I satisfy my need for autonomy and competence in the area of academics by choosing my own major, classes, and schedule. When I decided to come to college I didn’t do it for anyone besides myself. I chose to major in Psychology and Sociology because that is what interests me. Another way I exhibit behaviors of free will and control is deciding when to study or do assignments; also choosing whether to do an assignment at all. There is some external pressure from professors, but it is obvious pressure. It doesn’t make sense to go to college and not do the work. I satisfy my need for relatedness by having a few close relationships in my life. I do not participate in clubs and rarely attend events on campus. I do attend college parties every once in awhile, though. I have never been one to have a large group of friends. The more friends you have, the more time you are obligated to give to each of them. I prefer to keep a few close relationships so that I satisfy my need for relatedness, without draining myself through too much social interaction.
I chose this image because it relates to competence. Competence is being able to take control over your own life without the opinions of others. This image shows two people being used as puppets; reflecting how a person’s life can be if they allow others to have too much control.