Hi There,
One of the most debated topics on my channel recently has been the difference between the "Old School" generation (70s/80s) and the modern world.
Millions of you watched the video, and the comments were unanimous: People today seem more fragile.
Is this just nostalgia? Or did something actually change in the human brain?
I looked into the psychology, and I found the answer. It’s not just about "hard times." It is about a psychological concept called Locus of Control.
The Science: The Shift to "Victimhood"
Psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge analyzed data from thousands of students over several decades (from the 1960s to the 2000s). She was looking for patterns in how people view the world.
She found a massive shift in what is called Locus of Control:
Internal Locus of Control: "I control my own life. If I fail, it is my responsibility to fix it." (Common in earlier generations).
External Locus of Control: "Life happens to me. I am a victim of my circumstances." (Dominant in modern generations).
The Research Finding:
Since the late 1960s, the average person has shifted dramatically toward an External Locus of Control.
This explains why people today feel more anxious and helpless. When you believe you have no control over your fate, your anxiety skyrockets. The "Old School" mindset wasn't just "toughness" it was the deep belief that you are the captain of your own ship.
My Take:
You don't need to be born in the 1970s to have this mindset. I believe true strength comes from accepting responsibility, even when things aren't your fault.
The modern world wants you to blame everyone else for your problems. But the people who watch my channel are different. You know that taking responsibility is the only way to be truly free.
If you refuse to be a victim, you are already ahead of 99% of the population.
This Week's Action Step
The "No Complain" Challenge.
For the next 24 hours, try not to complain about a single thing. Not the weather, not the traffic, not your job.
Whenever something goes wrong, instead of saying "Why is this happening to me?", ask yourself: "What is my next move?"
Shift your Locus of Control back to Internal.
Stay strong,
P.S. If you want to see the traits that defined a stronger generation, [video here].