Do You Have An Internal Locus Of Control?

Do you believe your future is determined by external factors or your own efforts?

In the 1950s, psychologist Julian Rotter began exploring how people related to this question and similar ones and developed a construct called locus of control. People with an internal locus of control believe the events of their lives are generally determined by their own actions, while those with an external locus of control believe their fate is determined by outside factors.

The former group generally takes more responsibility and feels more in charge of their decisions. Consequently, an internal locus of control is associated with higher achievement in school and at work. The latter group tends to be more passive, blame others, and experience more stress and depression.

In setting the stage for the battle between Yaakov and the angel, the Torah states, “Vayivater Yaakov levado – Yaakov was left alone" (Bereishit 32:25). The Slonimer Rebbe (Netivot Shalom, p. 226-228) suggests that the Torah is highlighting the hazard of isolation. Solitude is a risk factor for physical, psychological, and spiritual harm. When an individual is connected to friends, family, and community, the risk of harm is decreased.

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabba 77:1), however, compares Yaakov’s “levado” to Hashem’s “levado” (“venisgav Hashem levado”), hinting that there's a constructive aspect to being alone.

Interestingly, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kasher quotes two authorities that don't translate "levado" as alone in this context. One argues that it indicates distinctiveness and particularity. Just like Avraham is an Ivri and the Jewish people are “a nation that dwells alone” (Bamidbar 23:9), so too Yaakov fits the paradigm of being positively idiosyncratic. Another argues that "levado" implies singularity and uniqueness of character. Yaakov’s merit and strength were unparalleled.

Like the Slonimer Rebbe, Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz (Daat Torah p. 205-206) does understand "levado" as meaning alone. But based on the Midrash, he assumes that being alone is constructive. How can it be constructive? Rabbi Levovitz explains that Hashem’s aloneness represents His self-sufficiency. He doesn't need the help of others to accomplish anything. Thus, when the Torah tells us that Yaakov was “levado,” it means that he also reached a state of self-sufficiency. He did not rely on others; he embodied an entirely internal locus of control.

Rabbi Levovitz explains that an internal locus of control is actually behind Ben Zoma’s set of questions and answers in Pirkei Avot (4:1): “Who is wise? He who learns from everyone…. Who is strong? He who conquers his will…. Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot…. Who is respected? He who respects others….” Ben Zoma’s underlying message is that the development of these four traits is not dependent on others. They must come from within.

Wisdom is not dependent on waiting for others to teach us; it most come from a desire and love of learning. Strength is not physical, which requires comparisons with others, but self-control, measured and performed internally. Wealth is not dependent on how much one has but on a subjective feeling of satisfaction irrespective of physical externalities. Finally, even honor, which we would think must originate from others, is also within our control. By respecting others, we gain control of our own respect.

While being isolated and alone is not healthy, being overly dependent on others for our success is also not ideal. Like Yaakov, who followed Hashem’s model of being self-sufficient, we too would do well to develop an internal locus of control by taking responsibility and actively constructing our physical, psychological, and spiritual health.