The Internal Locus of Control as a Pillar of Resilience

Defining Internal Locus of Control

Locus of control is a psychological concept that refers to an individual's belief about the degree of control they have over their life.

Having an internal locus of control is the fundamental belief that our own actions and decisions directly affect the different outcomes we achieve.

People with this mindset consider themselves the true orchestrators of their own destiny, rather than victims of circumstance.

It is a pillar of a strong sense of self, allowing us to quickly recover from the setbacks and disappointments that inevitably occur along the way.

This perspective places us in a position of power and personal agency, where our choices truly shape the trajectory of our existence.

Characteristics of an Internally Controlled Person

If you have a strong internal locus of control, you are likely a self-motivated person, capable of setting and achieving their own goals. goals.

You'll also be more likely to persist when things get tough, analyzing your part of the problem instead of simply making excuses or assigning blame.

This means that you take complete responsibility for your life, including your thoughts, your feelings, and all the actions you choose on a daily basis.

You tend to be proactive in order to change an undesirable situation and see success or failure as the result of your own abilities and efforts.

Instead of feeling at the mercy of external factors, you recognize that your effort and ability are the main determinants of what you achieve in life.

The Direct Link with Resilience and Optimism

There is a very powerful and direct relationship between the internal locus of control and our capacity to develop greater and stronger resilience.

An internal locus of control contributes to resilience by promoting a deep sense of autonomy and a marked optimism in the face of any type of adversity.

This mindset helps us cope better with stress and, very importantly, recover much more quickly from life's various setbac