Having freedom to make choices can increase our happiness and give us a sense of control over our lives.

According to a 2008 study by Ronald Inglehart and his colleagues, titled “Development, Freedom, and Rising Happiness,” self-reported happiness and life satisfaction increased in 45 of 52 countries between 1981 and 2007. The study found that a growing sense of free choice was the most significant and stable predictor of happiness and life satisfaction, explaining 30% of the observed changes in subjective well-being. This suggests that the increase in free choice is the key factor that led to the rise in happiness levels.

People who have an internal locus of control tend to believe that they are in control of their own destiny, rather than relying on external factors to shape their behavior. However, the downside of having the freedom to take control of your own life is that it requires self-sufficiency and taking on full responsibility for worthwhile endeavors, which can be difficult. Success often requires negotiation with the future and making sacrifices, which may involve deferring gratification. Nevertheless, this approach can help to build resilience and serve as a training ground for our minds.