🧭 Internal Locus of Control — and Why You Need One
Locus of control can be understood as the centre hub of a bicycle wheel.
When you have an external locus of control, the people, forces, and situations
around you flow inward and dictate who you are. You look outward to define your identity —
almost asking, “What do you want me to be?”
With an external locus, there is no stable anchoring point. Your sense of self is left to
the whim of circumstances and other people.
An internal locus of control, on the other hand, places you firmly at the centre
of the wheel. You define who you are and influence outward.
You begin asking yourself:
- 🌱 What do I want to be like in this relationship?
- 🧠 What do I believe about myself?
- ❤️ How do I want to show up as a partner, parent, employee, or student?
An internal locus provides an anchoring point — one that is not easily shaken by external
forces or other people.
📘 What Psychology Tells Us
According to Psychology Today:
“Locus of control refers to the degree to which an individual feels a sense of agency in
regard to his or her life. Someone with an internal locus of control will believe that the
things that happen to them are greatly influenced by their own abilities, actions, or
mistakes. A person with an external locus of control will tend to feel that other forces —
such as random chance, environmental factors, or the actions of others — are more
responsible for the events that occur in the individual’s life.”
💪 Why an Internal Locus Matters
As you can imagine, developing an internal locus of control can have a powerful impact on
your mental and emotional well-being.
- 🧘♀️ Increases autonomy and a healthy sense of control
- 🛡️ Helps protect against anxiety and depression
- 🔥 Boosts motivation and resilience
- 🧩 Improves problem-solving skills
- 🌈 Enhances overall quality of life
🚀 How to Shift from External to Internal Locus of Control
The good news is — you can move from an external locus of control to an internal
one. Awareness is the first step. If you notice external patterns, try these five practical
strategies:
🗣️ 1. Change How You Speak to Yourself
Instead of saying, “There’s nothing I can do,” try:
- ✨ “I can try different approaches.”
- ✨ “I choose to do it this way.”
Empowering language shapes how you view yourself and your circumstances. Acknowledge your
ability to influence outcomes.
📌 2. Take Responsibility
Hold yourself accountable for your own actions and decisions. Remember the difference
between being responsible to versus responsible for.
For example, you may have responsibilities to your young adult children, but you are
not responsible for their choices. Reflect on what you can do differently to create
change.
🎯 3. Engage in Calculated Risk-Taking
Take small, intentional risks to build confidence. Try something new — or change how you
approach a familiar situation. Learning to tolerate uncertainty strengthens your sense of
agency.
🔄 4. Allow Yourself to Fail and Learn
As Bobby Bones says, “Fail until you don’t.” Failure and mistakes are part of growth.
What matters is not that we fail — but what we do next.
View setbacks as opportunities to learn rather than reasons for shame or self-criticism.
🌟 5. Seek Inspiration
Look for stories of people who have overcome challenges — through books, podcasts, movies,
or social media. Inspiration reminds us what is possible.
If something you watch, read, or listen to consistently leaves you feeling negative,
consider changing your inputs to content that encourages and uplifts you.
🌱 A More Empowered Life
By practicing these strategies, you can strengthen your internal locus of control and
build a life rooted in empowerment, resilience, and purpose.