Your Career, Like Life Itself, is Defined by Choices: How to Embrace Personal Agency
In both life and career, the choices we make shape our trajectory. Embracing personal agency means taking control of your path and happiness. It’s about shifting from a reactive stance—letting circumstances dictate your direction—to proactively crafting your own success. Here are five key principles to help you navigate that journey with purpose and confidence.
Own Your Power and Confidence
Success begins in our mind. Shifting your focus from what you can’t do to what you can do changes the game. Leveraging your strengths and protecting your confidence is paramount. This doesn’t mean ignoring weaknesses, but rather learning from failures and turning them into steppingstones. For instance, when we embrace failure as part of the process, we learn invaluable lessons that bolster our confidence and resilience. Confidence is built, layer by layer, through these experiences.
Example: I was working with a client who applied for a promotion and didn’t get it. Instead of seeing the rejection as a failure, they sought feedback and used it to improve their skills. Six months later, they applied again and landed the role. Their confidence grew not from getting it right the first time, but from learning, adapting, and building on the initial setback.
Take Responsibility for Your Future
Every outcome in your career is influenced by the choices you make, no matter the external factors. When faced with obstacles, rather than blaming circumstances, see them as opportunities for growth. Adopting this mindset can help you steer your career intentionally. Accountability is key—acknowledging that no one else is in charge of your future but you.
Tip: Set clear boundaries and expectations. If you’re struggling with work-life balance, remember that you have the power to change your situation. Rather than passively accepting long work hours, take responsibility for organizing your workday or negotiating what you need. This approach empowers you to lead your life, not just manage tasks.
Find and Use Your Voice
Your voice is one of your most powerful tools. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, your perspective holds unique value. Speaking up isn’t just about being heard, it’s about shaping conversations and contributing to solutions. It requires confidence, but also a deep sense of agency in believing that what you have to say matters.
In many workplaces, finding your voice is closely tied to psychological safety. When individuals feel safe to express their ideas without fear of judgment, they’re more likely to speak up, offering insights that can drive innovation and problem-solving. Without that safety, people may hold back, afraid their input won’t be valued or could lead to negative consequences.
Example: Teams that prioritize psychological safety allow every member to contribute their perspectives freely, creating a culture of open communication. In one organization, for example, a team leader encouraged all members to share their thoughts during meetings, especially quieter employees. As a result, they uncovered ideas that transformed a struggling project into a major success. In contrast, environments where people don’t feel safe to speak up often lead to passive engagement, missed opportunities, and stalled progress.
Shape the Culture You Desire
Workplace culture is not a given—it’s something we actively shape through our actions and attitudes. If you find yourself in an environment that feels misaligned with your values, take responsibility for influencing positive change. Culture isn’t top-down; every employee plays a role in defining what it looks like.
Tip: Lead by example. If you want a culture of transparency and trust, be transparent and trustworthy. Your actions set a precedent that others will follow. Be mindful that even small actions can have a ripple effect, creating the kind of workplace you and others can thrive in.
Safeguard Your Psychological Safety
Psychological safety begins with you. While external factors can certainly influence it, you have the power to protect and reinforce it. Don’t allow yourself to fall into the victim mentality where your well-being is entirely dependent on others. Assert yourself, set boundaries, and make clear how you expect to be treated. This doesn’t just improve your experience; it elevates the collective culture around you.
Example: I was working with a healthcare organization dealing with deep-seated team dysfunction and the absence of psychological safety was evident. Leaders failed to engage each other meaningfully because they didn’t feel safe sharing their ideas or concerns. By addressing the psychological barriers, the team was able to begin the process of repairing relationships and working together more effectively.
Cultivate Confidence, Accountability, and Fulfillment
By integrating these five principles—owning your power, taking responsibility, finding your voice, shaping your culture, and safeguarding your psychological safety—you actively cultivate confidence, accountability, and fulfillment in your professional life. Each of these steps empowers you to steer your career with intention, ensuring that you are not merely reacting to circumstances but making deliberate choices that drive your success.
Ultimately, your career is defined by the decisions you make every day. When you embrace personal agency, you are not just a participant in your work life—you become the architect of your own future, shaping a path toward lasting fulfillment and happiness. If you are in a leadership role and need support rediscovering your personal agency, we are here to help.