How Does Locus Of Control Affects Your Life?
Choose the right locus of control for yourself at the right time.
Don't let people control you.
It's extremely important for you to have the right locus of control because it influences your responses, which in turn affects your health, your dreams, and your entire life.
It's somewhat like the main driver of your life.
Now, it's up to you – who should have the steering wheel of your life?
First, let me introduce you to this driver.
Locus of control is a personality orientation characterized either by the belief that one can control events by one's own efforts (internal locus of control) or that the future is determined by forces outside one's control (external locus of control).
Conceptualized by Rotter (1960), someone with an internal locus of control believes they have control over most situations and outcomes in their life.
In contrast, someone with an external locus of control believes they have little influence over events and that most outcomes are determined by fate.
People with an internal locus of control:
Aren’t usually as influenced by other people’s opinions.
- Don’t believe in "fate."
- Tend to be driven and motivated to achieve what they want.
People with an external locus of control:
Credit luck or timing when they achieve something.
- Put the responsibility on forces outside their control.
- Feel they can’t change a situation because that’s how it’s meant to be.
- Feel hopeless when confronted with a difficult situation.
- Believe they’ll achieve what they want if the timing is right or if it’s meant to be.
People who believe that their success is up to them tend to work harder, take responsibility for their financial situation, and are more likely to be successful.
In contrast, if you believe your success depends on others, you're less likely to take steps to improve your situation.
It's important to remember that no one is an island, and the only thing you control is your own actions.
Research study on locus of control at the University of Columbia
A professor at the University of Columbia conducted a study with fifth-grade students.
The students were given puzzles, some easy and some difficult.
When announcing the results, the students were divided into two groups.
One group was told they performed well due to their hard work, and the other group was told they performed well because of their high IQ.
This research continued, and later, when these students were given more puzzles, those who were told they performed well due to their hard work were motivated and performed better.
On the other hand, those who were told they performed well due to their high IQ were bored and demotivated, resulting in poorer performance.
This study reveals that our locus of control influences our response to events in our lives and our motivation to take action.
If you believe you hold the keys to your fate, you’re more likely to change your situation when needed.
Conversely, if you think the outcome is out of your hands, you may be less likely to work toward your goals.
How to cultivate a healthy internal locus of control
- Don’t dwell on things beyond your control, like fate, death, weather, and people’s opinions.
- Focus on what you can change: your mindset, habits, and hard work.
- Respond consciously to situations.
The verse from the Holy Quran, Chapter 53 Surah Najm, verse 39:
"Man gets whatever he strives for,"
emphasizes the importance of hard work for success.
How to Stop Allowing External Factors to Control Your Life
Avoid people’s opinions. Many people are controlled by others' opinions. If we let people and circumstances affect our moods and state of mind, we allow them to control our lives.
Before you start anything, ask yourself if you're doing it wholeheartedly. Listen to your inner voice.
When you can express emotional detachment in the above-mentioned situations, it becomes second nature, and you won't have to worry about having your strings pulled.
You'll gain inner strength and calmness, unaffected by external sources.
Let go of the past
Try to forget those unpleasant memories. Some people are controlled by their bad past, and all the negative events prevent them from moving forward.
The only way to be free from the past is to take a new start.
Author// A M I N
