Control Fallacies
Part I: Description
Control Fallacies: When Your Brain Lies About Who's in Charge
Our brains are tricky, and "control fallacies" are a prime example. These are distorted ways of thinking about how much control you have over situations and your life.
Two Types of Control Fallacies
Externalizing Control: You give away all your power. You believe your happiness, success, and problems are caused entirely by other people or circumstances. This leads to feeling like a helpless victim.
Examples: "My partner ruins my day with their bad moods", "There's no point in trying, luck is all that matters."
Internalizing Control: You take on way too much. You think you're personally responsible for everything, even things outside your influence. This mindset causes anxiety, perfectionism, and feeling like you can never do enough.
Examples: "It's my fault my friend is getting a divorce", "If I just work harder, nothing bad will happen."
Why Control Fallacies Are Bad News
Unrealistic Expectations: Lead to disappointment and negative emotions.
Hinder Growth: If you don't believe you have any power, why try to improve?
Relationship Problems: Can lead to resentment or feeling burdened by others.
Fighting Back Against Control Fallacies
Identify Your Patterns: Notice when you feel helpless or overly responsible.
External Factors Matter: Some things are simply not in your hands, and that's okay.
*Focus on What You Can Control: Your own thoughts, actions, and how you respond to events.
Practice Acceptance: There are limits to your power. Focusing on what you can change is healthier.
Therapy Can Help: If these thought patterns are deeply ingrained, a therapist can help you break free.
Part II: Common Questions
How do I know if I fall into control fallacies?
Signs to Watch For:
Feeling helpless or like a victim of circumstance.
Excessive guilt or blame, either towards yourself or others.
Trouble accepting situations outside your control.
Unrealistic expectations of yourself and others, leading to constant disappointment.
Anxiety, perfectionism, or intense pressure to "fix" things.
Self-Reflection: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings in different situations. Ask yourself whether your beliefs about control are realistic and helpful.
Isn't it good to take responsibility for things?
It's About Balance: Taking responsibility for your actions and choices is essential. However, becoming preoccupied with what you can't control leads to unnecessary stress and self-blame.
Focus on What You Can Influence: It's more empowering to focus on your sphere of influence. How can you improve your own responses, set healthy boundaries, or make positive contributions?
How can I overcome control fallacies?
It Takes Practice: Changing ingrained thinking patterns takes time and effort. Here's where to start:
Identify Your Fallacies: Notice when you're externalizing or internalizing control.
Challenge Your Thoughts: Ask yourself, "Is this belief realistic? Is there another perspective?"
Focus on What You Can Control: Direct your energy towards actions and choices within your power.
Practice Acceptance: Learn to let go of what you can't change.
Seek Therapy: If control fallacies significantly impact your well-being, a therapist can help you develop healthier thought patterns.
Part III: Additional Resources
Books about Control Fallacies
The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris: Explores the concept of "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" (ACT), which emphasizes recognizing and letting go of unhelpful thoughts, including control fallacies.
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns: A classic text on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that includes strategies for challenging distorted thinking patterns related to control.
The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: Evidence-Based Skills to Help You Let Go of Self-Criticism, Build Self-Esteem, and Find Balance by Sharon Martin: Specifically addresses perfectionism, which often stems from internalizing control fallacies.
Articles & Websites about Control Fallacies
Verywell Mind: What Are Control Fallacies?: Provides a clear definition and examples of control fallacies.
Psychology Today blog: Control Issues: Features articles and expert insights on control-related psychological patterns.
The ACT Matrix): A visual model that helps illustrate the relationship between control fallacies and psychological flexibility.
Specific Focus about Control Fallacies
Control Fallacies and Anxiety: Search for articles discussing the link between control issues and anxiety disorders.
Control Fallacies in Relationships: Explore resources on how control fallacies can damage relationships and ways to address them.
Other Resources about Control Fallacies
Therapy Worksheets: Many therapists and therapy websites offer worksheets specifically addressing control fallacies within a CBT framework.
Online Support Groups: Forums focused on anxiety, perfectionism, or personal growth often discuss control-related struggles.
Mindfulness and Meditation Resources: Practices that emphasize acceptance and non-judgment can be helpful in overcoming control fallacies.
Part IV: Disclaimer
These results were highly selected, curated, and edited by The Nexus Inititiative. To make this amount of complimentary content available at a cost-effective level for our site visitors and clients, we have to rely on, and use, resources like Google Gemini and other similar services.