#004 - How Locus of Control Shapes What You Can Change

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to handle challenges better than others?

A lot of it has to do with something called the locus of control.

This is a simple idea about how much control you believe you have over your life.

Understanding it can help you take charge of what you can change and let go of what you can’t.

What Is Locus of Control and Why It Matters

The locus of control is about where you think control in life comes from. There are two types:

Internal Locus of Control: You believe your choices and actions shape your life.
- Example: “If I want to get fit, I need to exercise and eat better.”
External Locus of Control: You believe your life is mostly shaped by luck, fate, or other people.
- Example: “I can’t get fit because healthy food is too expensive.”

Why does this matter? When you have an internal locus of control, you’re more likely to take responsibility for your actions. This mindset helps you make better decisions and take actions that lead to success.

On the other hand, if you lean too much on an external locus of control, you might feel stuck. You could blame others or situations for your problems, which can make it hard to take action.

The Power of Shifting to an Internal Locus of Control

Believing that you can influence your outcomes is a game-changer. It doesn’t mean you can control everything, but it helps you focus on the things that you can control.

For example:

Instead of thinking, “I didn’t get the promotion because my boss doesn’t like me,” you can shift to, “What skills can I improve to increase my chances next time?”
Instead of saying, “I can’t save money because my salary is too small,” you might think, “How can I reduce my spending or find extra income?”

Many successful people focus on what they can control.

They know that challenges are part of life, but they use their efforts to create positive change.

When you adopt this mindset, you stop waiting for things to happen and start making things happen.

A Simple 3-Step Process to Build Your Internal Locus of Control

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start with this three-step process:

Step 1: Identify What You Can and Cannot Control

Take a moment to list down challenges or situations in your life.
Divide them into two categories:
- What I Can Control (e.g., my habits, how I spend my time).
- What I Cannot Control (e.g., other people’s opinions, past mistakes).
  This simple step helps you focus on areas where your actions make a difference.

Step 2: Take Small Actions on Things You Can Control

Look at your “What I Can Control” list and pick one small action.
Example: If you want better health, start walking for 10 minutes a day or drinking more water.
Small actions build momentum, and over time, they lead to bigger results.

Step 3: Let Go of What You Cannot Control

Accept that some things are out of your hands.
Remind yourself, “I can’t change the weather, but I can carry an umbrella.”
Letting go frees up your energy to focus on what matters most: your actions and decisions.