Who Controls My Fate? Internal And External Personalities

Who Controls Your Fate? "Internal" Personality vs. "External" Personality

Who controls your fate? Or more accurately, who do you believe controls your fate? One dimension along which people vary is how much they believe that they alone control what happens to them. Those who feel that their own efforts make a positive difference in getting the job, mate, etc. that they want, are known as "internals". Those who believe that nothing they do will even make a difference, that their life is controlled by fate, luck, or other people, are known as "externals".

Differences Between Internals And Externals

Internals and externals differ in many important ways. Generally, internals are more active, alert, and task-oriented in their attempts to manipulate and control their world. Externals tend to feel that nothing they can do will make a difference. They have no choice but to sit back and take whatever fate hands to them.

In general, externals have a tough time of it. They tend to be somewhat neurotic, resentful, suspicious of others, irritable, depressed, and low in self-esteem. This is not to say that internals cannot have their share of psychological problems because they certainly can, but externals do in fact tend to view the world as a threatening and hostile place, and they tend to feel that nothing they can do will make it better. It is indeed a frightening way to view life.

You Can Change A "Lifetime Of Training"

As is the case with most personality characteristics, internals and externals are trained to be the way they are while they are growing up. It is always hard to change a lifetime of training, and it will take a considerable effort, but you can do it if you try! It is not a matter of luck or powerful people controlling the way you are. If you find yourself thinking that nothing you can do will improve your situation, stop yourself. Try to think about other people who face similar circumstances and were able to make a difference by making an effort. Think about specific strategies you could employ. Ask your friends for advice about what you might do. Point out to yourself everytime your efforts do result in a favorable outcome, and remind yourself of these occasions frequently. The truth is that there are some things that we really cannot control, but it is also true that simply by believing that our efforts will make a difference, we can lead happier, more satisfying lives.