Your project deadline just got moved up by two weeks. Sure, you could blame the client for changing their mind, curse the economy for making everyone jumpy, or decide this is just how things go sometimes. However, that split-second choice about where to place responsibility will shape everything that comes next.
The concept I want to talk about to day is called “Locus of Control” and it describes where you believe power sits when things happen in your life.
Research examining locus of control across multiple domains suggests people fall somewhere on a spectrum: internal (you believe your actions drive outcomes) or external (you think outside forces like luck or other people control what happens).
This isn't about optimism versus pessimism. It's about where you instinctively look when you need to solve a problem.
Someone with a strong internal locus of control faces that moved deadline and immediately asks: "What can I adjust? Where can I find time? Who can I ask for help?" They scan for levers they can actually pull. People with an internal orientation tend to see themselves as responsible for their achievements and setbacks alike.
Someone with a more external locus of control might think: "There's nothing I can do about this. The client controls everything. I'm at the mercy of their whims." They're not wrong that external factors matter, but this framing leaves them stuck.
Here's what makes this tricky: both perspectives contain truth.
External forces absolutely shape outcomes. But the internal locus of control tends to be more useful for decision-making because it keeps you focused on what you can influence rather than what you can't.
Here is how to leverage this in your day to day life: when you hit a problem, catch your first instinct. If your immediate thought is "I can't control this," pause and ask: "What's the smallest thing I can control here?" Maybe you can't change the deadline, but you can renegotiate scope. You can't control your neighbor's noise, but you can change where you work or when.
Build a habit of distinguishing between what's truly outside your control and what just feels that way. Your friend cancels plans last minute. External locus: "People are flaky, nothing I can do." Internal: "I could talk to them about what's going on, or I could make backup plans next time."
The goal isn't to blame yourself for everything. It's to stay focused on your agency. When you default to looking for what you can influence, you solve problems faster and feel less helpless in the process.
Did this resonate with you? Forward it on to someone who could use it too. These insights are better when shared.
Cheers,
Alex
Disclaimer: I'm a curious researcher, not a licensed psychologist. I study these concepts because I believe understanding how our minds work can help us navigate life more effectively. This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal guidance. Individual results may vary, and readers should use their own judgment when applying these concepts.