Principle 1: Human action consists of either “approach” or “withdraw” behavior. A conflict between these two actions is called “hedging” or indecision. Similarly, important decisions come in one of two flavors, either towards growth or in response to fear. We are never happiest when we are withdrawing or making decisions in fear.
Principle 2: Agility is the ability to rapidly comprehend and swiftly respond physically, cognitively, and emotionally to unpredictable environments or anticipate unplanned conditions towards more positive outcomes.
Principle 3: Agility in mind, body and spirit stems from cognitive, physical and expressive flexibility. Like the ancient Japanese proverb states, “The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.”
Principle 4: The opposite of stress is not relaxation but control. When we feel in control, we do not experience stress and we can make decisions with greater clarity. Conversely, when we feel clear in thought, we feel balanced.
Principle 5: At the foundation of agility is a sense of stability. To respond effectively, one must first feel balanced, stable and in control. Ascent Decisions methods are designed to promote a greater sense of balance, control, and ultimately agency.
Through a shared group entrenchment experience, Ascent Decisions helps college students learn to make the changes necessary to obtain a greater sense of balance, control, agility, and ultimately self-agency.