Personality is the particular and consistent combination of attitudinal, emotional and behavioral response patterns of an individual. In contrast to personality traits, our specific behavior is inconsistent and variable; in the same situation one might behave the one time differently than the other time (Meyers, 2010). Yet, people’s average behavior over many situations is predictable from their particular and overall stable personality traits. Besides, traits shape how we think, and how we react to and interpret events. For example, character traits can be determinants for dealing with stress. It is particularly this information that has drawn attention from institutions and organizations, such as universities or knowledge-oriented businesses, who are often in charge of selectively recruiting people with the best opportunities. Accordingly, research has shown that insight in one’s character could consequently provide insight in one’s future prospectives. 

In this sphere the implications were examined of the extent to which a person holds personal control; the believe of having control over the environment, of being a master of the own fate. It has become evident that one’s level of personal control provides a good predictor of one’s future achievement in jobs and studies (Ng and Feldman, 2010). With regard to personal control, every person could be classified as characteristically having an internal locus of control, an external locus of control or something in between (Meyers, 2010). “Externals” are people who have little perception of personal control. They tend to think that life is beyond their control, and that getting a good job depends mainly on being in the right place at the right time. In contrast, “internals” have a greater perception of personal control. They tend to think that their fate is in their own hands, and that success is a matter of hard work and their own input (Ibid.). 

Extensive research has shown that internals achieve more in school and work, because they act more independently, enjoy better health and feel less depressed than externals. Furthermore, internals evidently possess a higher level of self-control - the ability to control impulses and delay satisfaction and pleasure. And a higher level of self-control predicts, among others, good adjustment, better grades and social success (Ng and Feldman, 2010). Most importantly, internals also appear to acquire a considerably higher level of organizational embeddedness (Ibid.). 

To specify the latter, internals are more likely of being selected, for example, for employment deals because they are better at negotiating. This counts especially for deals that are not widely available. Besides, when internals are accepted at an institution or organization, they are more likely to climb up in position or acquire additional work resources, because they network more proactively with colleagues and supervisors (Ng and Feldman, 2010). Thus, internals become more embedded because they have more links with their colleagues and the sacrifices associated with leaving their positions would be greater (Ng and Feldman, 2010).

Fortunately, the level of self-control is inconsistent, and you can increase your level with exercise. One study (Fujita et al., 2008) has found that the level of self-control could be increased by learning yourself to focus in a particular way. For example, by focussing on the wood rather than the trees; by looking at the big picture and seeing your specific actions as just a part of a major plan or purpose. Another enhancer would be training to overcome temptation and practicing self-regulation through for example physical exercise and time-managed study programs. Consult the research for more details and information.

To be retrieved from this blog, a higher level of internal locus of control predicts higher achievements in jobs and studies. Internals possess more traits that are desired for many studies and jobs. Though some people originally have a higher level of internal locus control, one can also increase his level with practice and an altered thinking. Believe that what happens to you is your own doing, maintain in enhancing self-discipline, and a successful future is at your fingertips.

References

Fujita, K. (2008). Seeing the forest beyond the trees: a construal-level approach to self-control. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 2(3), 1475-1496.

Meyers, D.G. (2010). Psychology (9th ed.). New York: Worth publishers.

Ng, T.W., & Feldman, D.C. (2010). Locus of control and organizational embeddedness. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 84, 173-190.