Who’s in Charge: Understanding and Shaping Your Locus of Control

Do you ever feel like life is happening to you, rather than because of you? That’s where the concept of locus of control comes in.

It’s about understanding whether you believe your life is shaped more by your own actions or by external forces like luck, fate, or other people’s decisions.

What Is Locus of Control?

Psychologist Julian Rotter introduced the term in 1954. A person with an internal locus of control tends to believe their choices and efforts drive outcomes.

On the other hand, someone with an external locus of control might think that success or failure comes from luck or circumstances beyond their control.

Studies show that individuals with a strong internal locus of control often report higher job satisfaction and better mental health.

For instance, a 2021 study found that those with internal control were 40% less likely to experience chronic stress at work compared to their peers.

Why It Matters for Resilience

Resilience — the ability to bounce back from challenges — is closely tied to how you perceive control. When you focus on what you can influence, you’re less likely to be paralyzed by fear or frustration when things go wrong.

Instead of worrying about external factors, ask yourself:

• What actions can I take to change this situation?

• How can I prepare for the things I can’t control?

By shifting your mindset, you can build confidence and adaptability.

Steps to Strengthen Your Internal Locus of Control

• Recognize Your Triggers: Notice when you’re blaming circumstances or other people. Shift your focus to what’s within your reach.

• Set Realistic Goals: Break larger goals into manageable tasks that you can actively work on.

• Reframe Setbacks: Treat failures as learning experiences rather than proof of external interference. Keep in mind that we all fail, and not just for once.

• Limit Negative Influences: Be mindful of how much external stimuli, like news or social media, affect your emotions.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your efforts and accomplishments, no matter how minor they seem. Whether it’s completing a task or simply choosing to stay calm in a tough moment, reinforcing these positive steps boosts your confidence and sense of control.

  
  

Taking these steps won’t make life perfect, but it will help you feel more in charge, even in difficult situations.

Sources

• Harvard Business Review. (2022). Resilience in Leadership: The Power of Perspective.

• Psychology Today. (2023). How Locus of Control Shapes Behavior and Outcomes.

• Gallup. (2021). Workplace Trends: The Impact of Personal Agency on Job Satisfaction.