How to Make a Difference: Part 2

Agency serves as a critical psychological force that enables individuals to overcome obstacles and initiate change, rather than succumbing to learned helplessness. Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, explains that agency is a learnable skill rooted in optimism, efficacy, and imagination. By shifting reflexive explanatory styles—specifically by challenging catastrophic interpretations of past and future events—individuals can break cycles of passivity. Practical strategies, such as graded task assignments that build confidence through small, incremental wins and leveraging personal signature strengths, allow people to transform their approach to adversity. While agency has a shadow side that requires acknowledging genuine systemic oppression, cultivating this internal sense of control remains essential for human flourishing. Ultimately, reframing one's narrative and utilizing creative tools can expand the perceived range of possibilities, turning perceived roadblocks into opportunities for growth.