Strengthening the autonomy dimension: moving from dependence on others' opinions toward an internal locus of control through the practice of one's own decisions.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify areas of dependence: "Where do you orient on other people's opinions?"
- Explore the fear: "What would happen if you decided on your own?"
- Start small: choice of food, route, film — without asking anyone
- Gradually expand: decisions at work, in relationships
- Mark it: "You decided on your own. How does that feel?"
- Work with interrupters: "What if I make a mistake?" → "A mistake is part of learning"
When to use
- When autonomy is a weak dimension
- Conformism, dependence on approval, difficulty making decisions
Key phrases
You noticed that you checked three people before choosing where to eat. Let's try a small experiment this week: one small decision per day made without consultation. No big stakes — just the practice of deciding.
Follow-up questions
What thought shows up when you imagine deciding alone?
Whose opinion do you most anticipate?
What would change if you treated a mistake as part of learning, not as a verdict?
Which decision is small enough to feel safe, and real enough to feel yours?
Alternative phrasings
Autonomy is not isolation. Choosing to take others into account can still be your choice.
If you decided this alone, what would the first five seconds feel like?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Autonomy ≠ isolation. Being autonomous means choosing for yourself, which can include the choice to take others into account.
- ⚠️ Don't confuse autonomy with defiance. The goal is internal locus, not opposition.
Source: Fava, 2016; Ryff, 1989; Deci & Ryan, 2000
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.