Locus of Control Basics
What does the term “locus of control” mean?
It means who or what you believe has the most control over what happens in your life
A teen with an internal locus might think, “If I study differently, I can ___.”
Improve my grades
People with strong external locus believe life is mostly _____.
Luck or outside forces.
What is a mindset?
The way you think about yourself, your abilities, and potential
What is the key question for internal locus of control?
What can I do to influence this?”
What does “locus” literally mean?
“Place”—the place where you think control lives.
Name one benefit of having an internal locus of control.
Work harder, give up less, set goals, solve problems, handle stress better, recover faster.
give one example that reflects external thinking?
“I failed because the test was unfair.”, etc.
What is a fixed mindset?
The belief that abilities are set from birth and can’t change much
What is the key question for a growth mindset?
“How can I improve with effort and strategies?”
What are the two basic types of locus of control?
Internal and External.
Internal thinking: “I didn’t do well today, but I can ___.”
Fix it by working on it.
What kind of feelings are common with a strong external locus?
Helpless, stressed, frustrated
What is a growth mindset?
The belief that abilities can improve through effort, practice, and learning
What will an Internal locus + Growth mindset = _______?
Motivation, problem‑solving, responsibility, empowerment
Internal locus of control believes your _____ matters
Choices, actions, and effort
What emotion is more common in internal locus thinking?
Feeling confident, hopeful, motivated, ???
External thinking example: “I didn’t make the team because ___.”
The coach picks favorites
What powerful word helps create a growth mindset?
“Yet.” (“I can’t do this… yet.”)
What will an External locus + Fixed mindset = _______?
Feeling stuck, giving up, avoiding challenges, blaming others
External locus of control believes things mostly happen _____ you.
To you, controlled by luck, others, or circumstances
Name one internal-locus example related to emotional health
“I can control how I respond,” “I can use coping strategies,” “I can prepare ahead,” etc.
What happens when someone blames outside forces for everything?
They may give up, have poor grades, low motivation, or poor problem‑solving.
Someone with a fixed mindset sees mistakes as _____.
Failure (instead of learning)
On social media, external thinking is “No one likes me.” Internal thinking is…
“Likes don’t determine my worth., etc...