locus of control

Julian Rotter, a prof at Ohio State developed the concept of locus of control in the 1950s. Locus of control is basically how much control you believe you have in your life.

There are two types of locus of control:

1. internal locus of control

2. external locus of control

An internal locus of control means that you believe everything that happens in your life is a result of your actions. Oh i aced the chem test? that's probably cause i studied really hard for it. My mom's not in a good mood? that's probably cause i was tired today and didn't talk to her very much. i'll wash the dishes so she feels better.

An external locus of control means you believe forces outside of your control dictate your life. 'fate', 'luck', 'destiny'. essentially you blame external forces for the outcomes in your life. you attribute the bad (or good) things that happen to the bad weather, or the traffic. If you feel like "the universe is against you" then you probably have an external locus of control.

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What i find interesting about all this is it's implications to productivity and autonomy. Having an internal locus of control is apparently much healthier as it gives you a sense of empowerment. There was a study conducted a while back by professor Claudia Muller, who basically proved how an internal locus of control leads to a greater sense of motivation and ambition. So by adopting an internal locus of control you give yourself the power to make your life how you want it.