Who or what controls your life? Mention the term “locus of control,” and you might get some strange looks. Simply put, one’s locus of control is the amount of power they perceive having over their life events. Someone with an internal locus of control believes they can influence

and change their outcome, while an external locus of control finds outside forces - such as a God, fate, the government, or employers - responsible.

DOES THIS MATTER?

Studies have found that people with a higher internal locus of control made healthier choices that correlated with a better mental and physical quality of life. These people tended to take more responsibility and action around eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy choices. On the other hand, those individuals who believed they had little to no control over life, experienced higher rates of addictive behaviors, depression/anxiety, and ate a poor diet.

DEVELOPING AN INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL

A core value of a responsible person is taking proactive steps in their life. Learning the art of a strong internal locus of control is possible. Consider these tips to begin taking control of your life.

• Perspective - What do you focus on? Let’s face it – We can’t control everything, whether it is the economy, weather, or what people think of us. Instead, shift your thinking to focus on what you can control. Be proactive in things like: what you read, your skillset, your diet, sleep schedule, financial priorities, and how you treat others.
• Commitments - Be mindful to honor your word, both to yourself and others. When you notice a mistake, own it. Don’t assign blame or make excuses. Practice accepting responsibility for your actions, feelings, choices, and circumstances.
• Verbiage - Words matter. Pay attention to victim vocabulary, such as: “I can’t,” “This always happens,” and “If only.” Try replacing these with empowering statements, like: “I can,” “I will,” or “I’m working toward.”

Remember, no matter the circumstance, one always has a choice. Even if you cannot control a situation, you get to determine how you’ll handle it. That small realization is a powerful step to establishing a strong, internal locus of control and the lifestyle you desire.

https://www.sccgov.org/sites/eap/Resources/EAP%20Sentry%20Newsletters/Documents/Sentry%202017%20vol%205-2%20Summer.pdf