As therapists, coaches, and health professionals, we frequently encounter clients who want to change but struggle to sustain their efforts. Often, the issue lies in their motivation: they’re driven by external factors like rewards, approval from others, or societal pressure. While external motivation can be a great starting point, lasting change requires an internal locus of control. So, how can we guide our clients to shift from external motivators to deeper, intrinsic ones? Here’s a step-by-step approach to shift clients from external to internal motivation.

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One of the first steps in shifting to an internal locus of control is helping clients uncover their personal reasons for change. External motivators often sound like:

• “I want to lose weight because my partner says I should.”
• “I need to quit smoking because my doctor told me to.”

Instead, ask probing questions that tap into their deeper values and goals:

• “Why does this change matter to you?”
• “How will your life look and feel if you achieve this goal?”
• “What personal values align with this goal?”

Encourage them to explore how the change fits into their vision of a fulfilling, meaningful life. When clients connect their efforts to their own sense of purpose, they’re more likely to sustain their commitment and shift from external to internal motivation for the changes they want to make.

To shift from external to internal motivation, clients need to feel ownership of their goals. External motivation often involves a sense of obligation or pressure, which can lead to resistance or burnout. Instead, empower clients to take the lead in designing their action plan.

Ask questions like:

• “What feels realistic for you right now?”
• “What would you like to try first?”
• “How can we make this plan feel like yours?”

Collaborative goal-setting gives clients a sense of control and reinforces the belief that they are in charge of their progress—not their therapist, doctor, or loved ones.

Clients with an external locus of control often doubt their ability to succeed, relying on external validation to feel worthy. Help them build internal confidence by breaking their goals into manageable steps and celebrating small victories.

For example, if a client wants to improve their physical health, start with something simple like a 10-minute daily walk. Once they’ve mastered that, encourage them to add another small habit. Each success reinforces their belief in their ability to create change and fosters a sense of internal accomplishment.

Clients motivated by external factors may view setbacks as failures, leading to feelings of helplessness. Teach them to reframe challenges as learning opportunities.

When a client stumbles, ask reflective questions:

• “What did you learn from this experience?”
• “How can you use this insight to move forward?”

By encouraging a growth mindset, you help clients see themselves as active problem-solvers rather than passive recipients of external circumstances.

On theory that offers us options for reflecting on client challenges is attribution theory.

Attribution Theory

• Definition: This theory examines how individuals interpret events and how those interpretations influence their motivation and behavior. Internal attributions occur when people see outcomes as a result of their own actions, while external attributions occur when they attribute outcomes to external forces like luck or other people.
• Application: Helping clients reframe their challenges and achievements through an internal attribution lens supports the shift. For example, encouraging clients to recognize their role in their successes builds a sense of ownership and reduces reliance on external validation, thus shifting them from external to internal motivation as a driving force for change. 

Many clients with an external locus of control are harsh self-critics, constantly seeking approval or fearing judgment. Introduce practices like mindfulness, journaling, or self-compassion exercises to help them connect with their inner world and develop a kinder relationship with themselves.

Encourage reflective practices by asking:

• “What did you do well today?”
• “What would you say to a friend in your situation?”

These practices build self-awareness and strengthen clients’ ability to rely on their inner resources for motivation.

Finally, guide clients to make choices that align with their core values. When Clients understand how their actions support their personal values – whether it’s health, family, or growth – they begin to act from a place of internal integrity rather than external pressure:

Use this exercise:

• Ask clients to list their top five values
• For each value, have them brainstorm one action that brings them closer to living in alignment with that value.
• Encourage them to reflect on how taking those actions makes them feel.

By helping clients shift from external motivation to an internal locus of control, you empower them to take ownership of their growth and create sustainable change. Self Determination Theory helps explain why this works and gives us interventions to help meet our clients where they are on the behavior change continuum.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

• Definition: This theory explores motivation and distinguishes between external (controlled) and internal (autonomous) motivation. It emphasizes that intrinsic motivation arises when individuals feel competent, autonomous, and connected to others (the three basic psychological needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness).
• Application: You can frame the shift from external to internal motivation as a process of fostering autonomy, helping clients feel capable of achieving their goals (competence), and connecting their actions to personal meaning or relationships (relatedness). Discussing SDT helps highlight how meeting these needs supports a client’s internal locus of control.

This shift from external to internal locus of control not only enhances their well-being but also builds resilience, confidence, and self-trust—qualities that will support them in every area of their lives.

As professionals, our role is to guide, encourage, and help clients uncover the intrinsic power that already exists within them. That’s where the real transformation happens.

Explore more resources and strategies to empower your clients on the blog here at  StacyRD.com.

Connect with me on social and let me know how you’re helping your clients shift their motivation—share your experiences and read how others are making strides helping clients transform their lives. 

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