This week we are exploring the locus of control.  Sometimes called the locus of evaluation.  What on earth is that I hear you ask!

So here it is. Our locus of control is determined by how we make decisions.  Do you make decisions about what to do and how you feel about something based on other people’s opinions or do you make decisions based on your own personal opinion.  

External Locus of Control

An external locus means that we take data from people or things outside of ourselves.  We listen to other people’s opinions over and above our own and we give more weight and value to other people more than we give to oursel

Internal Locus of Control

In contrast, an internal locus of control means that we trust our own feelings and can make decisions based our own thoughts, values and opinions. And we may listen to other people, and may even take their opinions on board, but ultimately, it is our own gut feelings and opinions that we rely on.  

What’s interesting to think about with my counselling or coaching clients is this: what side is your locus of control weighted towards?  And what we normally find it is firmly weighted externally.

My own locus of evaluation was definitely external when I started my own journey of personal development, counselling and coaching.  I couldn’t make a decision to save my life!  And I definitely gave way to what other people wanted.  

And that’s often why my clients come to counselling or coaching. Because they’re struggling to make a decision or they feel they’ve lost touch with who they really are underneath so they’re not sure how they feel or what to think.   Trusting myself took time.

Here are some journaling prompts to delve a little deeper:

• How easy is it for me to make decisions?
• Do I rely on my own gut feelings or do I constantly search out what other people think?
• Do I know what I want or do I always give in to what other people want?
• Do I constantly worry what other people think about me?
• Is their opinion of me more important that my own?
• Is my locus of control mostly internal or external?
• What would it be like if I could trust my gut feelings?  
• What would it feel like to know what is right for me without checking in with others?
• How would it feel to be clear about what I want for myself?

Let me know how you get on.

If like I was, your locus of control is sitting firmly outside of yourself, you may have been giving in to other people for so long that you’ve forgotten who you. Or even what you want, Now is the perfect time to start moving your locus of control from the outside to he inside. I’m here to help you on that beautiful journey.

Get in touch or email me now to set up a free call: tracy@tracyannwood.com

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