Do You Know Your Locus Of Control?

Are you an External or Internal?

Your locus of control is the degree to which you believe that you, as opposed to external forces, have control over the events of your life.

People who have an internal locus of control (internals) think the events in their lives result from their own actions. Internals believe hard work will be rewarded with positive outcomes and that actions have consequences.

People with an external locus of control (externals) think external factors determine their successes and failures. Externals believe things that happen to them, and even their own actions, are determined by fate, luck, and the influences of powerful forces beyond their control.

Image by Edward Thomas using Canva

Are you an External or Internal?

You may be an Internal if you believe:

• You can achieve anything if you work hard and commit yourself to a goal.
• There is no such thing as fate or destiny.
• You can do well on exams if you study hard and are well-prepared.
• Success is due to dedication and effort, and not luck.
• People tend to get what they deserve in life.

You may be an External if you believe:

• You have little control over your life and what happens to you.
• People rarely get what they deserve.
• Goals and plans are useless because too many things can go wrong.
• Life is a game of chance.
• Individuals have no influence over world events.