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Success Advice

How to Acquire Internal Locus of Control for Greater Success

Acquire an internal locus of control to make things happen, create your destiny, and grow as a leader

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When you want to achieve success in all spheres of life, you must have an internal locus of control. Internal locus of control is all about taking responsibility for one’s success as well as failure.

External locus of control is all about blaming external events, forces, and factors for failures. Internal locus is about taking action and responsibility for the consequences. It is about making things happen and walking the talk.  

When you look at leaders, they possess an internal locus of control because they take responsibility of their actions. It is rightly said that bad tradesmen blame their tools, while good tradesmen avail what they have, and work within the constraints to achieve the desired outcomes. 

Internal Locus of Control 

Individuals with an internal locus of control emphasize ideas and not issues. They strongly believe in exploring ideas against annoying issues. They believe in pluck, not luck. They take responsibility for their actions. They do not blame the external environment for their failures.

 They reconcile to the external environment and realign their strategies to accomplish their objectives. They believe in creating their destiny, instead of leaving their fate to destiny. They are extraordinary achievers and history-makers. 

Here are some nuggets:

  • Be independent – take decisions independently. Research enough, and gather the knowledge to approach the subject of your interest. Read or hear out the experiences of others who tried something similar. Now think what is the right approach for you. 
  • Stay self-motivated and achievement-oriented – know where you want to reach. Take baby steps towards it. No big achievement occurs in a day. Break your goals into subgoals. Approach one at a time. Feel happy when that is achieved. Move on to the next.
  • Be troubleshooters and problem solvers – every life has problems. Instead of staying confined to “how could this happen”, graduate into “now what”. Be a solution-oriented person rather than a problem-oriented person.
  • Be fearless – do not be scared to take tough decisions. Be ruthless in accepting your mistakes. Learn from them. But be fearless in trying something new. If there is something you do not like, it is crucial for the time, either figure out the next best alternative or develop a taste for the tried and tested route. Develop the ability to simplify complex information so that it becomes easier for yourself and your associates to comprehend.
  • Be creative. Find out your way of solving things. Think critically and creatively. Do you want to do what everyone else does or do you want to try something new? There is no problem with either. But know which path is yours. 
  • Be optimistic and confident – only you know what potential you have and what you want to do. If you are not optimistic about yourself, who else will be? Do not stop believing in yourself because others feel you are not the best. Promise yourself that you will prove them wrong. 
  • Be health-conscious – if your health is not good, your mind and energy will not support you. Focus on your health. Do not ignore the complaints of your body.
  • Take responsibility – be responsible for your actions. It’s easy to blame others for things that may have gone wrong with you. But the truth is, only you are to be blamed for things you could not achieve. 

“I have studied the patterns of the universe. There’s a redemptive power that making a choice has, rather than feeling like you’re at effect to all the things that are happening. Make a choice. You just decide what it’s gonna be, who you’re gonna be, you just decide. And then from that point the universe is going to get out your way. It’s water, it wants to move and go around stuff.” – Will Smith

Internals are inquisitive and ambitious individuals with the determination to create their destinies. They work hard and persevere to make things fall into place. 

Above all, they are leaders who take responsibility in case of failures and spread fame in case of success. Internals are optimistic, and see light at the end of the tunnel. They see the silver lining over the dark cloud. They enjoy the rising sun, not the setting sun. 

Although there are lots of advantages associated with internals, there are certain problems involved as well. Australian psychologist James T. Neill outlines the dangers involved for individuals with an internal locus of control: Internals can be psychologically unhealthy and unstable. 

They can be self-obsessed. Internals appear to be arrogant. They often control a lot. They will have autocratic tendencies with an autocratic leadership mindset. The people around them might not be comfortable working with them. That is why, you should never lose touch with your family and loved ones. 

They will keep you grounded and remind you that others too exist in your life and that you have more than yourself to take care of. Also, try to spend some quality time with your work associates so they know where you are coming from and relate to you. 

Tell the people who matter how much you love them, value them, and need them. Though at times you don’t return the best and expected behavior, you do care for them. Such confessions will sort out a lot of ill feelings, if any. 

An internal orientation usually needs to be matched by competence, self-efficacy, and opportunity so that the person can successfully experience a sense of personal control and responsibility. 

Overly internal people who lack competence, efficacy, and opportunity can become neurotic, anxious, and depressed. In other words, internals needs to have a realistic sense of their circle of influence to experience “success.” 

Successful People versus Unsuccessful People

All people undergo several challenges. The road is beset with tremendous doubt, fear, volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and struggles. Successful people respond to their environment proactively and align their strategies from time-to time-to accomplish their goals. 

They take continuous feedback and reconcile to the realities, and realign their strategies accordingly. They pursue their journey with perseverance. In contrast, unsuccessful people blame the external environment and react negatively, and finally give up their journey toward success.  

So, acquire an internal locus of control to make things happen, create your destiny, and grow as a leader.

Professor M.S. Rao, Ph. D., is a 21st-century Philosopher and the Father of “Soft Leadership.” He is an International Leadership Guru and the Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. He has forty-four years of diversified experience, including military, and is the author of fifty-four books, including the award-winning See the Light in You.

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
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Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

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