It’s a question many people skip over, yet it can be one of the biggest causes of dissatisfaction and frustration in your work.
Have you been feeling trapped, stressed, or constrained at work? Maybe you feel like you have no control? Having autonomy is key to our personal and professional growth and success. When you don’t have it, your job and your life often feel frustrating, out of control, and lacking freedom.
Merriam-Webster defines autonomy as “self-directing freedom and especially moral independence.” Here at KeenAlignment, we like to think of autonomy as “being responsible for what we do and in charge of our own destiny.”
In a world characterized by rapid change and constant challenges, autonomy is important to our personal and professional well-being, now more so than ever before. We need it. And there are a lot of reasons for that:
Fulfillment through Self-Expression: Autonomy provides you with the freedom to express your unique self. Whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors, the ability to make choices aligned with personal values and preferences leads to a deeper sense of fulfillment and authenticity.
Building Confidence and Self-Efficacy: The pursuit of autonomy inherently involves making decisions and taking responsibility for ttheir outcomes. This process builds confidence and self-efficacy as you navigate challenges, learn from experiences, and develop a belief in your ability to influence your own life.
Adaptability in a Changing World: Autonomy equips you with the skills and mindset needed to adapt to an ever-changing environment. The ability to make independent decisions fosters resilience, resourcefulness, and a proactive approach to facing new challenges, whether in the workplace or your personal life.
Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Autonomy is a catalyst for creativity and innovation. When you have the freedom to explore your interests and pursue ideas without undue restrictions, you can tap into your creative potential. This not only benefits personal projects but also contributes to innovation in professional settings.
Personal Responsibility and Accountability: Autonomy goes hand in hand with personal responsibility. When you have control over your choices, you are more likely to take ownership of the consequences. This sense of accountability not only strengthens character but also contributes to positive relationships and a reliable work ethic.
Balancing Work and Life: Autonomy extends to how you manage your time and balance various aspects of life. The ability to set priorities, create a flexible schedule, and make choices that align with personal values contributes to a healthier work-life balance, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Nurturing Healthy Relationships: Autonomy plays a crucial role in fostering healthy relationships. When you respect and value each other's autonomy, it creates a foundation of mutual trust and understanding. This, in turn, leads to more fulfilling personal and professional connections.
Autonomy can have a huge impact on your life. It’s important to understand some of the signs that show you may be lacking it.
Signs You Lack Autonomy
It can be hard to realize you don’t have autonomy. In fact, many people continuously have challenges caused by a lack of autonomy, yet never realize that’s the real issue.
If you want to break free and take control of your destiny, you first have to realize this is the problem area.
Here are some indicators that you don’t have autonomy:
1. You feel like a cog in the wheel, just doing what you’re told.
2. Your place of work implies or directly states that employees should not think and just do
3. You feel that other people are obstacles
4. You seek approval from others
5. You don’t feel that you have any control
6. Life seems to be happening to you rather than for you
7. You dodge certain circumstances at work
8. You blame your bosses for being miserable at work
There are other signs as well, but if you feel that any of these apply to you, you may be dealing with a lack of autonomy.
How to Achieve Autonomy
Let’s say you’ve realized you need more autonomy. The question now is how to get it. There are many different ways to go about your journey towards achieving it.
You can start by asking yourself “Who am I?” and “What’s my contribution?” Being grounded in who you are and aligned with your values is a great way to take charge of your life.
Divorcing yourself from needing other people’s approval is another crucial aspect. When you are beholden to others in that way, you never feel true to yourself and often hold yourself back out of fear. If you want to be authentic and autonomous, you have to focus on living according to what gets YOU out of bed in the morning.
If you’re looking to develop your autonomy and freedom, another great way to do it is through the amazing Autonomy Course. If you want to develop your independence and elevate your abilities, we highly recommend it!
Even if you’re off track, having a plan to get back on track shows you possess the necessary autonomy and control over your life. You can achieve it eventually.
So recognize the signs and start taking the necessary action. Your autonomous life awaits!
To taking charge of your destiny,
The KeenAlignme ant Team
P.S. Are you looking to achieve your highest levels of autonomy and break through your past constraints to become the person you know you really are? Well, look no further than our Ignite Your Power retreat! For female leaders everywhere, this retreat teaches participants to unlock their personal drive and elevate themselves to their highest level of consciousness. Act now and reclaim your vitality. We look forward to seeing you there!