How does existentialism approach the idea of personal freedom and responsibility?

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Jean-Paul Sartre sits at a cafe with a cup of coffee and a notebook, a pipe in his mouth. — Existentialism French philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre, known as a founding figure of existentialism, in Paris.

Existentialism posits that individuals are radically free and responsible for creating their own essence through choices and actions. There is no predetermined human nature; "existence precedes essence". This means individuals are "thrown into the world" and must define themselves through their projects and decisions. This freedom, however, is often described as a "damnation" because individuals are solely responsible for their choices and their consequences, with no external justification or predetermined path. This radical responsibility extends to transforming society and the world.1234