Thalasar Ventures

The Locus of Control Theory postulates that every human being has a “place”- the locus where he/she feels the control of his/her life rests; this place or locus of control can either be internal or external; and it is this position that creatively determines how much “in control” an individual feels about his/her life. 

People with an internal locus generally feel that they have control over their lives and circumstances; they take initiative and seek to positively change their lives. Individuals with an external locus feel that their lives are controlled by circumstances; they feel dis-empowered to do anything about their lives leaving everything to “fate”. 

These people may come from the same family; may have the same jobs and live in the same community – but with two different sets of beliefs. If I asked you which of the two groups would be happiest in life, you certainly wouldn’t have to think long and hard to give an answer. People with an internal locus of control are generally the happiest in life; even in the midst of negativity, they still feel they are in control and that they have within them the ability to make the change. The ones with an external locus of control easily succumb to feelings of helplessness in times of difficulty; they are generally the most miserable in society. 

All this is in accordance with the Law of Control that Brian Tracy talks about in his book entitled Million Dollar Habits. This Law states that “you feel happy to the degree to which you feel in control of your life; you feel unhappy to the degree to which you feel you are not in control of your life.” Your levels of confidence will therefore be largely determined by how much you feel in control of your life and everything happening to you. 

In view of the above, where do you think the locus of control lies in your life? Do you feel that you are in control of your life? Or do you think that you are just a pawn in the hands of fate? Conduct an honest self assessment; to which group do you think you belong? – Internal locus of control? Or is it External? One of the indicators you would want to use is checking the level at which you employ your initiative. Are you the kind that takes initiative or are you always waiting for instruction? Are you the happiest around even in times of difficulty? How often do you have the depressing feelings helplessness? 

There are tools on the Internet that can also help you find out your locus of control. I will not recommend any; seek and you will find. 

I remember the last time I did a Locus of Control test on the Internet; the result was 50 on a scale of 1 to 100; with 1 being the most external and 100 being the most internal. I am not so sure how scientific this test was; it involved honestly answering a list of questions about life; they are no right or wrong answers with such tests; you just answer them as honestly as possible. After the test, I got a report showing my score and what it meant in terms of my locus of control. I was amazed at its accuracy. It was like a window into my mind showing me even the most flirting thought patterns and beliefs. 

What do you think is the best locus of control- is it external or internal? For me an internal locus of control seems empowering. Anything that empowers you is best is best for you; anything that weakens you is probably not good for you. 

I honestly believe that God designed us to have an Internal Locus of Control. The Bible talks so much about the Kingdom of God being in the inside of each one of us. It also talks about how that God has put “eternity in the hearts of men.” In another place, it is written “He who is inside of us is greater that He who is in the world.” 

What do you think?