Why psychological ownership matters
Ever been part of a team, project, or workplace where you feel like you really belonged?
That feeling is called psychological ownership — the feeling of “this is mine”. Not in a possessive way, but in a way that reflects care, commitment, and pride.
When we feel ownership over something — our work, our home, our community — we show up differently. Research shows we’re more energised, more creative, and more likely to stick with it when it gets hard.
You don’t need a title or promotion to enjoy the benefits of psychological ownership. It’s something you can grow within yourself.
Find your reason. Ask yourself: why does this matter to me?
Get involved. Don’t be afraid to suggest a change or offer an idea.
Treat it like it’s yours. Take pride in your contributions, big and small.
Psychological ownership is not about proving your worth, gaining more control, or taking on more than you can handle. It’s about finding meaning in the things you already do, big or small, and letting yourself feel proud of them.
This article was informed by research on psychological ownership by ZhiXiao Ye et al., 2022.