This quote is essentially referring to the contrast between how people act and how they perceive their actions. When Bandura says people behave "agentically", he means that they act as agents of their own lives, making decisions and taking actions that shape their experiences and outcomes. However, they often create theories or beliefs that suggest they have little control over their lives, attributing their circumstances to external factors such as luck, fate, or other people’s actions. This is a paradox because while people are acting as agents, they are also denying their agency.

In the context of personal development, this quote suggests that people may limit their potential by underestimating their capacity to effect change in their lives. They may act and make decisions every day that could lead them towards their goals, but their beliefs about their lack of control could prevent them from recognizing and utilizing their power.

In today’s world, this concept can be seen in various societal issues. For instance, individuals may feel powerless in the face of large-scale problems like climate change or political instability, believing that their actions can’t make a difference. However, if they recognized their agency, they might realize that collective action can lead to significant change.

This quote is a call to acknowledge our own agency – to recognize that our actions do have an impact and that we have the power to shape our own lives. It suggests that by changing our beliefs about our own agency, we can unlock our potential and take more effective action towards our goals.