The Power of ‘I Can’: Why Cultivating Agency is the Future of Health

A fundamental shift is underway in how we approach well-being. While technology promises to revolutionize healthcare, a critical element is often overlooked: the individual’s belief in their own ability to effect positive change. This conviction – what psychologists term ‘agency’ – is proving to be a powerful predictor of health outcomes, and a key ingredient missing from many digital health platforms.

The concept of agency, deeply studied by University of Pennsylvania psychologist Martin Seligman, isn’t simply optimistic thinking. It’s the resolute belief that “I can make a positive difference in the world.” Seligman’s research demonstrates that agency manifests not just as a mindset, but as sustained effort, resilience, and a willingness to try new approaches even in the face of setbacks. It’s the driving force behind achievement and, crucially, improved health.

GLP-1s and the Agentic Dividend

Recent breakthroughs in medical science vividly illustrate the power of agency. The advent of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, for example, has offered a new experience for many struggling with obesity. For years, repeated attempts at weight loss often resulted in a demoralizing cycle of failure. Oprah Winfrey recently described the impact of these medications as “a relief, like redemption, like a gift,” highlighting the profound psychological shift they can unlock.

This isn’t merely about physiological changes; it’s about a restored sense of control. GLP-1s provide an “agentic dividend” – a motivational boost stemming from the ability to finally achieve a long-sought goal. This newfound confidence isn’t limited to weight management; it can spill over into other areas of life, fostering healthier habits, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. Agency, in essence, is the motivational currency of lasting health improvements.

Beyond Metrics: The Untapped Potential of Connected Health

Connected fitness platforms – from Peloton to WHOOP – offer a similar opportunity to cultivate agency. Each completed workout, each personal best, each small improvement serves as tangible proof of “I can do this.” However, many platforms currently prioritize performance metrics, potentially missing a crucial opportunity. By focusing solely on data, they risk overlooking the psychological benefits of recognizing and celebrating individual achievements.

The true potential lies in helping individuals acknowledge, internalize, and build upon these small wins. Imagine a platform that doesn’t just track your heart rate, but actively helps you recognize the positive impact of your efforts – “Because you completed three workouts this week, you’re experiencing increased energy levels.” This shift in focus, from external measurement to internal empowerment, could be transformative.

The Challenge of Sustained Change

While techniques like cognitive reframing and motivational interviewing show promise in fostering agency, a consistent, evidence-based playbook remains elusive. Large-scale studies, such as the 2021 Duckworth–Milkman exercise megastudy, reveal that even thoughtfully designed interventions often yield modest and short-lived behavioral changes. Cracking the code of sustained motivation remains one of the biggest challenges in health and technology.

Furthermore, as public health experts like Michael Kelly and Mary Barker, and Angela Duckworth emphasize, behavior isn’t isolated. It’s deeply embedded in our social environments and daily routines. Kevin Hall’s research on obesity highlights how environments saturated with unhealthy food choices can undermine individual efforts to maintain a healthy weight. Our surroundings can either support or hinder our ability to exercise agency.

AI, Health OS, and the Future of Empowerment

Emerging technologies – artificial intelligence, connected devices, and “health OS” platforms – offer a powerful new lever for cultivating agency. However, current approaches often treat individuals as objects to be managed, focusing on data collection and granular tracking. The real opportunity lies in leveraging these tools to *scaffold* human agency – helping people identify options, achieve early wins, navigate setbacks, and build a sense of capability.

What if a platform could proactively suggest achievable goals based on your individual circumstances, provide personalized encouragement, and help you connect your efforts to tangible improvements in your well-being? What if it celebrated your progress not just as data points, but as evidence of your growing strength and resilience?

Do you believe technology should prioritize data collection or empowerment? And how can we design systems that acknowledge the crucial role of social context in shaping individual behavior?

Designing for agency won’t be easy, but it will likely emphasize early, undeniable wins; guided choices that foster a sense of control; feedback that links progress to individual effort; and ways to track and celebrate achievements over time. By shifting our focus from simply measuring health to actively cultivating the belief that we *can* improve our health, we can unlock a new era of well-being.

Dr. Shaywitz, a physician-scientist, is a lecturer at Harvard Medical School, an adjunct fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and founder of KindWellHealth, an initiative focused on advancing health through the science of agency. This piece was previously published on the Timmerman Report

Share this article with your network to spark a conversation about the importance of agency in health! Leave a comment below and tell us: what steps can we take to cultivate a greater sense of agency in our own lives and in the lives of others?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.