10 indicators to evaluate your autonomy

Your autonomy is one of the most precious assets you can achieve. Without it, it’s going to be very difficult for you to know where you’re really going and enjoy the journey. Although it is not synonymous with freedom, it is very close to that concept.

It is important not to confuse autonomy with self-sufficiency. The latter is a narcissistic fantasy, in which individualism is exalted. An autonomous person, by contrast, knows that he needs others and finds a way to manage this in a healthy way.

Several important traits come together in autonomy, such as self-esteem. self-confidence and personal security. You are not born with it and although proper upbringing helps, ultimately, it is oneself who builds this virtue. What are the indicators to evaluate your autonomy?

1. You make decisions based on your own convictions

Your autonomy is closely associated with independence What do you have compared to other people’s opinions?. This is expressed, especially, in the ability to make decisions in consultation with your conscience and your heart. You don’t pay attention to what others think about it, or what they expect of you.

2. Control over one’s own finances

It is impossible to consolidate your autonomy without having financial resources that guarantee you a margin of independence. This does not mean having a lot of money, but what is necessary to survive without help from others, unless you are in a condition that prevents you from working. Otherwise, only if you cover your own expenses, you live autonomously.

3. Ability to leave the comfort zone

Leaving the comfort zone is something that only people who enjoy autonomy allow themselves. Voluntary abandonment of that comfort area implies self-confidence. The latter, in turn, is a necessary condition to act independently. The more autonomy you have, the less you fear changes and new things..

4. Development of networks of contacts and support

An autonomous person is not someone isolated, selfish or secretive. This apparent “not needing others” is usually the expression of a wall of insecurities. On the contrary, free people establish meaningful connections with others, cultivate them and value them. This interdependence does not reduce your autonomy, but rather nourishes and enriches you.

5. You can enjoy leisure alone

One of the great privileges of having autonomy is the possibility of enjoying many things, without depending on someone in particular. Going out to eat, doing leisure activities, traveling and a long etcetera are activities that autonomous people can do alone, without this meaning reducing enjoyment. They also make spending an afternoon reading or listening to music pleasant activities in which nothing is missing.

6. Continuous improvement of one’s own professional value

Your autonomy is also expressed in the increase and cultivation of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for your profession. This has two objectives: to evolve and improve employability potential. It is a manifestation of self-love and interest in increasing the scope of one’s personal horizon.

7. Periodic negotiation of job improvements

Autonomy is also expressed in the interaction with people who occupy a higher place within the work hierarchy.

Among other aspects, the search and negotiation of improvements at work It is a manifestation of independence, judgment and self-esteem.. It is equivalent to setting precedents about one’s own importance and worth within an organization.

8. Assertiveness, one of the indicators of your autonomy

One of the most visible indicators of your autonomy is assertiveness. It has to do with expressing what you think, directly and bluntly, as well as claiming what belongs to you, without engaging in aggressive or pedantic attitudes. In addition to being a communication skill, it is associated with healthy self-esteem.

9. You don’t feel guilty about your progress and achievements

Although it may seem contradictory, professional advancement or achievements often generate feelings of guilt in some people. For example, when this means having less time for your partner or neglecting some housework.

If you have autonomy, you will see that this guilt is unnecessary. The progress achieved justifies the collateral effects it generates.

10. You see yourself as a valid person

Your autonomy is manifested, especially, in the opinion you have of yourself.. You think and feel that you are valuable, but at the same time you are aware that you are not essential, nor do you have to demonstrate your virtues to anyone. You believe in yourself, you know why and this comforts you.

Your autonomy is an achievement that you do not achieve overnight. It is built over time and is not an absolute value. Rather, it has to do with a necessary condition to feel free and, above all, to recognize what you want and go after it.

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