There’s a stark contrast between having discipline and self-control and simply going through the motions.

The difference boils down to routine. A life lacking discipline often involves repeatedly doing things that might feel good in the moment but aren’t helpful in the long run.

Meanwhile, a life filled with self-control is about making conscious decisions every day, even when they’re tough or inconvenient.

The tricky part is, you might not even realize your daily habits are signs of lacking discipline and self-control. But don’t worry – I’m here to shine a light on them.

Below, you’ll find nine daily habits that could indicate you’re struggling with discipline and self-control. If you recognize these in your daily routine, it might be time for a change.

1) Procrastination is your middle name

We’ve all been there – that task you just can’t seem to start, that project you keep putting off until tomorrow.

Welcome to the world of procrastination.

Procrastination is like a bad habit that you know is harmful, yet you find yourself falling into its trap time and again. It’s one of the biggest indicators of a lack of self-discipline and control.

Think about it this way – it’s like willingly choosing to climb a mountain when there’s a perfectly good path around it. Sure, you might feel a momentary thrill, but in the long run, it’s going to exhaust you and slow down your progress.

The key here is not to view tasks as burdens but as necessary steps towards achieving your goals. And if you find yourself constantly pushing tasks to the next day, it might be time to reassess your habits and work on building discipline.

2) You’re always running on “empty”

There’s a personal habit I used to struggle with that perfectly illustrates a lack of discipline and self-control: neglecting my health, particularly my sleep.

For years, I prided myself on being able to function on minimal sleep. I’d burn the candle at both ends, staying up late to finish work and then getting up early to start the day.

I saw it as a sign of dedication, of my ability to push through. But in reality, it was a glaring sign of lack of self-discipline.

Discipline isn’t just about pushing yourself to do more work; it’s about taking care of your basic needs too. It’s about knowing when to stop, when to rest, and when to recharge.

If you, like me, often find yourself running on empty, neglecting your health for the sake of getting more done, that’s a clear sign of lack of discipline and self-control. And trust me, it’s not a sustainable way to live.

3) Your workspace is a disaster zone

Have you ever noticed that your workspace tends to reflect your state of mind? A cluttered desk can often indicate a cluttered mind, and research backs this up.

In a study conducted by Princeton University, researchers found that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.

A messy workspace isn’t just about being disorganized; it’s also a sign of lack of discipline and self control. After all, keeping your space clean requires regular effort, a commitment to putting things back where they belong, and the self-control to not let mess build up in the first place.

The bottom line is: if your desk is buried under piles of paper, or your office is more chaotic than calm, it might be time to roll up your sleeves and do some tidying. Not only will it make your space more pleasant to work in, but it might also help clear your mind and improve your focus.

4) You’re easily distracted

In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere – from the pings of social media notifications to the allure of just one more episode on Netflix.

Having a tendency to get easily distracted is another sign of lacking discipline and self-control. It shows a struggle to focus on the task at hand and to resist the pull of immediate gratification.

If you find yourself constantly checking your phone while working, or if your attention drifts at the slightest distraction, it might be time to put some measures in place to limit these distractions and cultivate more discipline.

Keep in mind that discipline is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So start small, and with time, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your ability to stay focused.

5) You’re always late

We all know someone who is perpetually late. Maybe that person is you.

Being consistently late isn’t just about poor time management, it’s a sign of lack of discipline and self-control. It shows a disregard for other people’s time and an inability to stick to a schedule.

When you commit to a time, it’s important to follow through. This requires discipline in planning your schedule and self-control in avoiding distractions that could make you late.

If you’re always rushing, constantly apologizing for being late, or find yourself making excuses for your tardiness, it might be time to take a hard look at your habits and start working on your punctuality.

6) You constantly break promises to yourself

One of the most heartbreaking signs of lacking self-discipline and control is when we constantly break promises to ourselves.

Whether it’s skipping the gym after promising to work out, eating junk food after committing to a healthy diet, or putting off tasks we promised ourselves we’d complete – each broken promise chips away at our self-confidence and trust in ourselves.

Having discipline is about more than just keeping promises to others. It’s about being true to yourself and sticking to your commitments, no matter how small they may seem.

Every time you follow through on a promise you make to yourself, you’re building a stronger foundation of discipline and self-control. And with each kept promise, you’re also building self-esteem and confidence in your abilities.

7) You struggle with impulse control

There was a time when I couldn’t resist the lure of online shopping. The thrill of a new purchase, the anticipation of its arrival – it was a high I craved. But it was also a clear indication of my lack of discipline and self-control.

Impulse control is all about resisting immediate gratification for long-term benefits. It’s about choosing to save money instead of spending it on unnecessary purchases, choosing to eat healthy instead of indulging in junk food, or choosing to work on a project instead of watching TV.

If you find yourself regularly giving in to impulses, especially ones that lead to unhealthy or unproductive behavior, it’s a sign that your self-discipline and control could use some work.

The good news? Self-control is a skill that can be developed over time. It starts with recognizing your impulses and then actively choosing to act in a way that aligns with your long-term goals. And trust me, the payoff is worth it.

8) You’re reactive, rather than proactive

There’s a big difference between being reactive and being proactive. Reactive individuals often let circumstances dictate their actions, while proactive individuals take control and make things happen.

If you constantly find yourself reacting to situations rather than planning ahead, it’s a sign of lack of discipline and self-control. It shows an inability to anticipate problems and plan for the future.

Being proactive requires discipline in setting goals, creating plans, and taking consistent action. It also requires self-control to stick to those plans even when challenges arise.

Therefore, if you’re always putting out fires instead of preventing them or feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up, it’s time to start developing more proactive habits.

9) You lack a consistent routine

Having a consistent daily routine is one of the best indicators of discipline and self-control. It’s a structure that guides your day, a framework that ensures you make the most of your time.

Without a routine, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, to lose track of time, to let important tasks slip through the cracks. It’s easy to become reactive instead of proactive, to let circumstances dictate your actions.

For those who lack a consistent daily routine, it’s time to create one. And remember – a routine isn’t about restricting your freedom; it’s about creating structure in your life so you can achieve your goals and live the life you want.

Final thoughts: It’s about growth

One of the most fascinating areas is the realm of self-discipline and control. The ability to regulate our actions, to choose long-term benefits over immediate gratification, is at the core of personal development and success.

If you identified with the habits mentioned above, remember this: recognizing a problem is the first step towards solving it.

Self-discipline and control are not inherent traits; they are skills that can be learned and honed over time. Just like a muscle, the more you exercise them, the stronger they become.

Therefore, don’t be too hard on yourself. Change takes time.