What is extreme agency?

Extreme agency is the belief that almost everything is within one's control and that one should take everything seriously and try their best. It represents a mindset where an individual assumes full responsibility for their actions and the outcomes in their life, striving to exert influence and make choices that reflect the life they want to lead. Jim O'Shaughnessy discusses this in the context of balancing this intense sense of personal agency with the recognition of nihilism—that in the grand scheme, life may seem like just a game and ultimately everything disappears, which can be both liberating and anxiety-inducing. This balance is vital for creating personal meaning and navigating life effectively 1.