Locus of control is the extent to which we take responsibility for the circumstances of our own lives. Change is certain, but we are free to determine how we respond to it.

We tend to look for excuses and sources of blame outside ourselves—family, friends, teachers, religious leaders, employers, employees, customers, pandemics, movements, the economy, politicians, and the government. Historically, these forces ebb and flow like tides of the sea.

We can’t control the sea, but we can read the tides, pay attention to the weather, and responsibly choose and navigate our boats. We can also take responsibility for how our actions and choices impact others—especially those closest to us. When things get tough, it’s time to examine our own boats.