This is one of those concepts that once explained, most people innately understand, but they would not know the meaning just by hearing the phrase, locus of control. I sure as hell did not know what the hell it meant until I started researching it more in-depth.

When faced with obstacles in life, do you feel that you have power over the situation?

Or, do you believe that you are at the mercy of external forces?

As the world around you changes, you can either ascribe the positives and negatives to factors you have control over or pin them on happenings outside of your influence.

"Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and envy. Guard your fragile life carefully. Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces." - Og Mandino

The fault-finding component of this quote struck me most: "No brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business."

It’s SO easy to blame your shortcomings on external forces.

People with internal control orientation often display the following characteristics:

(1) they take responsibility for their actions

(2) they’re less influenced by the opinion of others

(3) feel confident in the face of adversity

(4) usually have a strong sense of self

On the other hand, people with external control orientation typically:

(1) feel hopeless or powerless in the face of adversity

(2) don’t believe they can change their situation or make a difference

(3) credit luck or chance for any successes.

Click to view: show page on Awesound