8 subtle behaviors of men who have very little discipline and self-control

Any successful person will tell you that the key to success lies in maintaining discipline and self-control.

These qualities are fundamental for steering steadily towards one’s goals. Without discipline and self-control, it’s hard to make wise choices and follow through on commitments.  

But how can you tell if a man lacks these essential traits? It’s often not as obvious as you might think.

Today, let’s talk about that. Here are 8 subtle behaviors of men who find it challenging to harness discipline and keep their impulses in check.

1) Procrastination

One of the most subtle signs of a lack of discipline and self-control in men is procrastination.

We’ve all been there. There’s a task or a responsibility that needs to be done, but instead of tackling it head-on, we find ourselves delaying it, often for no valid reason.

Procrastination is a common struggle, but it’s particularly telling in men who lack discipline and self-control. They tend to put off tasks, especially those that require effort or discomfort, despite knowing the negative consequences of not doing them.

It’s more than just laziness. It’s an inability to regulate impulses and make rational decisions that prioritize long-term benefits over immediate gratification.

Procrastination is a silent productivity killer, and it’s one of the first behaviors you’ll notice in men who struggle with self-control.

2) Poor time management

Another subtle but clear sign of a lack of discipline and self-control is poor time management.

Men who struggle with self-control often find it hard to manage their time effectively. They might be constantly late, miss deadlines, or struggle with maintaining a regular schedule.

They might also spend an excessive amount of time on activities that offer immediate pleasure, such as video games or social media, at the expense of more important tasks. This behavior shows a difficulty in prioritizing tasks and resisting distractions.

Ineffective time management not only affects productivity but also relationships and overall quality of life. It’s a clear indicator of a lack of discipline and an area that needs improvement for better self-control.

3) Neglecting physical health

Another thing I’ve noticed is that men who lack self-control often disregard their physical well-being.

They might skip workouts, eat unhealthy foods frequently, or neglect regular health check-ups. While everyone has off days, a consistent pattern of neglecting physical health points to a lack of discipline.

Maintaining good physical health requires discipline to make the right choices, like choosing a salad over a burger or going for a run instead of watching TV. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary for long-term health and well-being.

In my experience, men who struggle with self-control often overlook this aspect of their life, leading to potential health problems down the line.

4) Lack of mental toughness

Mental toughness is a trait I’ve always admired. It’s the ability to maintain focus and determination in challenging situations, and it’s a key factor in self-control and discipline.

Often, men who lack self-control demonstrate a lack of mental toughness. They may easily succumb to pressure, give up when faced with challenges, or struggle to bounce back from failures.

In my own journey towards developing self-control and discipline, I’ve found that cultivating mental toughness is pivotal. It’s not just about gritting your teeth and bearing it; it’s about building resilience, managing stress, and maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of adversity.

I discuss this in more detail in my book The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness. It’s a practical guide that provides actionable strategies to help you build mental toughness and enhance your discipline and self-control.

Men lacking in discipline often show signs of limited mental toughness. Recognizing this can be the first step towards making positive changes.

5) Overconfidence

This might seem counter-intuitive, but overconfidence can be a subtle sign of a lack of discipline and self-control.

Overconfident men often underestimate the effort and discipline required to achieve their goals. They may rush into decisions without thinking them through or take on more than they can handle, believing they can wing it.

While confidence is certainly a positive trait, overconfidence can lead to poor judgment and impulsive actions. It bypasses the need for self-control and discipline, often resulting in avoidable mistakes and failures.

So, if you notice a man who seems excessively confident without much to show for it, it could be a sign of underlying issues with discipline and self-control.

6) Lack of consistency

Consistency is a fundamental aspect of discipline and self-control. It’s about sticking to your commitments and maintaining good habits, even when it’s not convenient or exciting.

Men who lack discipline often struggle with consistency. They might start a project with enthusiasm, only to lose interest halfway through. Or they may commit to a healthy habit, like daily exercise or a balanced diet, but give up after a few days or weeks.

This inconsistent behavior reveals an inability to follow through on commitments, which is a clear sign of poor self-control. It’s one thing to start a new endeavor; it’s another to consistently see it through to the end.

7) Impulsive spending

I’ve seen it among friends and acquaintances: men who have a habit of impulsive spending often lack discipline and self-control.

It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of a new purchase. But when it becomes a pattern, it’s a clear sign of a lack of self-control. These men often make purchases on a whim, without considering the consequences or the impact on their financial health.

As someone who values financial stability, I believe that disciplined spending is crucial. It requires the ability to resist immediate gratification and make thoughtful decisions about where your money goes.

Impulsive spending might offer immediate satisfaction, but in the long run, it can lead to financial stress and insecurity. It’s a subtle behavior that speaks volumes about a man’s level of discipline and self-control.

8) Difficulty handling criticism

Accepting and learning from criticism is a sign of discipline and emotional control.

On the other hand, men who struggle with self-control often have difficulty handling criticism. They may react defensively, deny their mistakes, or even lash out at the person giving the feedback.

Taking criticism constructively requires discipline to control initial emotional reactions and self-control to objectively evaluate the feedback.

If a man consistently reacts poorly to criticism, it indicates a problem with self-control and discipline. It may be subtle, but it’s a behavior that can impact personal growth and relationships.

Recognizing these subtle signs is the first step towards building discipline and self-control. It’s not always easy, and it requires a commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.

However, by acknowledging these behaviors, you can start making meaningful changes. Discipline and self-control are not inherent traits but skills that can be developed with time and effort.

If you’re looking for guidance on this journey, I encourage you to check out my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness. It’s filled with practical strategies to help you cultivate discipline, enhance your self-control, and build mental toughness.

Remember, it’s the subtle changes that often make the most significant impact. Here’s to taking control of your life!