How do you perceive the results you have achieved? Do you believe they are determined by external factors (such as luck or destiny) or internal factors (such as your decisions and ability to make things happen)?

Do you know that desire you have to take a trip with your family, go back to school or have a healthier body and mind? Then, what we will address in this text can be a good starting point for you to overcome possible (perhaps probable) self-sabotage and set out to achieve what you desire.

Some scholars of human behavior have been studying this relationship between how we act and the results we obtain in life. Julian Rotter, one of the most influential authors on the subject, proposed a concept known as “Locus of Control”, which means Place of Control.

I learned this concept in 2003 and, since then, I have been applying it in my life with great results. I decided to summarize it here and share it so that you can also enjoy the benefits of this change in attitude.

Understanding is easy, follow me as Mr. Rotter explains the concept of “Locus of Control”:

• Internal Locus of Control: When we believe that the results and rewards we obtain, whether satisfactory or not, are the consequence of our own behaviors, attributes and decisions.

• External Locus of Control: When we believe that the results and rewards we obtain are the consequence of factors beyond our control and that we could have done little or nothing to make them different.

What is the Mental Model of successful people?

In Mr. Rotter’s research, as you can imagine from the definition itself, successful people constantly seek the Internal Locus. In other words, whenever they want to achieve something or an undesirable result occurs, they ask themselves: “What can I do to achieve the result I want?”

Unfortunately, research figures indicate that the vast majority of people – unconsciously – prefer to act with the External Locus. In other words, they believe that they depend only on external factors to get where they want to go: “If I win the lottery”, “if the government helps”, “if my leader were different”, “if the world were fairer”, etc. In this way, they become “blind” to what they themselves could do and end up placing themselves as victims of circumstances.

Why do we victimize ourselves so often?

If the Internal Locus is the mental attitude of successful people, why then do the vast majority of people act with the External Locus? Because it is easier, that is, it is the best way to stay in our comfort zone: if the responsibility lies with others, there is nothing I can do; it is okay if I lose the leading role in my life, but I also will not need to change, study, learn, or work. The result: little story to tell and a lot to complain about.

Seriously, this could change your life!

Now, if you want to achieve your goals in life, my recommendation (and Mr. Rotter’s too) is that you write down what you want to achieve right now and ask yourself: “What can I do to make this happen?” Make your action plan, face your comfort zone and welcome to the world of those who complain little, do a lot and get where they want.

Yes, you can learn that language, lose those pounds, go on that trip, improve your relationship with your “hard-to-deal-with” colleagues… It’s up to you to decide that this aspiration is worth more than your comfort zone and start taking action, right now, consistently.

As Nelson Mandela would say, I hope the future finds you doing exactly what you needed to do to get where you wanted to be. Good luck on your journey!