8 signs you lack self-discipline and control (and it’s holding you back in life)

When you can’t say no to that extra slice of cake, you know you’re battling self-control. When you keep hitting the snooze button instead of getting up to exercise, that’s a clear sign of lack of discipline.

It’s as raw and real as it gets.

But, here’s the tricky part. Not all signs of lacking self-discipline and control are this obvious. Some signs are so subtle, they’re easy to miss or even misinterpret.

That’s where I come in. I’ve observed these signs in myself, in others, and now I’m here to share them with you.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 signs that indicate you might lack self-discipline and control, and how it might be holding you back in life. And trust me, they’re not what you might expect.

1) You’re constantly battling procrastination

Who doesn’t love a good procrastination session, right?

We’ve all been there. That moment when you have a long list of things to do, but instead of tackling them head-on, you find yourself aimlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite series.

But here’s the thing: a little procrastination is okay. It’s human. However, when it becomes a recurring pattern, it’s a glaring sign of lack of self-discipline and control.

You might argue that you work better under pressure or that you’re simply waiting for inspiration to strike. But let’s be real. Those are just excuses we make to justify our lack of discipline.

The truth is, successful people don’t wait for the ‘right’ time. They create it. They discipline themselves to start and finish tasks regardless of their mood or inspiration.

So if you find yourself constantly battling procrastination, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate your self-discipline and control. Because not only is this habit holding you back now, but it’s also setting you up for failure in the long run.

Time waits for no one, my friend. And neither should you.

2) You struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Does the phrase “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” sound familiar?

I’ve been there too. I would promise myself that tomorrow would be the day I’d start eating healthier and exercising more. But “tomorrow” kept getting postponed.

One day, I looked at myself in the mirror and realized that it wasn’t just about looking good. It was about feeling good and being healthy. The lack of self-discipline was affecting my physical health and overall well-being.

That’s when I understood: self-discipline isn’t just about making grand plans and setting lofty goals. It’s about making small, consistent choices every day that eventually add up to significant changes.

So if you’re like the old me, constantly making excuses about starting your healthy lifestyle “tomorrow”, it might be time to acknowledge that you’re struggling with self-discipline and control.

And remember, it’s not just about appearance or fitting into society’s beauty standards. It’s about taking care of your body because it’s the only place you have to live in.

3) You’re regularly late or miss deadlines

We all have 24 hours in a day. Yet, some people manage to accomplish more than others. Why is that?

It comes down to one simple thing: self-discipline.

Consider the workplace. There’s a reason why employers value punctuality. Being on time is synonymous with reliability, responsibility, and respect for other people’s time.

Missing deadlines or regularly showing up late not only affects your professional image but also signals a lack of discipline and control over your own time management.

In 2006, a study found that chronic lateness could cost the U.S. economy over $90 billion in lost productivity. That’s staggering, isn’t it?

But this isn’t just about money or productivity. It’s about respect – for others and for your own commitments.

So if you’re always running late or scrambling to meet deadlines, it’s time to take a closer look at your self-discipline.

4) You easily give in to impulses

Ever bought something on a whim only to regret it later? Or maybe you’ve indulged in an unhealthy snack even though you weren’t really hungry?

Impulsive behavior is a clear sign of lacking self-discipline and control. It’s about acting on immediate desires without considering the long-term consequences.

Instant gratification can feel good in the moment, but it often leads to regret and guilt later on. That’s because most impulsive decisions are not aligned with our long-term goals or values.

Remember, discipline is about making choices that get you closer to your goals, even when it’s not the most appealing option at the moment.

So if you often find yourself giving into impulses, it might be time to work on strengthening your self-discipline. Your future self will thank you for it.

5) You’re often unorganized

Ever walked into a room and forgot why you’re there? Or spent hours searching for something you just had in your hand? I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s frustrating.

Being unorganized is a sign that you lack self-discipline. It shows that you don’t control your environment, and in turn, it starts controlling you.

I used to be quite messy and disorganized. I’d often lose track of my things and waste precious time looking for them. It was not only inefficient, but it also added unnecessary stress to my day.

That’s when I realized that being organized isn’t about perfection. It’s about efficiency, reducing stress, and gaining more control over my time and life.

So if you’re like the old me, constantly struggling with disorganization, it might be time to start exercising some self-discipline. Trust me, an organized life is a simpler, less stressful life.

6) You often feel overwhelmed and stressed

Stress is a part of life. But if you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, it might be a sign that you lack self-discipline.

Yes, you heard it right. Lack of discipline can lead to stress.

It’s not about having too much on your plate, but rather about not managing your plate effectively. Without discipline, it’s easy to take on too much at once or get caught up in unproductive activities, leading to stress and burnout.

Self-discipline is about setting boundaries for yourself and sticking to them. It’s about knowing when to say no and how to prioritize tasks.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, instead of blaming your busy schedule, take a moment to reflect on your self-discipline. It could very well be the root cause of your stress.

7) You struggle to follow through on commitments

Commitment is a big word. It means sticking to your word, honoring your promises, and seeing things through to the end.

But if you often find yourself backing out of commitments or not fulfilling them, it could be a sign that you lack self-discipline and control.

Whether it’s a personal goal, a work project, or a promise made to a friend, not following through on your commitments can harm your credibility and self-esteem.

Self-discipline is about being reliable and consistent. It’s about standing by your word and doing what you said you would do.

If you’re struggling with this, it might be time to take a closer look at your level of self-discipline. Remember, commitments are not just about others; they’re also promises you make to yourself.

8) You rely on motivation to get things done

Motivation is a great kick-starter. It gets you moving, fuels your enthusiasm, and propels you towards your goals.

But here’s the catch: Motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes, and if you solely rely on it to get things done, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

Self-discipline, on the other hand, is what keeps you going when motivation wanes. It’s the force that helps you stick to your plans, push through obstacles, and stay on course even when you don’t feel like it.

So if you’re always waiting for the ‘right mood’ or the ‘perfect moment’ to start or finish a task, it’s a sign that you lack self-discipline.

Embracing self-discipline

If you’ve read this far, it’s clear that you’re aware of the important role self-discipline and control play in our lives.

Self-discipline is not about punishing yourself or living a restrictive life. It’s about making choices that align with your long-term goals and values. It’s about taking control of your actions, your time, and ultimately, your life.

The renowned motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, once said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” This holds true in every aspect of our lives.

If you’ve identified with any of the signs mentioned in this article, don’t beat yourself up. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards improvement. And remember, self-discipline is like a muscle; it gets stronger with regular exercise.

So as you move forward, take some time to reflect on this: What part does self-discipline play in your life? Are there areas where you could be more disciplined? And most importantly, how can you start exercising your ‘self-discipline muscle’ to improve your life?

In the end, it’s not just about reaching our goals. It’s about becoming better versions of ourselves. And that’s where self-discipline truly shines.