self-direct

verb

self-di·​rect ˌself-də-ˈrekt 

-dī-

self-directed; self-directing; self-directs

1

a

transitive : to direct or manage (something, such as one's work, study, or investments) for or by oneself

… the author discusses the basic elements and benefits of self-directing your retirement funds.

—Mark J. Kohler

… allowing her children to self-direct their education, letting them decide what to learn based on their interests.

—Katrina J. E. Milton

b

intransitive : to direct or guide oneself : to make choices for or by oneself

Something magical happens by letting kids self-direct. They're happy and moving and healthy.

—Grant Segall

2

transitive + intransitive : to serve as the director of something (such as a play) in which one also performs

… decided to self-direct two one-act plays in lieu of the fall musical.

—The Colchester (Vermont) Sun

With their new company, they are also able to self-direct and produce.

—Nicole S. Colson

self-directing

ˌself-də-ˈrek-tiŋ 

-dī-

adjective

self-directing investors

The purpose of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive members of society.

—Northern Wyoming Daily News

self-direction

ˌself-də-ˈrek-shən 

-dī-

noun

Creating jobs that allow for self-direction, for independent thought and judgment, can make people more supportive and flexible at home.

—Adam Grant

Examples of self-direct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As work becomes increasingly complex and self-directed, understanding this relationship provides a competitive advantage. —Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

People with entrepreneurial mindsets are self-directed, action-oriented, and deeply engaged in their work. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

By contrast, under developmental leadership, team members determine the approach to work and feel empowered to self-direct their efforts. —Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Incorporate Transparency At Every Step The new generation of investors are very self-directed and hands-on, unlike their parents and grandparents. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

There are about 21,000 Marylanders with IDD who are receiving supports that are either community provider-based or self-directed. —Karen Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025

Because Roth IRAs are typically self-directed, investors have the flexibility to choose funds that align with their ethical standards. —James Brewer, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

The actual conception is that perhaps AI systems themselves ought to have a purpose within them for which the AI then becomes essentially self-directed. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

With the technology becoming more advanced, 2025 is likely to bring even more AI options for those wanting to self-direct their wealth. —Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for self-direct

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect