Ever wonder why some people seem more in control of their lives while others feel like helpless victims of circumstance? The difference often comes down to mindset and perception. If you believe that you are in control of your life and that your own choices and actions determine your outcomes, you likely have an internal locus of control.
This means you feel empowered and able to influence the events in your life rather than feeling that external forces outside of your control are dictating your destiny. An internal locus of control is a desirable quality that can help you achieve more success and happiness. If you exhibit the following characteristics, chances are you’ve already developed a strong internal locus of control.
Table of Contents
What Is Internal Locus of Control?
An internal locus of control means you believe you are in control of your own life and destiny. If you have an internal locus of control, you likely:
Take responsibility for your actions.
You don’t blame outside forces for what happens in your life. When things go wrong, you look inward to see how you can improve and do better next time. You accept that your decisions and behaviors shape your outcomes.
You Are proactive and motivated
Why sit around waiting for good things to come to you? You go after what you want. If there’s a problem, you work to solve it. You set goals and push yourself to achieve them through hard work and determination.
Continuously learn and improve
You seek to expand your knowledge and skills. After all, the more you know and the more capable you are, the more control and influence you have over your situation. You reflect on your mistakes and failures and look for ways to grow from them.
Feel empowered to shape your destiny
You believe that through the choices you make and the actions you take, you can create the life you want. Your future isn’t predetermined; you have the power to alter its course for the better. This gives you a sense of freedom and optimism.
Of course, there are limits to how much we can control in life. But with an internal locus of control, you focus on controlling what you can—your thoughts, choices, and behaviors. And that can make all the difference.
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Characteristics of People with an Internal Locus of Control
If you have an internal locus of control, you believe that you are in control of your own life and that your own actions and decisions shape your destiny. People with an internal locus of control share several key characteristics:
They take responsibility for their actions. Those with an internal locus of control own up to their mistakes and shortcomings instead of blaming external factors. They acknowledge when they’ve messed up and work to remedy the situation.
They are proactive and solution-focused. Rather than feeling helpless in the face of challenges or obstacles, internally-controlled people look for solutions and take action. They identify problems and work to solve them in a productive manner.
They don’t make excuses. You won’t hear an internally-controlled person blame traffic for being late or the economy for their job performance. They recognize that excuses are counterproductive and they own their responsibilities.
They learn from their mistakes and failures. Mistakes and failures are viewed as learning opportunities rather than reasons to beat themselves up. They look for the lesson in each perceived misstep and work to do better next time.
They adapt well to change. Flexibility and an ability to pivot are hallmarks of an internal locus of control. When changes happen, internally-controlled people adapt and make the best of the situation rather than stubbornly cling to the familiar.
They continuously seek to expand their knowledge and skills. Growth and self-improvement are lifelong pursuits. They read extensively, take additional courses, pursue advanced degrees and certifications, engage in regular self-reflection, and solicit feedback from others to gain new insights into themselves and their behaviors.
In summary, people with an internal locus of control share accountability, solution-focus, continuous self-improvement, adaptability, and a growth mindset. They believe in their own ability to influence events and outcomes through their choices and behaviors.
Internal Locus of Control Characteristics
Internal Locus of Control Characteristics refers to a person’s belief that they have control over their environment and that their actions can significantly influence their destiny. Individuals with an internal locus of control tend to have better self-assessed health, physical and mental health and are more likely to take responsibility for their actions. On the other hand, individuals with an external locus of control attribute outcomes to external factors and do not have a deep-seated belief system that their actions can fundamentally change their life.
1. Setting and Achieving Goals
Having an internal locus of control means you believe you have control over your own life and destiny. One key trait of this mindset is the ability to set personal goals and work to achieve them.
When you have an internal locus of control, you don’t wait around for things to happen to you. You take action and set specific objectives you want to accomplish. Start by thinking about what’s important to you and what you’re passionate about. Then break down big goals into smaller milestones that you can work toward each day or week.
For example, if your goal is to change careers, set a target to research three new job options each week and pick one to explore further. Or if you want to improve your health, aim for walking 30 minutes a day 3 times a week and build up from there. The key is to be consistent and stick with it. Don’t get discouraged if you face obstacles or setbacks. People with an internal locus of control view these as temporary rather than permanent.
When you achieve a goal, no matter how small, reward yourself. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated to continue progressing. Share your wins with others who support you too. Let them celebrate your success and hold you accountable. Their encouragement and praise will boost your self-confidence and determination.
