Autonomy

Autonomy refers to how you view yourself in relation to others.  If you are high in autonomy you see yourself as fundamentally self-sufficient.  If you have a need, you will take care of it.  If there is something you want, you will figure out how to get it.  If you have a problem, you will solve it.

If you are low in autonomy, you view yourself and others quite differently.  You see yourself as lacking the ability to take care of yourself. Instead, it seems as if others have the resources and strength you lack and that you must entice them to help you.  People low in autonomy are often envious of others, wishing they possessed what others have instead of figuring out how to get it.  They often come across as needy or helpless.

People low in autonomy often attract friends and family members to either give or loan them money, possessions and opportunities.  Good hearted people who care for those low in autonomy hope that their support will jumpstart greater independence.  They become weary and frustrated when no substantial changes occur.

It is very important for those who are low in autonomy to make a fundamental shift in their thinking such that they own the responsibility to provide for and take care of themselves.  This isn’t always easy but the seeds of autonomy were sewn in every person from the time they were born.

It is the desire for autonomy that fuels the desire to talk, walk, ride a bike, make a friend and achieve any other goal.  Everyone starts their life energized to master the skills that will expand their world and provide greater independence and freedom.

While some people wander off that track, it should be encouraging to know that they have a fundamental yearning for autonomy and can re-discover and expand it.