In psychology, there is a concept known as locus of control that is unknown to most people. This concept could be the root of happiness and explain many events in our life, including success and failures. From your bad score at school to your eager of personal growth, here is how your life is determinate by your locus of control.
WHAT ARE LOCUS OF CONTROL?
DEFINITION OF THE INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
Locus of control is a belief system of an individual related to his or her experiences and the things to which a person attributes success or failure.
This concept is categorized as internal and external.
HOW LOCUS OF CONTROL IMPACTS YOUR LIFE?
Internal locus of control can be described as “self-determination” and “personal agency”.
Research says the men have a relatively higher internal locus of control as compared to women and internal locus of control grows as people grow older.
Experts admit that people with an internal locus of control are better off. However, in some situations, external locus of control is also beneficial especially when a person’s level of competency is not very strong in a particular area.
WHICH LOCUS OF CONTROL DO YOU HAVE?
Do you have an internal locus of control or external locus of control?
In which category do you lie?
INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
DEFINITION OF THE INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
Internal locus of control means that a person attributes success to his or her own abilities and efforts. People who expect to succeed will be more likely to learn and more motivated.
There are some characteristics of people with dominant external or internal locus of control.
INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL SIGNS:
• A person is more likely to take responsibility for his actions.
• Often do better work when a person is allowed to work at his own pace
• Tend to be less affected by the views of other people
• Ab individual works hard to achieve his goals.
• Does not feel timid in the face of challenges.
• Typically have a strong sense of self-efficacy
• Often do better at the workplace
• Tend to be physically well
• Report being independent and happy
COMMON STATEMENTS PEOPLE WITH DOMINANT INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL AGREE WITH
• If a person works hard and aims to achieve his goals, he can achieve anything.
• Fate or destiny does not exist.
• If you do hard work in studies and you are well prepared, you can do better in exams.
• Luck has little impact on success, it mostly depends on effort and dedication.
• In the long run, people get what they deserve.
If the above statements reflect your point of view, then you are likely to have an internal locus of control.
EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
DEFINITION OF THE EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
While the external locus of control means that a person attributes success to his or her fate or luck. Such a person will be less motivated to do the effort needed to learn.
People who have an external locus of control are more likely to get depressed because they believe that their life is not in control of them.
External locus of control:
• Believe in luck or chance for success
• Blame outside forces for all circumstances
• Does not believe in changing circumstances on their own efforts
• Suddenly feel powerless or hopeless when they face challenges
• Easier to get hopeless
COMMON STATEMENTS PEOPLE WITH DOMINANT INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL AGREE WITH
• People have little control over their lives and what happens to them
• People hardly get what they deserve.
• It is not worth to set goals or make objectives because a lot of things happen without any control.
• People have very little influence over the happenings in the world.
• Life is a game of chance.
If you think the same as the statements above, then you have an external locus of control.
WHICH LOCUS OF CONTROL IS THE BEST?
Research says that people with a more developed internal locus of control are more achievement-oriented and get more successful.
It is important to know that locus of control is a continuum. No one can have a 100 percent external locus or internal locus. Instead, a person lies somewhere on the continuum between two extremes.
HOW TO INFLUENCE YOUR LOCUS OF CONTROL
HOW TO CULTIVATE AN INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL?
The good news is that you can change your ideas and beliefs no matter how entrenched they are.
Here are 3 ways to cultivate an internal locus of control.
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
First, identify your aim and make steps. Question yourself “What do I need from my life?” Next looking at the list identify what things you have control over and what you don’t. Then create a plan for how to use such strengths to address the steps you have control over.
WELCOME CRITICISM
When something doesn’t work the way you want, you can practice self-compassion. Think about what you can learn and how you can grow. Instead of blaming yourself for what has done, you should consider what you can learn from this experience.
SEEK SUPPORT
Having support in life is very important. Other people can help to gain perspective and encourage especially when you feel disappointed. They can cheer you up and hold you accountable.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: HOW TO REFORM A STUDENT WITH AN EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL?
Let’s take the case study of students.
In recent years, locus of control has gained much importance in education. There are two approaches that schools use to work with students who have an external locus of control:
CHANGING THE LEARNING CONTEXT
A more ordered, structured, and supportive classroom environment benefits students who have an external locus of control. While students with an external locus of control can easily succeed in an unstructured environment.
STRENGTHEN THEIR INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL:
Specialists and educators use different strategies to motivate students to believe that they have more control over their education and achievements. Students are taught to create positive messages that are innate to students with an internal locus of control.
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