The ability to establish and accomplish goals is what allows people with an internal locus of control to shape their lives in a self-directed way. Don’t wait for luck or fate to decide your destiny. Take the wheel and steer yourself toward the targets and milestones you set. Be flexible enough to adjust course when needed, but maintain your resolve. Success and achievement are within your control. You have the power to make your goals a reality through choice and action.
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2. Handling Setbacks and Challenges
When faced with challenges or setbacks, people with an internal locus of control believe they have the power to influence outcomes. Rather than feeling helpless in difficult situations, they take action. Here are some of the ways those with an internal locus of control handle problems:
Staying Solution-Focused Instead of dwelling on the issue, they look for solutions. They ask themselves questions like:
- What can I do to resolve or improve this situation?
- What strategies have worked for me in the past that I can apply now?
- Who can I turn to for help or advice?
Rather than seeing setbacks as permanent, they view them as temporary obstacles to overcome. This optimistic and proactive mindset leads to better outcomes.
Taking Responsibility People with an internal locus of control acknowledge their role in challenges and failures instead of blaming external factors. They say things like:
- I should have prepared more.
- I didn’t communicate clearly enough.
- I need to try a different approach next time.
Taking ownership of their mistakes and shortcomings gives them power to make changes and do better going forward.
Learning from Experience Every difficulty becomes an opportunity to learn. They evaluate what went wrong and how they can avoid or handle similar situations better in the future. They ask:
- What can I improve for next time?
- What skills do I need to develop?
- How can I turn this failure into a success?
With each setback, their knowledge and abilities grow, allowing them to feel increasingly in control of their circumstances.
While people with an internal locus of control still feel the painful effects of problems, they believe in their capacity to find solutions, take responsibility for their actions, and use failures as learning experiences. This gives them power and helps them create positive change.
3. Being Decisive and Proactive
Having an internal locus of control means you believe you are in control of your life and destiny. You see yourself as the primary influence over what happens to you, rather than external forces outside your control. Some key traits of people with an internal locus of control include:
Being decisive and proactive You don’t wait around for things to happen to you. You take action and make choices that shape your life. When faced with a decision, you evaluate the options and determine the best path forward based on your goals and priorities. You create opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you.
Rather than reacting to events and circumstances in your life, you anticipate challenges and act to prevent or mitigate them. You see yourself as the driver of your life, not just a passenger along for the ride. This proactive mindset leads to greater success and achievement over the long run.
Taking responsibility You hold yourself accountable for your choices, actions, and outcomes in your life rather than blaming external factors. When things don’t go as planned, you look inward to determine what you can improve or do differently next time. You see both failures and successes as the results of your own decisions and behaviors.
This ownership mindset gives you more control and power to shape your life. Rather than feeling like a victim of circumstance, you are able to learn from your mistakes and build on your successes. You know that your future is shaped by the choices you make each and every day.
Persistence and resilience Setbacks or rejections do not easily discourage you. You believe in your own ability to influence situations and push through obstacles. When facing difficulties or failures, you look for ways to improve your approach or try again. You know that persistence and determination are the keys to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.
Your internal locus of control gives you the resilience and grit to never give up in the face of failure. You tap into your problem-solving abilities and support network to navigate obstacles, learn from your mistakes, and continue progressing toward your goals.
4. Possessing High Self-Efficacy
To have an internal locus of control, you need to have a strong sense of self-efficacy. This means believing in your own abilities and competence to achieve goals or complete tasks. People with high self-efficacy see themselves as in control of their lives and destinies. They feel empowered to influence events and persevere in the face of failures or setbacks.
Set Challenging Goals Don’t be afraid to set the bar high for yourself. Establish specific and challenging goals to work toward, not easy ones. This helps build your confidence in your abilities and pushes you outside your comfort zone. Even if you fall short, you’ll have learned and grown in the process. With each small win, your self-belief strengthens.
Develop a Growth Mindset View abilities and intelligence as changeable, not fixed. Adopt a growth mindset where you can expand your potential through hard work and persistence. Don’t label yourself as “not good with numbers” or “not a creative type.” These self-limiting beliefs undermine your self-efficacy. With dedication, you can strengthen any skill
Learn from Your Mistakes Don’t see failures or mistakes as permanent shortcomings. Look at them as learning opportunities. Evaluate what went wrong and determine what you need to improve for next time. The ability to learn from your errors and try again with better strategies is key to building self-efficacy. Success is often built on the back of past failures.
