Personal Agency
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
In a world that’s constantly pulling us in a million directions, it’s easy to feel like we’re merely along for the ride. We’re bombarded with expectations, pressures, and distractions that often leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from our own sense of purpose. But here’s the thing: the future isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we actively create. And it all starts with taking control, exercising personal agency, and making intentional choices.
The Architect of Your Future
The first step in exercising personal agency is understanding that we are in charge. We are the architect of our own life. So often, we let external circumstances dictate our path—whether it’s societal expectations, family pressures, or the constant demands of our careers. But the truth is, we have the power to choose how we respond to these forces and how we design our own narrative.
Living is not merely existing. In other words, life is not a passive experience. It involves understanding every choice, no matter how small, has the potential to shape the future. The potential, however—only the potential. Every single thing we go through is not the most profound occurrence ever. The key here is to take ownership of our choices without getting too bogged down in the details. If we want to live a life aligned with our values, let’s start by making intentional choices every day. Whether it’s how we spend our time, who we surround ourselves with, or the kind of work we do, each decision is a brick in the foundation of the life we are building.
Being the architect of life doesn’t mean having it all figured out. Too often, students in school are expected to do this at a young age. Teachers harp on showing up every day with purpose, being proactive, and making decisions that reflect deep desires. All good stuff, right? But instead of asking, “What do you truly want to do in life?” perhaps instead the question(s) involve small, deliberate steps toward a vision of agency, whatever the specific endeavors turn out to be. The initial query was a bit too broad, and perhaps even too generic.
When I reflect on my own life journey from a young person until today, it’s hard to realize that my past doesn’t define me. It truly difficult mental work—to teach ourselves to maintain a forward vision. How we choose to show up each day matters. And that’s a reminder I want to share: We have the agency to decide what our future looks like.
So how, exactly, do we ask our children, our students, our friends— ourselves— to create personal agency?
Blending Tradition with Innovation
The second principle of personal agency is recognizing the power of blending the wisdom of the past with the innovations of the present. We often think of the future as something radically new, but in reality, the future is built on the foundation of everything that has come before. It’s about repeating, remixing, reinterpreting old ideas with new perspectives to create something fresh.
Our past—whether it’s our personal history, cultural heritage, or the lessons passed down from previous generations—holds immense value. It’s part of what makes us who we are. But the world we live in today is moving faster than ever before, and the opportunities that technology, social change, and global connectivity provide are unprecedented.
Rather than seeing tradition and innovation as opposing forces, think of them as complementary. There’s a beauty in honoring the past while embracing new ways of thinking. It’s essential is to find balance; it is wise to use knowledge we’ve inherited while staying open to the possibilities of what’s to come. Personal agency comes from our ability to navigate this intersection and use both tradition and innovation to our advantage.
For example, while teaching, writing, or speaking, I often do what anyone does— I draw from my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned in my personal life while constantly exploring new ideas, new tools, and new ways of thinking. Stories of the past bring up questions about the future. This blend of old and new allows me to stay grounded while evolving with my students. The future is built from the past—but it’s also propelled forward by our willingness to innovate and adapt.
Embracing Change
The third and perhaps most important principle of personal agency is embracing change. Change is often perceived as uncomfortable, unpredictable, and, at times, unsettling. But if we want to shape our own future, we have to learn to see change as an ally rather than an enemy.
We’ve all heard the quote that the only constant in life is change. Are we willing to admit that’s true? Whether change shifts in our relationships, in our careers, or in the community around us, change is inevitable. And while it can feel daunting, it’s also where the growth happens. When we embrace change rather than resist it, we can unlock the potential for transformation. Cliché? Perhaps. But clichés often exist because they hold truth.
Personally, I’ve come to realize that every change, even the uncomfortable ones, have a lesson to teach. Change might involve adapting to a new environment, such as moving towns or switching jobs. Change might include learning new skills or letting go of outdated beliefs, like in a classroom setting or when listening to a mentor. Change may even offer us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves—to add, to grow, to step into the next version of who we’re meant to be.
Embracing change does require a certain mindset. It isn’t just a switch we can flip one random day of the week. But in doing so, in leaning into change, we create space for new possibilities. Items like flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to push into the unknown prove essential. If we approach change with curiosity instead of fear, we can navigate it with confidence and grace. The future doesn’t belong to those who resist change—it belongs to those who are willing to evolve.
Personal agency is all about recognizing the power we have to shape our own life. We are architects of our future, and the choices we make today will define the path we walk tomorrow. By blending the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the present—and by embracing change along the way—we can be equipped to create a life we were meant to live.
Remember, the future isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we actively create. And it all starts with taking personal agency in our own journey. So, what choices are in store for today, and, in turn, tomorrow?
Resources
For more motivation and learning, here are some resources on my AMAZON STOREFRONT I recommend checking out.
Imaginable by Jane McGonigal
When by Daniel Pink
Mindset by Carol Dweck
And more…
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