The Power of High Agency

Driving Change in Yourself and the World

I recently read the fascinating book "Ghost Town Living" by Brent Underwood, which chronicles his experiences buying and living in the abandoned mining town of Cerro Gordo, California. Immersing himself in the hardships of life on the edge of Death Valley gave Underwood a deep appreciation for what he terms "high-agency individuals" - people with the tenacity, vision and resolve to overcome daunting challenges and shape their destinies through sheer force of will.

Underwood's journey was not an easy one. After purchasing Cerro Gordo, he faced the daunting task of restoring and preserving a town ravaged by time and the harsh desert elements. From dealing with extreme weather conditions to managing complex renovations, every day brought new trials that tested his determination and resourcefulness.

The Pioneers of Cerro Gordo

Yet through it all, he drew strength from the examples of the remarkable figures who had built Cerro Gordo into a thriving community against all odds. Delving into their stories, Underwood discovered a common thread - an unshakable belief in their power to bend reality to their will through ingenuity and perseverance.

One such figure was Mortimer Belshaw, who played a pivotal role in transforming Cerro Gordo into a booming silver mine. A miner by trade and temperament, Belshaw was known for his conviction that with enough dynamite and determination, he could make nature itself bend to his ambitions. He built the Yellow Grade Road, a critical artery for transporting ore, and established the Union Mining Company to dominate the area's burgeoning silver trade.

Louis D. Gordon, known as "LD," made his own indelible contribution when he discovered zinc in Cerro Gordo in 1910, long after the silver veins had been exhausted. Gordon's find breathed new life into the town, ushering in two more decades of prosperity as Cerro Gordo became the nation's largest zinc supplier. His hands-on leadership style and daily presence at the mine set a powerful example of engaged, proactive management.

The Essence of High Agency

These intrepid pioneers embodied the essence of high agency - the unwavering conviction that you can change your circumstances and achieve the extraordinary through ingenuity and iron will. They saw obstacles as challenges to overcome, not insurmountable barriers. Where others said "there's nothing you can do," they replied, "watch me."

High Agency in Literature

This attribute is not just the province of history. Philosopher Ayn Rand populated her novels with iconic high-agency heroes. Take self-made industrialist Dagny Taggart from Atlas Shrugged, who exhibits a tireless drive to keep her railroad running in the face of a crumbling society. Dagny's refusal to surrender to increasingly dire circumstances, and her unstinting commitment to her values and goals, exemplify the high-agency ethos.

Another of Rand's unforgettable creations is Howard Roark, the uncompromising architect at the heart of The Fountainhead. Roark's journey is one of unwavering dedication to his artistic vision in the face of societal pressure and rejection. His integrity and resilience in the pursuit of his ideals, no matter the adversity, make him an enduring symbol of high agency in action.

The Impact of High-Agency Individuals

So why do high-agency individuals matter so much? Because they are the dynamoes of change and progress in our world. Through their outsized drive and proactivity, they move the needle where others cannot or dare not. Setbacks that would stymie most become springboards that propel them forward. By demonstrating what is possible, they expand our collective sense of the achievable.

High-agency people have an electrifying effect within organizations too. Their bias for decisive action cuts through stagnation and uncertainty. Their resilience and solution-oriented mindset inspire colleagues to transcend their perceived limitations. The responsibility they take for outcomes creates cultures of proactivity and accountability. Beyond executing important goals, they champion transformation and innovation, empowering those around them to step up too. In short, they are force multipliers who make their teams more than the sum of their parts.

Cultivating High Agency in Yourself

But high agency isn't some mysterious gift bestowed only on a select few - it is a quality each of us can cultivate within ourselves. The journey begins with a fundamental shift in mindset. Instead of seeing yourself as a passive recipient of circumstance, deeply internalize the truth that you are the primary agent in your own life. Embrace the liberating conviction that your choices and actions have the power to shape your reality.

With this empowering belief as your north star, start setting clear, ambitious goals for yourself. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, and craft a compelling vision for your life and work. Break these aspirations down into concrete, actionable steps - the more specific and measurable, the better. Commit to pursuing these goals with relentless focus and determination, making consistent progress each day, week, and month.

Of course, the path to high agency is rarely smooth. Obstacles and setbacks are inevitable - but it's how you respond to these challenges that defines your trajectory. Cultivate resilience by reframing adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning. When confronted with a roadblock, resist the temptation to give up or blame external factors. Instead, summon your problem-solving skills and creativity to find a way forward. Embrace a growth mindset, understanding that every challenge overcome is a chance to expand your capabilities.

To accelerate your growth as a high-agency individual, proactively seek out opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for stretch assignments at work that will test and develop your leadership skills. Embark on a challenging personal project, like running a marathon or learning a new language. The more you flex your agency muscles in pursuit of meaningful goals, the stronger and more instinctive your proactivity will become.

Accountability is another essential practice. Take full ownership of your decisions and their consequences, resisting the urge to make excuses or blame circumstances when things don't go as planned. Regularly review your progress towards your goals, honestly assessing your actions and results. Celebrate your wins, learn from your missteps, and course-correct as needed. Over time, this habit of self-reflection and responsibility will deepen your sense of control and efficacy.

Finally, recognize that high agency is contagious - so be intentional about surrounding yourself with others who embody this quality. Seek out mentors, collaborators, and friends who inspire you with their determination, resilience, and proactive approach to life. Let their example fuel your own growth, and look for opportunities to pay that influence forward by encouraging and supporting others in your sphere.

Conclusion

Ultimately, embracing a high-agency approach to life is a transformative choice that enables you to become the architect of your own destiny. It means refusing to settle for a default existence shaped by chance and circumstance, and instead claiming the power to create the life and impact you envision.

The road of high agency is not always easy. It demands courage, perseverance, and a willingness to take bold action in the face of uncertainty. But the rewards - in terms of personal fulfillment, meaningful impact, and the ability to shape your corner of the world - are immeasurable.

So draw inspiration from the remarkable individuals who have gone before, from the pioneers of Cerro Gordo to the unforgettable characters penned by Ayn Rand. Embrace the mantle of high agency, and step boldly into the grandest, most purposeful story you can imagine for yourself. In doing so, you just might change the world - and inspire others to do the same.