Psychology calls this a locus of control. What that means is to what extent do you believe outside forces influence your life. Thus it's put into two categories: internal locus of control, and external locus of control.

There are many things in life that you can control: what you eat, drink, take illegal drugs, hard work and determination, etc. However, there are also many things that you cannot control: another person's decisions, the orbit of the earth, living forever, etc.

Most people agree that it's best to have an internal locus of control, but keep in mind that there are things that are beyond your control.