Practice Positive Self-Talk Speak to yourself with encouragement and praise, not harsh self-criticism. Notice your self-doubting thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones. Remind yourself of past successes and the abilities and strengths you possess. Positive self-talk reinforces your self-belief and motivation. It helps you reframe difficulties in a more optimistic way.
Believing in yourself and your abilities is essential to possessing an internal locus of control. Take action by setting challenging goals, developing a growth mindset, learning from your mistakes, and practicing positive self-talk. Build your self-efficacy through hard work and perseverance. Success will follow.
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5. Making Decisions Independently
Having an internal locus of control means you believe that you are in control of your own life and destiny. You don’t blame outside forces for what happens to you. Instead, you take responsibility for your actions and outcomes. This quality is essential for any good leader.
Make your own decisions Don’t wait for others to decide for you or dictate what you should do. As the boss, you need to evaluate situations and determine the best course of action. Gather input from others, but don’t rely on them to choose for you. Once you’ve made up your mind, stand behind your decisions with confidence.
Learn from your mistakes No one is right 100% of the time. When things don’t turn out as expected, reflect on what you could have done differently. Look for the lessons in failures and setbacks instead of making excuses. Admit when you’re wrong, and work to improve for the next time. The only bad decision is the one you don’t learn from.
Accept accountability It’s easy to pass the blame when problems arise. But great leaders take ownership of their choices and the results. Hold yourself answerable for your part in any failures or mishaps. Apologize when an apology is due. Your team will respect you more for acknowledging mistakes instead of redirecting fault.
Forge your own path Don’t let self-doubt or the opinions of others prevent you from chasing your goals and vision. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities as a leader. While you want to consider constructive feedback, don’t give anyone else power over what you can achieve. Set your own targets and standards of success. With hard work and perseverance, you determine your own destiny.
An internal locus of control is a hallmark of influential leaders and entrepreneurs. Develop this mindset, and you’ll be equipped to take charge of your professional life in a way that shapes your own future. The path won’t always be easy, but you have what it takes to navigate obstacles and come out on top. You’re the boss, after all.
6. Taking Charge of One’s Life
Taking charge of your life means developing an internal locus of control. This means you believe that you are in control of your own destiny and that your own actions and behaviors shape your life, rather than external forces outside of your influence.
You Take Action
- Instead of feeling helpless or waiting for things to happen, you take initiative.
- You identify goals and the steps to achieve them.
- You don’t make excuses or blame outside factors for a lack of progress.
- You accept responsibility for your decisions and outcomes. When faced with a setback, challenge, or opportunity, you ask yourself, “What can I do about this?” and then follow through.
You Develop Key Skills
Some useful skills for an internal locus of control include:
- Problem-solving. You approach problems proactively and logically. You define the issue, gather information, brainstorm solutions, evaluate options, and take action.
- Adaptability. You accept that change is inevitable. You stay flexible in your thinking and open to new possibilities. You pivot quickly when needed.
- Self-motivation. You don’t need external rewards or validation to keep going. You motivate yourself through self-set goals and personal growth.
- Resilience. You view failures or rejections as learning opportunities. You develop strategies to overcome obstacles and try again. You stay determined and never give up easily on meaningful goals.
- Continuous self-improvement. You reflect regularly on your progress and look for ways to strengthen your knowledge and skills. You stay up-to-date with trends in your field or areas of interest. You may take additional courses or pursue new hobbies and passions.
Believing in yourself and your own ability to shape your reality is a powerful mindset. When you take control of your life, you open yourself up to new opportunities and the freedom to live life on your own terms. You become the boss of you.
7. Taking Responsibility for One’s Actions
People with an internal locus of control believe that they are in control of their own lives and responsible for their own outcomes. They don’t blame outside factors for their failures or shortcomings. Instead, they own their actions and the consequences, good or bad.
Taking Accountability You accept that your actions directly impact what happens in your life. When things go wrong, you look in the mirror rather than pointing fingers at others. You own your mistakes and imperfections, then work to improve yourself. Blaming circumstances beyond your control should be avoided. You realize that you shape your destiny through the choices you make each day.
Learning from Errors Rather than making excuses, you evaluate what you could have done differently to achieve a better result. You view failures and slip-ups as opportunities to grow. Each one makes you wiser and helps you make better decisions going forward. You don’t dwell on regrets but instead focus on progress.
Continuous Self-Improvement You believe you can always better yourself through conscious effort and hard work. You set goals and take action to enhance your knowledge, skills, and habits. You read books on personal development, take online courses to strengthen your weaknesses, and step out of your comfort zone to gain valuable experience. You know that true success comes from constant growth and education.
