Interesting article. I'm becoming more and more fascinated with psychology, since in my opinion if one learns to master their mind they hence become unstoppable. Try reading this article and then seeing what kind of locus of control you possess, then compare the article with other people in your life, particularly your parents, brothers and sisters, and then friends and see what kind they are. In my analyzed opinion it's all about choices. No matter what environment one person is in, and no matter what handicaps they are dealt, it's all about how the person chooses to either better or worsen their situation. There's no better example than myself, as I grew up with a twin brother in the same exact environment for the same exact time, yet we're miles apart in accomplishments. That would explain why some people's lives are the way that they are.
Interesting. But the test is horribly unprecise, in almost all of them I saw two possible interpretations.. I mean some answers that probably count a point for internal locus, I viewed it like favoring a more external locus, and vice versa.
This "test" is also subject to an interferring variable: consciously or otherwise, people might choose based on the "superior way to be," which may/may not jive with what they actually believe. That is, for example, you may have a person who believes very strongly that Fate determines one's life, but they will "come off stronger" (in their own eyes) if they choose the responses which suggest independence and self-determination.
Stuff like this can be fun, but you gotta take it with a grain of salt.
A better bet - especially if one wishes to "master their mind" - is to start by observing your thoughts in instances of success or failure, especially failure. Your spontaneous thinking, how you respond to situations, would be a better indicator of your Locus.
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Last edited by Mindship on Mar 24th, 2006 at 10:28 PM
Tests and quizzes always are tainted with the bias or viewpoint of their creators, and are thus faulty. Anyone who doesn't believe that should take a glance at a page of quizzes on Memegen.net. Disgusting.
Very good points Mindship. And of course this test was just something that was just for a little insightful humor. But following your suggestion, that instead we should look at our successes or failures as an indicator of our locus of control, what does everyone now see. For me it's still highly internal, especially on failures. If something becomes intangibly wrong it's very much my own fault for either a) having it happen, or b) even if outside forces caused it, not being cognitive enough to realize it before it's too late. What does everyone else now see?
For the most part, my locus is internal. I am a big believer in personal responsibility. On the other hand, since I also tend to be "transcendentally inclined," I can't help but feel that there is more to the world than meets the eye or mind. If something is meant to be, it's meant to be. However, I am still responsible for how I respond to forces and outcomes beyond my control.
I suppose rather than Me dominating Life or Life dominating Me, I prefer to see things as a partnership where, at the very least, I have to do my part.
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Mar 24th, 2006 06:15 PM
