around you. Recognize the power within you to shape your narrative, embrace the challenges, and savor the triumphs. Your agency is not just a skill; it's a compass guiding you towards a life of purpose and impact.
