Doubt in our ability to change can inadvertently undermine our motivation and effort, she says.
However, if you believe only external factors influence your outcomes, then you arenot motivated.
She says an internal locus of control also connects to personal responsibility.
Maskot / Getty
The following are some ways to get started.
However, she stresses that its important not to replace the thought with something like, Im invincible.
I can do anything I put my mind to.
The truth is I cannot do anything I put my mind to.
Examples of micro-goals might include making your bed everyday or drinking eight glasses of water a day.
Both are specific and achievable.
Choosing goals that are rewarding can also help make your mental health and well-being a priority.
The more rewarding, the more likely we are to continue the behavior, Dattilo says.
Click below to listen now.
On one column, write things in your life that you believe are not in your control.
This could include statements like: My bad moods just happen and theres nothing I can do about them.
Show yourself some compassion
Combining both honesty andcompassionis needed to make positive change, says Carmichael.
An example would be realizing that youre not eating well because youre not managing your time well.
So that balance between honesty and compassion is the way that people grow.
They really need both, says Carmichael.
There are ways to practice believing in yourself that can help you develop an internal locus of control.
Changing your mindset can help change the state of your mental health.
2022;26(3):271-291. doi:10.1108/MHSI-03-2022-0014
