Behavior change and Locus of Control

Locus of control in this context can be external or internal. People with internal locus of control (loc) tend to change their behavior based on their own decisions. Those with external loc need external motivating factors for changing behaviors. The external motives can be words of praise and appreciation or tangible gifts. Another form of external control which acts as a deterrent on negative behaviors is punishment.
Majority of the population will fall in between. Extremes may be uncommon. But still it is useful to understand where one falls in this continuum from fully internal loc to fully external. Based on this one can devise strategies to change one's undesirable behaviors. A person with mostly internal loc can strengthen his resolve to change by adding some external rewards. "If I can avoid smoking for one day I will buy myself my favorite music CD".