🔥 Control (Fahad’s version): In Community #53

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How often do you consider your locus of control?

In my last newsletter, I wrote about feeling anxious amid the uncertainty each of us faces on a daily basis. For many of us, that anxiety has only increased over the past two weeks, as we collectively grapple with what might come next for the country post-election and what this means for each of us. I’ve felt it directly and heard from friends and coworkers alike.

This is where your locus of control comes into play: whether and to what level you believe that internal vs. external events influence the outcomes you face.

👉🏽 Internal: You believe that you can influence outcomes, through your own energy, work, efforts, and action.

👉🏽 External: You believe that outcomes are destined, predetermined, or driven by others rather than yourself.

The reality is that your beliefs influence your behavior. Although the coming weeks and months will undoubtedly impact us in ways we haven’t yet begun to feel, what we can feel now is our own behavior.

What we can understand now is our own influence and actions, recognizing the internal locus of control that will help carry us through and drive us forward. This is the space I remind myself to occupy, reminding myself I can take action.

How does this come to life?

With a strong internal locus of control, I’m pushing toward goals for myself, not for others. I’m recognizing my own value and strengths, making sure that I keep these front and center in my own story. I’m progressing at the pace I set for myself, understanding that discomfort drives growth, but that some discomfort just isn’t worth the negative impact on my health.

With a strong internal locus of control, I’m more resilient, knowing that failure is a springboard for my next step toward success. I’m learning and reminding myself that it’s not falling down or lagging behind that matters – it’s getting back up and leaping ahead the next time around.

These sentiments are exactly what the featured leaders, creators, and culture-makers represent in this week’s Need to Know. From speaking truth to power, to fighting a seemingly rigged system with massive backers, to seeking out green and blue roles before coming home to the role that showcases your authentic hues.

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Need To Know

💥 Mosab Abu Toha releases his ‘Forest of Noise’. The award-winning poet is among the new voices of a generation.

💥 Chi Ossé is the Gen-Z city council member using TikTok to influence change. His work put an end to exorbitant broker fees for NYC renters.

💥 Zoe Saldaña returns to her roots, with Emilia Pérez. Her first Spanish-speaking role tells an unheard story.

👋🏽 Before you go, a quick ask:

Who are the creators, authors, community leaders, entrepreneurs, or execs who deserve to be featured for how they’re moving us forward together?

Are you one of them? Reach out with your ideas by replying to this directly, so we can feature them in future editions.

In community,

Fahad