Driver or Passenger?

You reached your office late. What would be your explanation? 

“I snoozed my alarm too many times” or “God, this city is too crowded.”

You spilled milk on the floor. My mother’s response will be that she should’ve held the bottle more carefully. Whereas, my brother would comment, “ who left the milk carton on the platform?”

Not everyone holds the same beliefs about what controls their actions and the outcomes of those actions. Your interpretation of the situation defines your locus of control. 

What is LOC (Locus of Control)

Your LOC influences your response towards your daily life activities. You might feel you are in charge or you might be at mercy of external factors.

The concept of LOC was introduced by Julian B. Rotter during the 1960’s. Locus of control is how much individuals perceive that they themselves have control over their own actions as opposed to events in life occurring instead because of external forces. According to Rotter, your behavior is guided by different types of reinforcements. These reinforcements can be rewards or punishments. With time, you develop an idea of what causes your behaviors. This idea grows into a belief. You might believe that you don't have control over what happens to you or you might believe that you have the full agency on your actions and outcomes.

As understood, you believe the power is either within you (internal) or outside you (external). If you believe that you have control over what happens, you have an internal locus of control. Whereas, if you believe that you have no control over what happens and that external variables are responsible, you have an external locus of control. 

Situation 1, you were unable to meet the cut off of an important entrance exam by 4 points. 

Person with an internal locus of control will respond, “that was very close. If I would’ve studied more, I would have cleared it.” 

Person with an external locus of control might comment, “that was close. I did my best but I read in the paper that the difficulty level of the exam paper was higher than usual.”

Situation 2, you gained substantial weight in 2 months. 

“My house help adds extra oil because she is always in a hurry” or “My mom doesn’t want me to lose weight. That is why she keeps on buying sweets every other day.”

“I have to watch out what I eat. I have been eating recklessly since the past month.”

The former is an example of what someone with an external locus of control might say. Instead, the latter represents how an internal locus of control could manifest itself.

One important point, the locus of control is a continuum. No individual has an 100% internal or external locus, rather most of the individuals lie in the middle. It is often seen that the locus of control is subjective i.e. you might mostly have an internal locus of control while still believing that some things are up to chance and vice versa. 

If you have an internal locus of control…

You will believe in, 

• Anything is achievable with my hard work and self control. I create my own opportunities. I am the creator of my destiny. 
• Every action has a consequence. My choices and actions determine my happiness. I will reap what I sow. If I work hard and treat others respectfully and kindly,  that is what I will receive. 
• My success and happiness is based on my efforts. 
• With dedication and determination, I can succeed and be great at problem-solving. It has nothing to do with luck or chance. Everything happens because someone acted in a specific way. 
• “Be the change you want to see in the world.” The world is the way it is because people are the way they are. If I want to change the world, I must start with myself. It is entirely up to me.
• It’s important to set goals so that my short-term actions can influence my long-term outcomes. I am in charge. 

If you have an external locus of control…..

You will believe in, 

• Life is all about luck. Some people get lucky, some don’t. It’s completely random and up to fate.
• I don't have a lot of control over what happens in the world. I can try and achieve something, but I will get only what is destined for me. 
• I have little to no control over my own life. Outside forces are exercising control instead. 
• It’s better to experience life as it happens. Planning ahead doesn’t work out. Therefore, setting goals is not worth it as tomorrow is uncertain and any event can disrupt them. 
• Life is unfair. People don't really get what they deserve. It is what it is. I have learned helplessness in the face of these situations.

Eg -  Good people who work hard don’t always succeed. Greedy people sometimes get lucky and get it all.

The role of locus of control in everyday life

Psychologists agree that your locus of control is largely established through experiences of the reward system when young. Even then, it is a flexible construct that can change throughout your life. At first glance, it may seem like an internal locus of control is always more desirable to have. However, an internal locus of control isn’t automatically good. Likewise, an external locus of control isn’t automatically bad.

An internal locus of control comes with its own benefits of motivation, health, better communication, self-efficacy, resilience but just like everything else it has its downfalls. 

For example, someone with a high internal locus of control may also find it difficult to delegate as they will not be in control anymore. Insistence on control leads them to believe that all of it is on their shoulders, and any slip is catastrophic. This births undue stress and burnout. 

Similarly, external locus of control bears its own fruits. Sensitivity towards the surroundings, letting go easily, no undue stress and pressure, are your strong suits if you have an external LOC. You are a better team player than your internal LOC partner. 

You are not perfect either. For instance, your letting go attitude can become your enemy as well. It can lead to apathy and you may feel less motivated to put time and effort into tasks since you feel that they are beyond your control.

Irrespective of where you fall on the spectrum, your locus of control has a major impact on your life. Being the designated driver devoid you of rest whereas the permanent passenger misses out on the thrill. Rather than viewing yourself as a passive passenger, press the accelerator to experience a different outcome.

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