Happiness is linked to something called “locus of control”. It’s important to understand that locus of control refers to whether you believe success comes from what you do – an internal driver – or from events outside your personal control – an external driver.
People who are more internally focused are happier, less stressed and often make more money.
Action – Answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to each of these statements:
- I had a nurturing childhood
- Good luck finds me often
- If I don’t succeed in a task, I give up
If you said ‘yes’ to at least 2 of these, your locus of control is definitely external.
Change that by asking yourself this key question:
What is going on right now that I can take charge of and change?
Write down 3 things that you can change. Just by acknowledging them, you will start to shift to an internal locus of control.
Find out all the facts and think before reacting.
I’ve seen this 3 question thing before and I disagree completely with the premise. The first 2 questions are a trick to get you sucked into the message of “loss of control”. Having a nurturing “great family” childhood AND feeling as though “luck” finds us pretty often has nothing to do with loss of control. Being lucky is a whole other discussion.
I have always been someone in my life and career that believed I am totally responsible for my results, good or bad. I have always had success in my production and when things didn’t go well I knew that there are sometimes circumstances beyond my control that are at work which may not align with my desired outcome. This is reality, and has nothing whatsoever to do with loss of control. I also know that if I don’t like my results I am solely responsible for making more calls to improve my production. I agree with and like 99% of your messages but this is where your accepted line of thinking is wrong.
Hi Allen … I love the points you bring up, especially your belief about being totally responsible for your success. That would indicate to me your tendency to have a strong internal locus of control. The article isn’t about “loss” of control per se but how much control one feels they have over outcomes (locus). Someone with an external locus tends to feel they have little control whereas someone with an internal locus tends to feel they have a lot of control (like yourself). The questions mentioned are just 3 of a standardized quiz, all of which, if answered with a “yes”, demonstrate an external locus of control. There’s a more detailed write up about locus of control (and the quiz) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locus_of_control
I am confused about this one, I answer yes to a nurturing childhood and yes to being lucky. Both of which I think is a good thing. I answered no to giving up on a challenge, which is also a good thing. How did I end up in the external locus?
Hi Stuart – its not a matter of good or bad but rather an external or internal perspective. Of course a nurturing childhood is a wonderful thing but it is not what makes you choose A or B or behave in a certain way. Ditto “good luck”. Both of those statements would suggest that these things external to you have some level of control. And answering “no” to the third statement is more internal than external. Please note that we are all “both” internal and external. The question is which is your most predominant. Here is a link to an online LoC quiz. However, as you understand the premise now, you will “know” which way to answer. But you may find it interesting in any event. http://www.psych.uncc.edu/pagoolka/LocusofControl-intro.html