Nurturing Agency: Take Control of Your Life

David Gull
Vital AI
Published in
3 min readNov 14, 2023
Photo by David Ramírez on Unsplash

In recent years, the importance of agency has gained attention as a crucial factor in improving mental health. Agency can be defined as the ability to make choices and take actions that influence the course of one’s life.

When individuals feel that they have control over their lives, they are better equipped to handle stress and overcome challenges. On the other hand, a lack of agency can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, and things can feel out of control, which can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Dr. Paul Conti, a renowned psychiatrist, has conducted extensive research on the topic, highlighting the significance of taking control of one’s life.

“The factors that tell us is this person enjoying life, do they take care of themselves, are they happy, they’re here, are they engaged productively in the world is agency and gratitude. And if we have those two things… you almost never see someone go wrong.” — Dr. Paul Conti

So, how can you take more agency in your life? Here are three ways:

  1. Identify Your Goals: Take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve in your life. Whether it’s related to your career, relationships, or personal growth, having a clear idea of your goals can help you make choices that align with your values and aspirations. Vital can support you in this process in a guided session where you sit and take the time and reflect on what you want.
  2. Practice Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care is an essential aspect of taking agency in your life. This can include activities such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness. Taking care of your physical and emotional health can help you feel more in control of your life. By definition, time spent on Vital is self care. The simple practice of setting aside time for you shows dedication to your own wellbeing.
  3. Embrace Change: Change is inevitable, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and transformation. By embracing change and being open to new experiences, you can expand your horizons and take agency in shaping your life. Change can also create some anxiety, and this is totally normal. Give yourself time on Vital to process your anxiety and see it as a sign that you are going through an important process of growth.

Taking agency in your life is a crucial factor in improving your mental health. By identifying your goals, practicing self-care, and embracing change, you can take control of your life and cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience.

If you want to be the captain of your own ship, nurturing a process around agency in your life is critical.

To kickstart your journey towards a more empowered and balanced life, consider using Vital. Visit www.joinvital.ai today and experience how AI-guided meditation and coaching can help you create a life filled with agency, purpose, and ease. Your mental well-being is worth investing in, and Vital is here to support you every step of the way.

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David Gull
Vital AI
Editor for

Co-founder of Vital, David is committed to helping people become the best version of themselves.