Rediscovering Free Will: The Power of Autonomy and Self-Determination

Grant Ian Gamble is a best-selling mindful leadership author and speaker. He has over 30 years of experience in leading teams to create innovative customer experiences, building engaged workforces, and developing leaders who prioritize mindfulness in their approach.

In the complex tapestry of human existence, the concept of free will holds a prominent position. Victor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, and Nir Eyal, a prominent author and behavioral designer, shed light on the significance of free will in our lives. Feeling autonomous and self-determined, that we have the power to exercise free will, is a fundamental psychological need that impacts our mental health. While it is easy to feel swept along by the current of life, believing we lack control over our outcomes, we must recognize our inherent ability to direct and redirect our path. Although we cannot change past decisions, the power to shape our current decisions and determine our direction lies within our grasp.

The Crucial Role of Free Will in Mental Health

Free will is not merely an abstract philosophical concept; it plays a vital role in our mental well-being. As Frankl emphasized in his seminal work, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” the freedom to choose our attitude towards any given situation empowers us to find meaning even in the face of unimaginable adversity. When we believe that we have agency over our decisions and actions, we gain a sense of control over our lives, enhancing our self-esteem and overall psychological well-being.

Autonomy and Self-Determination: Basic Psychological Needs

According to self-determination theory, developed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, autonomy and self-determination are fundamental psychological needs that contribute to our overall sense of well-being. When we experience autonomy, we feel a sense of ownership and control over our actions and choices. This feeling of empowerment boosts our motivation, leading to greater satisfaction and engagement with life.

Redirecting Our Path: The Power of Future Decisions

While we cannot alter our past decisions, we possess the remarkable ability to shape our present reality. Acknowledging that our actions today influence the outcomes of tomorrow is the first step towards exercising our free will. By accepting responsibility for our choices, we unlock the potential to create a life aligned with our values and aspirations. Nir Eyal, in his work on behavioral design and habit formation, emphasizes the importance of consciously directing our decisions to shape our desired outcomes. By understanding the triggers and motivations that influence our behavior, we can consciously design our environment to support our goals and aspirations. This proactive approach allows us to break free from the shackles of passivity and assert our free will in carving our own destiny.