# Self-determination: room to grow

Status: published
Scope: complete-authored-record
Source: https://innergeniusacademy.com/library/self-determination
Provenance: Original Academy introduction. Keep its interpretation distinct from the linked traditions, authors, and research sources.

{
  "slug": "self-determination",
  "title": "Self-determination: room to grow",
  "shelf": "Ways of relating",
  "kind": "Psychological research",
  "lead": "Power can also mean having room to choose, becoming more capable, and staying connected. Self-determination theory studies these as autonomy, competence, and relatedness.",
  "question": "Which kind of support would make one real choice easier?",
  "sections": [
    {
      "title": "Three needs, not three personality types",
      "paragraphs": [
        "Autonomy is the experience of willing participation, not doing everything alone. Competence is a growing sense that you can meet a challenge. Relatedness is connection and care. Researchers study how environments can support or frustrate these needs.",
        "The theory is empirical psychology, not a spiritual doctrine or a diagnostic test. A person can need support in more than one area, and a short visit to the Academy cannot measure their inner life."
      ]
    },
    {
      "title": "Capacity with company",
      "paragraphs": [
        "A teacher may offer a meaningful choice, a task at the right level, and a relationship in which questions are welcome. That can be more useful than demanding motivation. Similarly, asking for help can be an act of agency.",
        "Academy interpretation: notice where your next choice needs permission, a smaller step, or another person. Your worth is not the outcome of the experiment."
      ]
    }
  ],
  "practice": "Think of a task that matters. Name one choice you can make, one skill you can practice in ten minutes, and one person you can ask for support.",
  "sources": [
    {
      "label": "The theory · Self-Determination Theory",
      "url": "https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/theory/",
      "note": "Theory overview from its research community."
    },
    {
      "label": "Basic psychological needs",
      "url": "https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/topics/application-basic-psychological-needs/",
      "note": "Definitions of autonomy, competence, and relatedness."
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    "stoicism",
    "mindfulness"
  ]
}

End of record.

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