Outsourcing Human Agency
Have you ever found yourself longing for someone to help you bring order to the chaos of your life? Those moments when your scattered thoughts prevent you from checking off your to-do list, and procrastination seems like an ever-present companion, leaving you to wonder if just the right amount of motivation could boost your productivity?
As I reflected on the need for an environment that enables structure, my mind drifted back to my days in the boarding house during secondary school, where productivity thrived in the embrace of a structured routine. It was a highly disciplined environment, where each activity had its allotted time, and students moved through activities that were demarcated by the jingle of a brass hand bell. We adhered strictly to this rigid schedule, for failure to comply often came with consequences.
Now, this was a peculiar longing, but I found myself yearning for such structure again — a life governed by a meticulously planned timetable where I respected the boundaries of time. I wished for someone to craft this structure for me, to guide my days as they once did.
However, as I shared my desires with someone, their words struck a chord: “You’re an adult now. You can’t externalize your agency. The discipline you recall from your school days stemmed from a fear of punishment. As an adult, there won’t be anyone crafting your schedule for you. You must, through your own intentions and determination, construct the life you desire to lead.”
This is where the concept of human agency (or simply, agency) comes into play. It is the ability of every individual to make deliberate choices and take actions that shape their lives and the world around them.
What decisions will you make to ensure that your life is a product of intentionality? The message is clear: don’t outsource your agency. No one is coming to help you put your life together. You will need to take a series of steps (and maybe missteps) to find what works and then put it to work. So start testing what daily routine works best, what the healthiest meal plan is, or what exercises will help you achieve your goals. It’s your journey, and your decisions will define your path.
