Where is your locus of control?

Multiple studies by psychologists  discuss the notion of a locus of control and its role in not only happiness, but health, achievement and overall wellbeing in life. First coined in 1954 by Rotter, this idea has permeated the realm of cognitive psychology in aiding people with depression and ‘learned helplessness’.

What is it? Basically it is whether people believe that they are in charge of what happens to them in their lives, or that all control is external to them (of course, beliefs may vary in different areas of life). For example, if a person is struggling to get a job a person with an INTERNAL locus of control will evaluate their behaviour, presentation, skills and manner when applying for jobs and seek to make changes. On the other hand, a person with an EXTERNAL locus of control will often find things to ‘excuse’ or ‘blame’ the events with statements of thoughts such as, “The interviewer obviously doesn’t like women”, “I was attacked by nerves (spoken as if they are an outer force)”, “The interview questions were ridiculous”, “People never understand what I’m trying to say”.

Can you see the difference? Having an external locus of control means that you perceive life as HAPPENING TO YOU, rather than you having an active control in daily and important events. Which one is more empowering? What will enable change for the better?

In saying this – it is vitally important to be aware of a tendency to couple blame and learned helplessness (self talk that becomes habitual in putting oneself down) with an internal locus of control. Of course you cannot control everything – if someone you care for falls ill, it is obviously not in your power to influence this and there should be no guilt for you. Coupling optimism and a thirst for development with a internal locus of control can be extremely empowering and inspiring, not just to the individual, but to everyone that surrounds you. Suddenly, barriers transform into challenges and opportunities!

Can you identify some of the attitudes that you tend to abide to?