Do You Have an Internal or External Locus of Control?
Externalization is when we look for solutions outside of ourselves. This includes waiting for feedback and validation from others or judging our progress based on what others think and say. At the heart of this belief is the idea that your destiny is in the hands of outside forces. I see this in my students sometimes. A bad grade on a test is attributed to “a faulty test or an unfair instructor” rather than a lack of studying. You can actually take a test that shows if you are more “external” or “internal” in terms of your view of the world and your ability to cope.
The Dangers of Externalization
People who score high on internal locus of control believe they are in the driver’s seat, and they can alter their circumstances through action. People who score high on external locus of control believe that outcomes are determined by fate and are independent of hard work and decisions. They wait for the world or other people to change for them to feel better. This is especially relevant when it comes to medications and substances. Thinking that a special pill or mind-altering substance such as alcohol will make things right, or put them off for the moment, is a problem that plagues our society. The obvious problem with an external locus of control, when it comes to making lifestyle changes, is that it hampers the decision to make the changes and the actions needed to create a better lifestyle. In fact, reliance on chemicals to create a desirable life is the antithesis of a healthy lifestyle.
Don’t get me wrong, there is certainly a need for certain medications to deal with medical and psychological illness and disease, but replacing healthy living with certain substances could be detrimental. Another exception is the use of vitamins and supplements. The ideal sources of life-providing nutrients are fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein. It’s important to add these and remove detrimental substances that take away from the experience of living and prevent us from getting the most out of life.
Overcoming an Oppositional Mindset
An oppositional mindset is when certain individuals behave opposite of what is being proposed. They firmly believe that “my way is the best way,” and they resist direction from others. Oppositional thinking limits our vision for change, restricts our options, and inhibits our ability to accept help from others. Oppositional energies can mislead us into a reactionary stance. Rather than think for ourselves and reflect on the most effective ways to address the situation at hand, we automatically fight back.
In addition to inhibiting our ability to develop and implement innovative strategies for progressive change, oppositional thinking can erode our alliances and communities. This type of behavior is sometimes found in children or adolescents and is diagnosed as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), manifested by frequent outbursts of anger, irritability, and defiance toward parents. For most children with this disorder, symptoms fade over the years, with 67% returning to normal behavior.
One type of psychological treatment is a paradoxical intervention. I have used this technique effectively in my psychology practice. Basically, it requires the patient to continue the behavior and actually increase it to show that the patient has voluntary control over it and that the result is detrimental. Since this article is not about therapeutic treatment, I want to point out that some individuals, in attempting to change lifestyle, still have elements of oppositional thinking. While not as severe as childhood ODD, in adulthood oppositional thinking must be addressed for wellness strategies to take place