How Self-Agency Helps in Uncertain Times

Jan 12

Something to Sustain Us, Something to Do

In the firestorm of these times, we all need something to sustain us—whether it’s the love of family, a spiritual practice, or a connection to a worthy cause. But just as importantly, we need something to do—a genuine sense of self-agency, however humble or grand.

The Importance of Self-Agency

Research shows that self-agency is key in shaping decision-making and behavior for individuals and organizations. A 2024 study in Behavioral Science found that self-agency is associated with better employee performance, satisfaction, and engagement, while its absence correlates with increased burnout and turnover.

In these extraordinary times, when so many things make us feel powerless—from witnessing the fires in Los Angeles to growing economic inequality to the undermining of democracy—it helps to cultivate self-agency for ourselves and others deliberately.

This is how we resist the feelings of powerlessness, fatalism, and despair that so many face today—feelings that can diminish us if we let them.

So, how do we do this?

How to Cultivate Self-Agency: Four Steps

1. Recognize the deep, shared need for self-agency.

While clearing her parents’ home, a friend recently found a ceramic shell. Her mother explained its significance: as a child fleeing the Nazis, she took the shell from a museum where her family hid overnight. In a chaotic and terrifying world, it gave her a sense of control—a reminder that even small acts can sustain us.

We all need that sense of agency, regardless of age or circumstances.

What gives you a sense of grounding and control during challenging times?

2. Consider your limiting beliefs about self-agency—and rewrite them.

“My action won’t make a difference” is a common refrain today. But even small actions often make a difference—at least to you, and that matters.

Other limiting beliefs may sound like:

“I don’t know enough.”
“I don’t have time.”
“If I fail, others will judge me.”

The good news is that these beliefs can be unlearned. Thought leaders like Brené Brown, Angela Duckworth, and Michelle Obama offer insights that can help dismantle self-doubt and inspire action.

What limiting belief has been holding you back? What new belief can replace it? It’s remarkable how reframing one belief can unlock action.

3. Set an intention—to do something.

Here’s where many of us stumble: But what something?

Over time, I’ve discovered that the specific action matters less than taking action itself—because doing something gets us moving.

Start small:

Reach out to a neighbor in need.
Volunteer a few hours to a local cause.
Write a note of encouragement to someone struggling.
Donate through GoFundMe, The American Red Cross, or Mutual Aid LA Network to support people and animals affected by the Los Angeles fires.

Every act of agency contributes to a ripple effect of hope and change. As James Clear reminds us, small steps can lead to significant transformations.

4. Connect. Connect. Connect.

Self-agency doesn’t exist in isolation because we don’t exist in isolation. We often feel more empowered when we connect with others who share our values and goals.

A friend recently shared that she and her sister planned to drive to Los Angeles to rescue animals from shelters. Though often hidden beneath troubling headlines, stories like this show how connection amplifies agency and impact.

On a personal level, is there someone in your life who shares your values or passions you can reach out to today to explore what you could do together?

Meanwhile, at the organizational level, aligning individual self-agency with the group’s mission can foster a collective sense of purpose.

For example, a team that starts with a small sustainability initiative might inspire more significant cultural shifts within their organization, from improved collaboration to more significant impact on shared goals.

Over my 20-plus years of working in mission-driven organizations, I’ve seen the momentum these actions can inspire.

For leaders, fostering self-agency within teams can ignite creativity and resilience, helping organizations navigate today’s challenges with greater purpose.

Finding Our Way Forward

Self-agency is about more than taking action—it’s about reclaiming a sense of possibility in an overwhelming world. Whether it’s a small gesture, a personal project, or connecting with others to make a difference, each step strengthens our capacity to navigate these uncertain times–like dropping anchor in tumultuous seas. And who couldn’t use a bit more grounding now?

Want to Go Deeper?

Having worked in many mission-driven organizations, I’ve seen how cultivating self-agency can transform how we face challenges, individually and collectively. If these ideas resonate, I’d love to hear your thoughts and explore how I might support your team, organization, or goals. Let’s start a conversation.

Lisa Bennett