To shape your life—to have agency in it—you must start with what matters to you, with intention, and with compassion.
And guess what lies underneath achieving agency? Making art.
Any art, any medium. Good, bad, recognizable, unrecognizable, fancy, plain….
The medium doesn’t matter. Your skill level doesn’t matter. The art form is
irrelevant. You choose whatever calls to you. Whatever sounds fun. The
act of getting going and making art is the only thing that matters.
~ Susie deVille, BUOYANT
What It Means to Have Agency
Agency is the quiet force that shapes the course of our lives. It is the sense of control we feel over our decisions, actions, and outcomes.
When we have agency, we trust in our ability to influence our lives, meet challenges, and navigate the complexities of the world. Without it, we can feel untethered, powerless, and adrift.
Understanding and reclaiming agency is not just empowering; it is essential for a fulfilling and buoyant life.
When we operate with a strong sense of agency, life feels more expansive. We approach challenges with resilience and curiosity, confident that we can adapt and find solutions.
Decision-making becomes clearer because we trust ourselves. Even in moments of uncertainty, we feel equipped to take steps forward, knowing we can handle what comes next.
To have agency enables us to align our actions with our values. It allows us to set boundaries, say No to what doesn’t serve us, and pursue what truly matters. This alignment fosters a sense of integrity and self-respect, which radiates outward and improves our relationships and efforts.
To have agency makes it possible for us not merely to survive; but allows us to actively shape a life that is authentic and meaningful.
Without agency, life can feel like it’s happening to us rather than for us. We may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve us, weighed down by circumstances that seem beyond our control.
Decision-making can become paralyzing because we’re unsure of our abilities or afraid of potential outcomes.
Losing agency often leads to a sense of helplessness or passivity. We may defer to others, avoiding choices for fear of making mistakes. Over time, this erodes our confidence and self-esteem, leaving us feeling disconnected from our own power. It’s a space where dreams can fade, and the spark of possibility dims.
But here’s the truth: even when agency feels distant, it is never lost. It is a skill, a mindset, and a practice that can be nurtured and reclaimed.
Three Ways to Restore Your Agency
- Reconnect with Your Values. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Write down your core values and assess how aligned your current actions and decisions are with them. By identifying and prioritizing what’s important, you’ll feel more grounded and empowered to make choices that reflect your authentic self.
- Start Small with Intentional Actions. Agency isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about taking small, consistent steps. Focus on areas where you do have influence, no matter how minor they seem. Whether it’s setting a boundary, creating a daily routine, or tackling one task at a time, these intentional actions build confidence and momentum.
- Practice Self-Compassion. Reclaiming agency requires kindness toward yourself. Recognize that mistakes and setbacks are part of growth. Instead of being critical, approach yourself with patience and encouragement. Self-compassion strengthens your ability to bounce back and reinforces your belief in your own resilience.
Bonus Step: if you are looking for more support and accountability on your journey…
Last Call! Join Me in The Sketchbook Entrepreneur Masterclass
If you’re ready to get out of stuck and unlock the transformative power of reclaiming your agency, I invite you to join me in The Sketchbook Entrepreneur Masterclass.
Built with busy folks in mind, this fun, 6-week, online class is designed to help you overcome the blocks that keep your creativity suppressed, cultivate a daily creative practice, and transform your ideas into meaningful action. No previous art experience or “talent” is required.
We get started on Monday, January 27th at 11 am ET.
Whether you’re looking to reignite a passion, explore new forms of expression, or simply rediscover the joy of creating, this masterclass will guide you step-by-step. Together, we’ll transmute feelings of loss of control into confident, personal power.
Coming Home to Ourselves
Reclaiming agency is a deeply personal journey that leads to profound transformation. It starts with acknowledging where you feel stuck and taking one small action to move forward.
If you’re ready to come home to your true self and have a ton of fun with fellow explorers, join me in The Sketchbook Entrepreneur Masterclass.
When you commit to this journey to rediscover what it is to have agency, you’ll begin to notice shifts. Life will feel less like something you endure and more like something you create. You’ll discover that the power to shape your experience has been within you all along.
In a world that often tries to pull us in countless directions, reclaiming your agency is an act of courage and self-respect. It’s a way to say, “I choose my path.”
And when you do, you become unstoppable.