Discipline and self-control are often seen as key ingredients for success and personal growth. But for some people, these traits can feel out of reach, leading to habits that hold them back in life.
Psychology tells us that a lack of discipline doesn’t just happen—it’s usually tied to specific behaviors and thought patterns that reinforce the cycle.
In this article, we’ll uncover 10 habits commonly found in people who struggle with self-control. By recognizing these patterns, you can take the first step toward breaking free and building habits that lead to a more focused and fulfilling life.
Let’s get started.
1) Highly reactive
People lacking discipline and self-control tend to be highly reactive.
You see, psychology tells us that individuals who exhibit low levels of self-control often respond impulsively to their environment. Instead of taking a moment to think and assess the situation, they react immediately.
It’s like they’re on autopilot, responding to whatever stimuli come their way without any thoughtful consideration.
The problem with this? It’s that reacting without thinking often leads to decisions that aren’t in their best interest. It may provide temporary relief or satisfaction, but in the long run, it can cause significant problems.
If you want to improve your discipline and self-control, it’s essential to break this habit of being highly reactive. Practice being more mindful and thoughtful in your responses. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
2) Procrastination masters
Ah, procrastination – an old foe of mine. People lacking discipline and self-control are often masters of this art.
I remember back in college, I had a roommate who was the epitome of a procrastinator. Assignments that were given weeks in advance would be hastily completed the night before. Studying for exams was always a last-minute ordeal.
This habit is closely tied to lack of self-control and discipline. Instead of tackling tasks head-on, they’re pushed aside for “later” – which often means at the last possible moment, with much stress involved.
As someone who’s been there, done that, I can tell you this: Procrastination might seem like a good idea in the moment, but it only leads to unnecessary stress and subpar performance.
3) Inconsistent sleeping patterns
People with low self-control and discipline often have inconsistent sleeping patterns. One night, they might be up till 3 am scrolling through social media, and the next, they might hit the hay at 10 pm out of sheer exhaustion.
There’s a significant association between irregular sleep patterns and lower self-control. The research suggests that lack of regular sleep might impair an individual’s ability to control their behavior and emotions.
If you’re looking to improve your discipline and self-control, getting your sleep schedule on track might be a good place to start.
4) Difficulty in setting and reaching goals
Setting goals is one thing, but reaching them is a whole different story, especially for those with low discipline and self-control.
They might start with high enthusiasm, setting ambitious goals for themselves. But as soon as the initial excitement wears off, they struggle to maintain the momentum. Their goals often end up being abandoned halfway or not even started at all.
This lack of follow-through is a telltale sign of low self-control and discipline. Those who possess these qualities understand the value of consistency and persistence in achieving their goals, no matter how big or small they might be.
5) Easily swayed by emotions
People with low discipline and self-control often let their emotions dictate their actions. They can be easily swayed by how they feel in the moment, leading to impulsive decisions that they might regret later.
Whether it’s anger, frustration, sadness, or even extreme joy, their emotions hold the steering wheel of their behavior. This can lead to erratic actions and inconsistent results.
Being able to manage and control your emotions, rather than letting them control you, is a key aspect of having self-discipline and control. It’s about understanding your feelings and responding to them in a constructive manner.
6) Struggle with self-care
One of the most heartbreaking habits I’ve noticed in people lacking discipline and self-control is their struggle with self-care.
These individuals often put their own well-being on the back burner. They might neglect their nutrition, physical activity, or mental health, focusing instead on immediate gratifications or other people’s demands.
Self-discipline isn’t just about doing the hard work or sticking to your goals. It’s also about taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally. Because at the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anything else.
7) Difficulty saying no
Saying “no” can be incredibly challenging, especially for people with low self-control and discipline. Trust me, I’ve been there.
In my earlier years, I struggled with setting boundaries. Whether it was taking on extra tasks at work or agreeing to social engagements I didn’t really want to attend, I found it hard to say no.
This often led to overcommitment, stress, and a lack of time for my own needs and goals. It wasn’t until I recognized the importance of setting boundaries and learned to say no that I was able to regain control over my time and life.
It’s okay to say no. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care. And it’s a crucial element of self-control and discipline.
8) Often over-ambitious
Here’s something you might not expect. People with low self-control and discipline often bite off more than they can chew. They set overly ambitious goals or take on too many tasks at once.
While ambition is generally a positive trait, when it’s not matched with the necessary discipline and self-control, it can lead to disappointment and burnout.
The key is to find a balance. Set challenging yet achievable goals, and take on tasks incrementally, rather than all at once. This way, you’re more likely to stay motivated and see your endeavors through to the end.
9) Tendency to blame others
A common habit among those lacking self-control and discipline is the inclination to shift the blame onto others. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they tend to point fingers, blaming external factors for their shortcomings or failures.
This habit can be detrimental as it can prevent personal growth and development. Accepting responsibility for our actions is a crucial aspect of self-discipline and control. It’s the first step towards recognizing our mistakes, learning from them, and making necessary changes to improve ourselves.
10) Lack of a regular routine
Above all, the most common habit I’ve observed in people with the least amount of discipline and self-control is the lack of a regular routine. They often live their lives haphazardly, with no set schedule or plan.
Having a routine can be incredibly beneficial. It brings structure to our lives, keeps us focused, and reduces the need for constant decision-making, which can be mentally exhausting.
If there’s one thing you should know about self-discipline and control, it’s this: Embrace routine. It might seem boring or restrictive at first, but it’s one of the most effective steps towards developing discipline and self-control.
