Hello friends
Today’s topic is of great interest and importance to all young people.
Locus of Control
Locus of control refers to the extent to which people feel that they have control over the events that influence their lives.
Think of a TIME, SITUATION, or EVENT when you had to deal with a challenge be it ACADEMICS, FAMILY, FINANCIAL, RELATIONSHIP etc.
Did you feel that you had control over the outcome or did you believe that you were simply at the hand of outside forces?
If you believe that you have control over what happens then you have what Psychologists say internal locus of control.
If you believe that you have no control over what happens and that external variables are to blame then you have what is known as external locus of control.
For example, You have a tough and important exam the next day or you are to go for the SSB in two days time.
If you believe that you hold the keys to your fate you are more likely to take action to change your situation If on the other hand, you believe that the outcome is out of your hand, beyond your control, you may be less likely to work towards the result.
If you feel clearing SSB is more of a chance, luck, easy for those who are from a certain school or background etc you will avoid putting your heart and soul to prepare yourself.
No one has a 100% external or internal locus of control, it is rather a continuum.
Characteristics of people with dominant internal or external locus of control are as follows :
Internal locus of control
- More likely to take responsibility for their actions.
- Tend to be less influenced by the opinion of other people.
- Often do better at task when they are allowed to work at their own pace.
- Tend to work hard to achieve the things .
- Feel confident in face of challenges
- Tend to be physically healthy
- Feel happy and independent
External locus of control
- Blame outside forces for the circumstances.
- Often credit luck or chance for any success.
- Don’t believe that they can change the circumstances.
- Frequently feel hopeless or powerless in the face of difficult situations.
- Prone to experiencing helplessness. The common symptoms of feeling helplessness could be low self-esteem, frustration, passivity, lack of effort or simply giving up.
Your locus of control has a major impact on your present life and what you finally become.
Do not view yourself as a passive bystander who is caught up in the flow of life.
Think of the action and be the change.
March on !!
The team SSBOGC
