Trotsky, Judith (2004) ‘Rich Man…Poor Man” US NEWS & WORLD REPORT,
August 16, p.EE8.

Try placing yourself on this continuum.

I feel that:

My skill, ability, and efforts determine how my life will turn out.
1_______
2.______
3.______
4.______
5.______
Fate, chance, luck and powerful others determine how my life will turn out.

This is another one of those questions to find out who you are. If you lean more toward number one, you feel that your life is based on your INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL. On the other hand, if you are closer to number five, you see your life in terms of EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL.

The problem with those close to #1 is that they may feel that if they are an expert in one area, then you must be or can quickly be an expert in another area. Thus, a top engineer could lose all of her or his money in the stock market. Engineering expertise does not necessarily translate into market choices. On the other hand, #5s may wait forever to jump at an opportunity. Or they may make choices that others tell them to make. All of this can lead to real large problems. Thus, we live out are lives accordingly.

I’m a 3. Any more questions?