"The dog ate my homework"

I was talking with a student a couple days ago as we walked into the Stevens Center, chatting about the last week of classes before finals.  I said something like "I hope your project turns out well," then stopped myself; I wish I'd said "Do well on your project; apply your skills and energy effectively, and I'm sure you'll do well."

Our exchange got me thinking about self-efficacy and internal versus external locus of control.  Okay, maybe I've taken too many psychology classes, but I think these are valuable concepts for students to ponder.  Self-efficacy and internal locus of control relate to an individual's perception that her actions will make a difference: "I worked hard and my grade gave proof that I mastered the material."  An external locus of control suggests that outside factors led to a particular result: "I'm sorry I'm late!  My alarm didn't wake me up, traffic was slow, and there was a long line at the coffee drive-through," or "The dog ate my homework."


Now, there are things that are outside our control and there are times when accepting our limitations is important.  Yet I believe our language makes a difference.   With that in mind, I'm paying more attention to whether my language demonstrates ownership of my part in a situation or if I'm placing responsibility (or blame) on something - or someone - else.  I invite you join in this exercise in self-efficacy: Evaluate what your words communicate and consider whether your language points to outside factors influencing you and others.  If a situation is outside of your control, good and fine.  Otherwise, think of ways of owning your responsibility, not only in actions but also with your words.