The 7 Maxims of Agency

In the face of complexity, your principles are the only light you need.

A philosophy is only useful when it can be applied. While the pursuit of fulfillment is a lifelong journey, it is guided by a set of core principles that act as a compass in daily life. These maxims are not rigid rules, but rather focusing questions and reference points to use when making decisions.

If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s a “hell no”

This is a powerful filter for your time and energy. It forces you to move beyond lukewarm commitments and save your best efforts for the people, projects, and opportunities that truly align with your purpose. It is the first line of defense against a life of distraction.

Doing some is better than doing nothing

Perfection is the enemy of progress. This maxim is the antidote to the all-or-nothing mindset that so often leads to inaction. A 10-minute walk is infinitely better than no walk at all. One healthy meal is better than none. Small, consistent actions are the bedrock of lasting habits.

Listen to your body

Your body is constantly providing you with data. It communicates fatigue, stress, strength, and pain. Learning to listen to and interpret these signals—distinguishing between the discomfort of growth and the warning signs of injury—is a critical skill for sustainable health.

Perspective is everything

Our circumstances are objective, but our experience of them is subjective. The ability to zoom out, reframe a challenge, and appreciate the passage of time is a superpower. Cultivating perspective allows you to prioritize what truly matters and let go of what does not.

Embrace being uncomfortable

Growth and comfort cannot coexist. Whether it's the physical stress of a workout, the mental strain of learning a new skill, or the emotional risk of a difficult conversation, voluntary discomfort is the price of admission for a meaningful life.

Being healthy is a lifelong, habitual commitment

This is not a 12-week program. Viewing health as a lifelong practice removes the pressure to make extreme, unsustainable changes. It encourages small, digestible steps that compound over time, reinforcing themselves until they become an effortless part of who you are.

Stoicism isn’t new, yet more valuable than ever

The ancient philosophy of focusing only on what you can control is more relevant today than ever. Agency is the practice of applying your energy to your own thoughts, actions, and responses, rather than wasting it on external events or the opinions of others.