News August 2021
What is Locus?
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing enormous uncertainty and stress for people worldwide. Individuals are experiencing a sense of “loss of control” over their health, finances, and daily activities. We cannot control the difficult circumstances we are facing as individuals and communities; however, we do have the capacity to lessen the intensity of our anxiety and despair regarding the pandemic by changing our internal narratives by being aware of our locus of control.
Locus of control is a psychological term that defines how individuals feel they can control events and circumstances that affect them. A person can have either an internal or external locus of control. For example, someone with an internal locus of control is likely to believe that both successes and failures are due to their efforts. These beliefs, in turn, guide what kinds of attitudes and behaviours people adopt. Our internal locus of control is crucial because it helps us feel ownership over our lives.
It is important to note that locus of control is a continuum, with most people somewhere between the two.
Your locus of control can significantly impact your life, from how you cope with stress to your motivation to take charge of your life. You can enhance your locus of control in the following ways:
- Focus on what you can control, your thoughts, feelings and actions
- Turn criticism into growth, focus on what you can learn from the situation
- Seek support as you need it. Having a support system is vital
