When you think of a surfer catching a monstrous wave, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. It’s a display of raw courage, calculated decision-making, and above all, complete ownership of the moment. Similarly, in life’s fast-paced currents, the principles of agency, ownership, and boldness emerge as pivotal forces, anchoring us amidst chaos and propelling us toward our goals. Just as a surfer conquers the formidable wave, we too can harness these principles to surf our way to success.
My personal journey with these concepts transformed the narrative of my life, turning dreams into tangible realities. I discovered that to truly take ownership of my goals and exercise my agency, I had to be bold—and when I say bold, I mean really bold.
DISCOVERING THE POWER OF OWNERSHIP
Several years ago, I found myself caught in the labyrinth of goal-setting, writing down many ambitions ranging from fitness to finances to professional success. Despite my seemingly proactive approach, I found myself circling the same loops, making little substantial progress toward achieving these targets. It wasn’t until I faced this harsh truth that I discovered the missing piece of the puzzle: Despite my vigorous paddling, my progress toward these ambitions was negligible.
The stark reality hit me hard; I was waiting for the wave but not truly ready to ride it.
Ownership is about seeing the wave and then taking the plunge with unwavering commitment, accountability, and boldness. It’s about shaping these goals according to personal values and passions, not societal norms. When I decided to follow my passion and start my own venture, it was more than an ambition to create a successful enterprise. It was an innate desire to make a difference in my chosen field and an aspiration to bring about change. By boldly owning this goal, I transformed it from an intangible dream into a concrete mission that I pursued each day.
UNLEASHING THE FORCE OF AGENCY
The transition from merely waiting for the wave to riding it brought to light a vital ingredient: agency. Much like a surfer’s decisive actions on the board, agency implies recognizing our capacity to make deliberate choices and enact autonomous actions. However, invoking agency wasn’t as straightforward as paddling into the wave; I had to courageously exert control over aspects of my life and business and be ready to face the repercussions of those actions.
As an entrepreneur, I faced a host of uncontrollable external factors—market fluctuations, rising competition, and unforeseen disruptions. However, viewing these challenges through the lens of agency, I discovered that my focus needed to lie within elements under my control—my choices, my responses, and above all, my attitude towards adversity.
TRANSFORMING MY LIFE THROUGH OWNERSHIP, AGENCY, AND BOLDNESS
Harnessing the power of ownership, agency, and boldness didn’t merely alter how I approached my ambitions. It catalyzed a personal “next level of boldness” that impacted every facet of my life:
- Informed Decision-Making: The process of owning my goals and exercising agency honed my decision-making skills. My decisions became more purpose-driven, more aligned with my goal, and most importantly, more bold. This alignment allowed me to filter out distractions and channel my energy where it truly mattered.
- Resilience And Perseverance: As I ventured further into my journey, I encountered numerous hurdles. Instead of perceiving them as setbacks, I saw them as opportunities for learning and growth. This shift in perception, fueled by my newfound principles, fostered a resilience that saw me through the good times and the tough times.
- Enhanced Confidence: With every step I took towards my goal, my belief in my abilities soared. Each small victory and each hurdle navigated successfully bolstered my self-efficacy. This rise in confidence was a testament to the transformative power of agency and ownership.
- Improved Well-Being: The satisfaction derived from achieving a goal that resonated with my values was unparalleled. The process not only elevated my professional life but also significantly boosted my personal happiness and mental health!
EMBRACING OWNERSHIP, AGENCY, AND BOLDNESS
So, how can you harness these principles and apply them to your life? Based on my personal experiences, here are some practical tips:
- Self-Reflection: Dedicate time to understanding your values, strengths, and weaknesses. Set goals that resonate with your true self and boldly own them, regardless of external expectations.
- Actionable Plan: Break your goals into tangible tasks. Be bold. Create a roadmap to success and bravely follow it. A goal without a plan is simply a wish.
- Unwavering Commitment: Stay committed to your goal and consistently work towards it. Keep the flame of ownership alive and let it guide your actions.
- Adaptability: Be ready to adapt. The journey to your goals will not be a straight path, and it’s essential to learn from your experiences and adjust your actions accordingly. Make peace with change—it is required.
- Resilience: Be bold and cultivate resilience. Don’t perceive failure as a setback, but as a stepping stone towards success.
In my journey, being bold in embracing ownership and exercising agency proved to be a life-elevating experience. It redefined my personal and professional journey, moving me closer to my goals, and is helping shape my life in ways I’d never imagined. It has served as a powerful reminder that we have the ability to steer our lives; we just need the courage to take the board, ride the wave, and navigate boldly.
Leigh A. Burgess is the CEO of Bold Industries Group, Inc.