The Not So "Secret" Sauce
Discovering ways to improve our own agency in life.
If you needed a sign to keep on living YOUR life - this is it. As outsiders (looking at the results of other peoples lives) it seems some people experience a better quality of life, some seem captured by circumstances, while others appear limited by their own perceptions & attitudes.
"You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you." - Brian Tracy
From an insider perspective - knowing what ingredients that make up the sauce that keeps life fulfilling and flourishing often feels like a mystery.
The myth that it’s all an inside job might add an unwanted flavor to your life. When you believe that all the problems and circumstances that surround you & your past - are your fault / responsibility it’s tough to use that fertilizer as an edible ingredient. I’m not arguing with Brian Tracy - I agree you do - by being human - own the power to improve your life.
I am arguing with limiting beliefs - I used to hold (and still wrestle with) - that frame life in negative ways.
"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." - Jim Rohn
Jocko Willink - the Navy Seal - wrote a book with the title Discipline equals Freedom. Discipline & training form foundations for a system or practice to improve life. Inquiry - the art of asking questions, Reflection, Journaling - guide other methods of exploring the how’s of living better.
The essential pot everyone needs to stir up their own sauce to improve the flavor & quality of life is the belief that you own the “agency” the ability & power to influence your own life for the better.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Peter Drucker
Being on a writing journey - I listen for things that explain the influences that propel individuals or groups to improved insights, better practices & positive measurable results. A friend brought up the Quakers in a recent conversation and I looked it up. I was surprised to find how this small group as a percentage of population launched so many successful social and business endeavors. One of the things that may connect Quakers to success is a difference in belief - that a persons connection to power, divinity, authority, and choice - are in us. And thus - you as a person can create the life, and circumstances you want. (Note if you find yourself in a challenging situation - you may find Victor Frankl’s perspective that even in the harshest of circumstances we can still choose our attitude - inspiring).
To Make Secret Sauce:
Believe You Can Make It - You have the agency / power to choose things that can improve and positively influence your life
Make the positive choice (Note it may be harder and more challenging to start than old habits and easier options - but can be far more rewarding).
Find the fun, flavor, creativity, compassion - explore, collaborate, and engage - with other people - because sharing your secret sauce with friends can make any meal taste better.
Here’s the Chat GPT take on how to create the Dynamo - Energy to live a vibrant life:
"Unleashing Your Inner Dynamo: Mastering Personal Agency, Sovereignty, and Empowerment"
Are you ready to take charge of your life and become the master of your own destiny? It's time to tap into your personal agency, embrace sovereignty, and unlock the true power within you. Remember, you're in the driver's seat, so buckle up and let's embark on this transformative journey together!
Unleashing Personal Agency: Personal agency is like having your own superpower—the ability to shape your choices, actions, and outcomes. It's about recognizing that you control your life's direction. As comedian Jerry Seinfeld once quipped, "You have the freedom to choose. You are the driver of your destiny, not a passenger!" So, grab that steering wheel and start making deliberate choices that align with your values and aspirations.
Embracing Sovereignty: Sovereignty means being the ruler of your own kingdom—the CEO of your life. As poet Maya Angelou wisely stated, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Embrace the power of sovereignty by taking responsibility for your decisions, actions, and emotions. Own your strengths, weaknesses, and the impact you have on the world.
Empowerment: The Catalyst for Change: Empowerment is the fuel that propels personal agency and sovereignty. It involves recognizing your worth, nurturing your abilities, and amplifying your voice. As acclaimed author and activist Alice Walker noted, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." Believe in your abilities, set ambitious goals, and take bold steps towards achieving them. You hold the key to unlock your full potential.
Guidance for Cultivating Personal Power:
a) Self-reflection: Take time to understand your values, strengths, and aspirations. Reflect on what truly matters to you and identify areas where you want to exercise more agency.
b) Goal setting: Set clear and meaningful goals that align with your vision of success. Break them down into manageable steps and celebrate small victories along the way.
c) Continuous learning: Expand your knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Seek inspiration from books, podcasts, workshops, or online courses that challenge and motivate you.
d) Embrace collaboration: Recognize that personal power is not about isolation; it thrives in collaboration and supportive relationships. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and uplift you.
e) Cultivate a sense of humor: Laughter is a powerful tool in navigating life's challenges. As Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." Embrace humor, find joy in the little things, and don't forget to share a good joke or two along the way.
You’re the architect of your destiny, personal agency, sovereignty, and empowerment. Embrace the power within you, take charge of your life's journey, and remember that your friends and collaborators want to support you along the way. As author and speaker Marianne Williamson beautifully said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." Embrace your power, and let it illuminate the world.
So, are you ready to unleash your inner dynamo? The world awaits your incredible potential—let it shine!