Determination and Resilience When faced with obstacles or setbacks, you tap into your perseverance and resolve. You don’t give up easily in the face of challenges, but you see them as tests of your dedication. Failure only makes you more determined to eventually succeed. You understand that significant achievements often require sacrifice, struggle, and sustained motivation. Your internal drive gives you the strength and courage to push on.
In summary, taking responsibility for your life means embracing an internal locus of control. You accept accountability, learn from your mistakes, strive to continuously improve yourself, and call upon your determination and resilience. This empowering mindset allows you to navigate difficulties, achieve your goals, and ultimately create the life you desire.
8. Handling Setbacks and Challenges
Having an internal locus of control means you believe you are in control of your own destiny. When challenges or setbacks arise, you feel empowered to influence the outcome. Rather than feeling like a victim of circumstance, you take action. Here are some ways to handle difficulties with an internal locus of control
Stay solution-focused. Don’t waste time complaining or blaming external factors. Focus on solving the problem and moving forward. Ask yourself, “What can I do to improve the situation?” Then make a plan and take action.
Learn from your mistakes. View setbacks as opportunities to grow. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. How can you avoid similar mistakes or problems in the future? What new skills can you develop? Adopt a growth mindset.
Control what you can. Don’t waste energy on things outside your influence. Identify the factors within your control and determine how you can leverage them to your advantage. Let go of what you can’t control.
Stay flexible and adaptable. Be wiling to try new strategies or make changes to your approach. Don’t get stuck in rigid thinking. Look for ways to pivot or course-correct based on how circumstances change. Adaptability is key.
Maintain an optimistic mindset. Your attitude has a huge impact on outcomes. Stay hopeful and maintain confidence in your abilities. Believe in your ability to overcome challenges. An optimistic and determined mindset will inspire perseverance and resilience.
Handling setbacks with an internal locus of control means taking responsibility for improving your situation. Through solution-focus, learning from mistakes, controlling what you can, staying flexible, and optimism, you can navigate difficulties and continue progressing toward your goals. You are in the driver’s seat, navigating toward your destination.
9. Managing Stress Effectively
To effectively manage stress, you need to develop an internal locus of control. This means believing that you have influence over events in your life, rather than feeling that things happen to you due to external factors outside your control. People with an internal locus of control tend to handle stress better. Here are some key traits:
Take Responsibility for Your Actions You accept that your own actions and choices shape your life, rather than blaming outside forces. You see yourself as an active participant in the world rather than a passive victim of circumstance. When things go wrong, you look inward to see how you can improve or do better next time. This attitude of personal accountability reduces feelings of helplessness in the face of stress or adversity.
Develop a Solution-Focused Mindset Rather than dwelling on problems, you concentrate on finding solutions. You ask yourself empowering questions like “What can I do about this?” or “How can I resolve or improve the situation?” This forward-thinking approach helps you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Even small actions can help shift your mindset to a more solution-focused state.
Build Self-Efficacy You believe in your own ability to handle challenges and achieve goals through your efforts and skills. When you have confidence in yourself, stressful events seem more manageable. Review your past successes and accomplishments to build your self-belief in your ability to positively influence outcomes.
Practice Self-Care Make sure to engage in regular self-care activities like exercising, limiting unhealthy habits, spending time with others, and participating in hobbies or activities that you find meaningful or enjoyable. Taking good care of yourself will boost your resilience and ability to stay calm and focused during difficult times. Make self-care a priority and a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Stress is unavoidable, but you can control your reaction to L Developing an internal locus of control empowers you to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace. You have more influence over your circumstances than you realize – use it.
Conclusion
So there you have it-the key traits that define an internal locus of control. Take a look at yourself and see if you exhibit these qualities. If you do, keep doing what you’re doing and trust that you have the power to shape your own destiny. If not, start making small changes to develop an internal locus of control. Stop blaming outside forces for what goes wrong and start looking inward at what you can control and influence. You’ll feel more empowered, less stressed, and able to achieve more. Remember, you’re the boss of you. Now get out there and start acting like it.
References
- Locus of control From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Reorienting Locus of Control in Individuals Who Have Offended Through Strengths-Based Interventions: Personal Agency and the Good Lives Model by Nichola Tyler* Roxanne Heffernan Clare-Ann Fortune-School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Internal Locus Of Control: Definition And Research On It’s Surprising Impact At Work
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