Locus of control is an important concept when thinking about how you relate to the world. Understanding yours will provide key insight into how you make sense of the world and the events that take place.
I love this topic because it runs deep. (And also because the plural of locus is loci, and I think that’s so cool!) Let’s make sense of this topic and go over the implications.
What is locus of control?
Basically, your locus of control is the level of agency you feel like you have in your life. This can fall into two major categories: external or internal.
External
You feel as though life happens to you.
An external locus of control causes a person to feel as though they are not in control of their lives and their destinies. Whatever happens, happens. And you just have to accept it.
Internal
You feel responsible for the conditions of your life.
An internal locus of control allows a person to feel empowered. Lifestyle conditions are determined through your actions.
The graphic below from Beyond Psych Hub explains the differences between internal and external locus of control.
Which is better?
Generally speaking, having an internal locus of control is beneficial. In this mindset, you feel as though you can create success for yourself and find the good in life.
An internal locus of control doesn’t mean that you think you can magically create what they want out of thin air. It’s more of a confidence and awareness of your own agency to influence your life in the way you desire. It’s a hopeful outlook that motivates.
An external locus of control can be very dangerous from the standpoint of feeling satisfied. It’s quite easy to feel hopeless and powerless. After all, if you don’t believe that your actions have any significance in determining what becomes of your life, then what’s the point of trying? This slope slides quickly into cynicism, victimization, and feeling at the mercy of life.
It’s all about agency
A sense of agency means that you feel like you’re in control. Control is good, as long as you… control it.
Let me explain.
It’s good to feel in control of your career success, personal development, financial destiny, wellness, relational health, and the like. In the major areas of life, you want to feel in control. And you should feel in control.
Research shows that people with internal loci of control are happier and more successful in major areas of life. Investing in this mindset is strongly beneficial, both in terms of how you feel about life and your results!
But, if you try to control EVERYTHING because your locus of control is so internal, then you’re going to cause some undue stress and encounter resistance.
Well, maybe it’s all about balance
It’s better to apply balance than it is to live at an extreme, even if that extreme is more desirable than the other.
In this case, it’s in your best interest to adopt a mostly internal locus of control with just a hint of external.
Draw a line between what you can and cannot control. While you can greatly influence the general trajectory of your life, there will be smaller aspects within that you don’t have power over.
Take charge of your goals and pursuits and the things you can influence. Let go where you don’t have control, like in traffic or on an airplane. Apply a broader perspective to situations: you can control the overall direction of things in your life although maybe not every single instance.
Deliniating between the two can be hard, but if you do it with intention, the results are beautiful. You’ll feel empowered by all the things you can control yet so at peace with the things you cannot.
Read my post on how to let go of problems for more on this.
Shifting your locus of control
Your locus of control is part of your belief system. While it may be deeply ingrained, it is malleable.
Take stock of your beliefs concerning your locus of control. Learn about how well-defined action plans lead to success. Begin to notice how people who create their lives from within tend to get wonderful results. Do this until it sinks in.
Ask yourself if your actions make a difference in a situation’s outcome. If yes, shift your perspective and take back control. If no, surrender and let go.
Apply an internal locus of control generally to the overarching nature of your life. But apply an external locus of control only specifically in the areas that you cannot control.
Thank you so much for reading! Please share with others who may benefit! 🙂
