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JIMINY SELF-HELP HANDBOOK 8

It is important to note that locus of control is a continuum. Nobody has 100% external or internal locus
of control. Instead, most individuals lie somewhere on the continuum between the two extremes, yet
everybody has a dominant way.

A person with a more internal locus of control tend to have self-determination, personal agency and
therefore higher levels of personal responsibility. S/he is more likely to have more confidence, work
hard to achieve goals and take ownership of her/his decisions.
According to research, men appear to have a higher internal locus of control than women, and that
ageing is also associated with a more dominant internal control. Studies also show that, in general,
people with an internal locus of control tend to be in a better situation.

Not surprising that the internal locus of control is associated with intentions to become entrepreneur,
as there is a strong believe that success is determined by owns efforts and abilities. Certainly, having
the individual perception that we are our own master and can act to change own conditions helps us
lead a more engaged, fulfilling and entrepreneurship lifestyle.

EXTERNAL CONTROL
the belief about whether the
outcomes of our actions are
contingent on events outside
our personal control

INTERNAL CONTROL
the belief about whether the
outcomes of our actions are
contingent on what we do

Individuals with higher external locus of control are more likely to be influenced by other people, feel
caught up in the flow of life, and feel powerless to change. Often, others (or things) are seen as the
reason for not achieving their goals. They tend to feel unsure about themselves and their abilities and
are less likely to strive for the things they want to pursue in life.

To overcome this tendency, a good strategy is to pay attention to our self-talk. When we hear ourselves
saying things like "I have no choice," or "There's nothing I can do," we must step back and remind
ourselves that we can always make choices. Necessarily, this implies to move out our comfort zone,
make a conscious choice to change, be willing to get uncomfortable, and take steps to cultivate an
identity of self-responsibility and build ownership.