Startups are hard. They demand resilience, adaptability, and the courage to confront challenges head-on. These qualities are closely related to a concept called "high agency," which is the belief in one's ability to shape their own life, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In this essay, I'll discuss the importance of high agency for founders and share examples of individuals who have used this mindset to build successful companies or pursue opportunities abroad.
High Agency and the Entrepreneurial Mindset
When you're starting a company, it's almost certain that you'll encounter obstacles, and many of them will appear insurmountable. But a high agency mindset can make all the difference. It's what allows founders to:
Take control of their circumstances: Founders with high agency take responsibility for their actions and decisions, rather than relying on others or blaming external factors.
Embrace change and adaptability: High agency founders are more likely to view change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, rather than a threat to their business.
Develop resilience and perseverance: Founders with high agency can push through adversity, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward with determination.
But high agency doesn't guarantee success. It's a powerful mindset that helps founders confront challenges, but it does not make them immune to failure.
Two Examples: The Relocator and The Founder
Let's consider two examples of individuals who embody high agency:
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., recognized the potential for greater opportunities in the United States and decided to leave India to pursue his dreams. His high agency mindset allowed him to adapt and thrive in a new environment, ultimately becoming one of the most influential leaders in the tech industry.
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, identified a gap in the market for undergarments that could provide a smooth, slimming effect for women. With no experience in fashion or manufacturing, she took on the challenge of creating her product. Blakely's high agency mindset empowered her to learn the ins and outs of the industry, patent her idea, and eventually build a billion-dollar business.
Cultivating High Agency
High agency is a trait that can be cultivated, and founders can benefit from adopting the following habits:
Set clear goals: Establish both short-term and long-term goals, and regularly assess your progress.
Develop problem-solving skills: Actively seek out opportunities to tackle challenges, and learn from your experiences.
Embrace a growth mindset: View setbacks and failures as opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than as evidence of personal shortcomings.
Practice decision-making: Make small, low-risk decisions on a regular basis to build your confidence and decision-making abilities.
Surround yourself with high agency individuals: Engage with others who embody the high agency mindset, as their attitudes and behaviors can be inspiring and contagious.
Conclusion
In the world of startups, high agency is like rocket fuel. It propels founders forward, helping them confront challenges, embrace change, and keep pushing ahead despite setbacks. While high agency doesn't guarantee success, it's an essential ingredient for founders who want to create truly transformative companies. Cultivate this mindset, and you'll be better equipped to navigate the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship and chart your own course to success.