The Concept of High Agency

High agency is the ability to take full control of your life and circumstances, regardless of external obstacles. A high-agency individual does not wait for permission, nor do they passively accept unfavorable conditions. Instead, they find a way to achieve their objectives, navigating challenges with resourcefulness and resilience.

High Agency vs. Low Agency

To understand high agency, it’s helpful to contrast it with low agency.

• Low-agency individuals believe they are at the mercy of their environment. They blame external forces for their lack of progress and wait for someone else to take action.
• High-agency individuals see obstacles as puzzles to be solved. They recognize constraints but refuse to be limited by them.

The Mindset of a High-Agency Individual

A high-agency mindset includes:

1. Extreme Ownership – Taking full responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes.
2. Resourcefulness – Finding creative solutions rather than making excuses.
3. Action-Oriented Thinking – Prioritizing execution over over-analysis or waiting.
4. Resilience – Bouncing back quickly from failure and using setbacks as learning experiences.
5. Adaptability – Being flexible enough to shift strategies when necessary.

Examples of High Agency in Action

• Career: A low-agency employee stays in a dead-end job, waiting for a promotion. A high-agency employee actively acquires new skills, networks strategically, or even starts their own venture.
• Relationships: A low-agency person waits for others to make the first move. A high-agency person initiates conversations, cultivates relationships, and sets their own standards.
• Health & Fitness: A low-agency person blames genetics or a busy schedule. A high-agency person finds a way—modifying their diet, squeezing in workouts, and prioritizing health despite challenges.

Developing High Agency

High agency is not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed. Here’s how:

1. Reframe Challenges – Instead of saying “I can’t,” ask “How can I?”
2. Take Immediate Action – Even small steps build momentum.
3. Build Mental Toughness – Push through discomfort and uncertainty.
4. Eliminate Dependency – Reduce reliance on external validation and approval.
5. Surround Yourself with High-Agency People – Environment shapes behavior.

Conclusion

High agency is the key to breaking free from passive living. By cultivating this mindset, you gain the ability to shape your own destiny rather than being shaped by circumstances. The world belongs to those who take action—will you be one of them?