Being At Cause vs Being At Effect

The phrases "being at cause" and "being at effect" may not ring any bells.  However, for folks who are trying to overcome some obstacle, limitation or personal issue (or professional issue for that matter), these two phrases simultaneously offer both an explanation for past problems, and a proven way to move beyond them.

Let's take a closer look.

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What is "Being At Effect?"

In the context of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and success coaching, being "at effect" refers to a mindset where individuals believe that external circumstances or other people control their lives. Those at effect tend to view themselves as passive recipients of whatever life throws at them, rather than active creators of their experiences. This can manifest in both personal and professional realms, leading to a sense of powerlessness and chronic dissatisfaction. Being at effect often correlates with the mentality of chronic victimhood, where individuals feel stuck in a cycle of blame, waiting for external changes to improve their situation.

Personal traits and statements that signal someone is at effect include constantly blaming others for their problems, using phrases like "I can't because..." or "If only they would...". These individuals often feel helpless, waiting for external factors to shift before they can act. In professional contexts, being at effect may look like feeling stuck in an undesirable job or relationship, believing that circumstances or other people are responsible for one's lack of progress.

Here are five examples of being at effect in personal life:
1. Feeling overwhelmed by household responsibilities and believing that others should step in to make things easier.
2. Blaming a partner for ongoing relationship issues, without taking responsibility for one’s own role in the dynamic.
3. Constantly complaining about health but not making lifestyle changes to improve it.
4. Feeling like a victim of family expectations and pressures, rather than asserting personal boundaries.
5. Resigning oneself to financial struggles, believing that external economic conditions dictate one’s success.

In professional life, being at effect may look like:
1. Blaming a lack of career advancement on poor leadership or company culture without seeking new opportunities or developing skills.
2. Constantly feeling stressed and overworked, believing that workload is out of your control.
3. Being unhappy with your salary, but believing you are "stuck" because no better opportunities exist.
4. Fearing professional rejection, so avoiding applying for promotions or new roles.
5. Feeling micromanaged at work but never setting boundaries or communicating concerns.

While someone can be extremely successful in many areas of life, being at effect in even one category will limit them in that area. For instance, a successful entrepreneur might feel at effect in their personal relationships, constantly blaming a partner or circumstances for relationship struggles, thus preventing personal happiness despite business success.

The good news is that anyone can learn to shift from being at effect to being at cause, a mindset where they take responsibility for their experiences and outcomes. This begins with adopting empowering beliefs, values, and identities that support personal agency. Shifting to "being at cause" involves reframing situations to focus on what you can control, setting clear goals, and taking responsibility for the choices that lead to your outcomes. By doing this, individuals can move beyond chronic obstacles in any area of life, achieving lasting growth and fulfillment.

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What is "Being At Cause?"

"Being at cause", on the other hand, refers to adopting a mindset in which individuals take full responsibility for their outcomes, decisions, and experiences. Instead of blaming external circumstances or other people for what happens in their lives, those at cause recognize their power to shape and influence their reality. Being at cause is closely tied to the concepts of empowerment and personal agency, where individuals feel they have the ability and resources to effect change in their lives, regardless of external factors.

People who are at cause often exhibit specific traits, statements, and behaviors that reflect their sense of personal responsibility and proactive approach to life. They use language like "I can", "I choose to", and "I will find a way". They focus on what they can control rather than dwelling on what they can’t. They take ownership of their mistakes, learn from them, and adapt quickly to find solutions rather than remaining stuck in problems. These individuals are resilient, optimistic, and action-oriented, consistently seeking ways to improve and grow.

Here are five examples of being at cause in personal life:
1. Taking ownership of health by adopting a regular exercise routine and improving diet, rather than blaming genetics or busy schedules.
2. Improving relationships by initiating difficult conversations and seeking solutions, rather than waiting for the other person to change.
3. Taking control of finances by budgeting, saving, and finding ways to increase income, rather than feeling defeated by debt or external economic pressures.
4. Building a strong social network by actively reaching out to friends and family, rather than feeling lonely and waiting for others to contact you.
5. Setting personal boundaries to prioritize self-care, rather than feeling overwhelmed by others' demands.

In professional life, being at cause may look like:
1. Seeking out training and development opportunities to enhance skills, rather than complaining about being overlooked for promotions.
2. Proactively managing time and workload, rather than constantly feeling stressed and overwhelmed by deadlines.
3. Taking on leadership roles or initiating projects, rather than waiting for instructions or opportunities to come.
4. Negotiating for better pay or conditions, rather than feeling underappreciated and staying silent.
5. Looking for new job opportunities when growth stalls, instead of blaming a stagnant career on the company or industry.

The phrases "being at cause", "personal agency" and "empowerment" all relate back to an individual taking control of his or her own life.  We may not be able to control events outside ourselves, and most of us were never taught how to control and proactively shape our own identities, values and beliefs.  Ironically, many people attempt to gain control of their lives by attempting to control others.  This approach, while common, is doomed to failure. Sadly, that failure then reinforces the conviction that they are not in control of their own lives.

When someone adopts the mindset of being at cause, they are empowered to take control and influence their future. They may not be able to control anything around them.  However, they look for and find ways they can work with whatever they do have, and build from there.  One common phrase to describe this behavior is "boot-strapping", where someone "pulls himself/herself up by his/her own bootstraps". They stop feeling like victims of circumstance and start acting as creators of their own success. This shift can unlock movement in areas where they previously felt stuck. For example, someone who has struggled in relationships might find that taking responsibility for their own actions and emotions leads to healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Anyone can learn to "be at cause" by shifting their mindset from one of blame or helplessness to one of ownership and action. This process involves reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and focusing on solutions rather than problems. By adopting new identities, values, and beliefs around personal agency, individuals can overcome stubborn obstacles and make strides toward new personal and professional goals. This shift not only enhances self-empowerment but also enables a more fulfilling and successful life.

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Moving from Effect to Cause

This topic is big enough that I've decided to split this page into three sections.  We just covered these two related terms, and described the difference between them.  

One Page 2, we'll describe different ways a person can shift from being at effect, to being at cause.

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You Are On Page 1
Jump to Page 2

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