Does personal belief in 'agency' lead us to better outcomes?

Do we have better outcomes if we believe that we have agency?

Our American 'can do' attitude elevated us to become 'the land of opportunity'. But since the '90s heyday of "you can do or become anything you want", we've drifted into a more pessimistic and cynical attitude over this first quarter-century.

But history suggests these attitude shifts to be cyclical in nature. What if it really is simply a matter of perspective? An attitude adjustment at the individual level... While it is true that economics, policies and perhaps even higher powers affect us greatly, does simply believing we can help us?

We will engage in a dialectical guided discussion. Please see the agenda and rules of discussion below:

Agenda
Arrive & Gather (15-20 min)
Icebreaker Activity (10 min)
Discussion Activities (45-60 min)

• Street Vibe Check: Do people still seem to believe they can succeed?
• What do we define as 'outcomes'? (Financial? Personal achievement? Familial? Legacy? Productivity?)
• What is 'agency'? Do you have it personally?
• How does the concept of determining your own destiny contrast with attitudes elsewhere in the world or even history?
• What if 'good enough' is good enough? Think about stoic, pragmatic and spiritual teachings...
• Is there an optimal way to apply "belief" and accept "what is"?

Hard Stop on Discussion by Scheduled End Time
Hangout & Connect (Optional)

Rules of Discussion

• Listen actively.
• Speak to the whole group, not just the host.
• Economy of Words: Learn how to express one idea at a time, concisely. Avoid 10-minute monologues!
• Watch your speaking inertia. Speaking is a two-way activity; yes, you should be watching and listening to others even as you speak.
• We want organic conversational, discussion flow.
  Understand good interruptions, those that enhance points being made or seek clarity, not debunk or attack.
• If you receive a good interruption, allow it!
• You’re not here to change minds. You’re here to learn how your own mind might be changed!
• Challenge ideas, not the person. What you say can be questioned or criticized. And you have the right to do the same with anyone else. (If you don’t believe your points can withstand scrutiny, don’t offer it.)
• Beware of absolute statements: "Always, never, forever, everyone..."
• Watch for broad blame, labels or abstract assumptions: “It’s all women’s fault.” “It’s all capitalism’s fault.” "Diversity is the problem/solution." “It’s obvious we have no freedom here.” “Everyone knows illegals are using up all of our social benefits.” "They're just racists..." "Because he/she/they are stupid..."

Where to Find Us
Quarterly Coffee Bar is the new name for this place, but Google still lists it as Pandacorn. We will set up at one or more tables inside. Look for our sign! There is plenty of parking at the rear of the building.

About the Venue
Quarterly Coffee has all the coffee shop staples from espresso drinks and drip coffee to black tea and matcha. (Search "Pandacorn" on Google).

About Nuanced Discussions
See our main group page! Dialectical discussion, not debate.

DISCLAIMER
We are NOT affiliated with any business, religious, or spiritual organizations. Our objective is to facilitate quality dialectical discussion and activities with responsible adults. We do NOT support MLM, paid mentorship/life coaching, network marketing, real-estate/entrepreneurial education, or related exploitative schemes. Please respect our age boundaries (YOB 1980+).