In this post, we’ll unpack all you need to know about Locus Of Control, defining exactly what it is, internal versus external Locus Of Control, how to leverage it for success and more.
What Is Locus Of Control?
The term Locus Of Control (LOC) refers to how much control a person feels they have in their own behaviour. It is measured along a scale of high Internal to high external.
What Is An Internal Locus Of Control?
Individuals with a high Internal LOC believe that outcomes in their life are determined by internal factors that are within their control.
What Is An External Locus Of Control?
Individuals with a high External LOC believe that outcomes in their life are determined by external factors that are without of their control.
Internal Versus External Locus Of Control
Research shows that an Internal LOC is associated with a higher quality life compared to an External LOC. In other words, believing you are responsible and in control of your success in life rather than external forces creates more positive outcomes.
Individuals with an Internal LOC associate a totally different meaning to their experiences compared to individuals with an External LOC.
While individuals with an Internal LOC believe their life is subject to destiny, individuals with an External LOC believe their life is subject to fate.
Individuals with an Internal LOC are more motivated to take action in pursuit of their goals. In contrast, individuals with an External LOC are less motivated to take action in pursuit of their goals.
Individuals with an Internal LOC tend to experience more happiness and fulfilment. Individuals with an External LOC tens to experience less happiness and fulfilment.
Internal Versus External Locus Of Control Table Summary
Below is a table summarising the differences between an Internal LOC and an External LOC.
| Internal Locus | External Locus |
|---|---|
| Believe In Destiny | Believe In Fate |
| More Motivated | Less Motivated |
| Blame Themselves | Blame Others |
| Conform Less | Conform More |
| Increased Quality Of Life | Decreased Quality Of Life |
The Key To Success
It is important to note that LOC is a spectrum. No one has either a 100% Internal or External LOC. Instead, people lie in-between the two extremes.
Interestingly, research shows that individuals who employ a combination of both an Internal and External LOC report higher levels of happiness.
Therefore, the key to harnessing the power of LOC is to be conscious and intelligent about what experiences we attach to internal factors and what experiences we attach to external factors.
As with most things in life, it’s about balance.
Summary
Locus Of Control is defined as the degree to which individuals feel they determine the outcomes in their lives.
Individuals with an Internal LOC believe they do control the outcomes in their lives. Individuals with an External LOC believe they don’t control the outcomes in their lives.
The key to leveraging the power of Locus Of Control is to be conscious and intelligent about when we attach internal factors to the meaning of our experiences and when we attach external factors to the meaning of our experiences.
