Everyone aspires to be successful, but not everyone is able to turn their dreams into reality.

You might have a burning desire for success yet find yourself struggling to materialize your goals, unsure if you lack the necessary skills or if there’s a deeper issue at play.

Could it be that you lack the crucial trait that sets high achievers apart from mere dreamers?

Success isn’t just about talent or intelligence, it often boils down to self-discipline. 

After years of observing successful individuals and studying the habits of those who fall short of their ambitions, I have compiled a list of 10 behaviors typically displayed by people who want to be successful but lack self-discipline.

If these sound familiar, it might be time to start working on your discipline and determination.

1) Procrastination

The old saying “why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” may seem humorous, but it’s a serious roadblock on the path to success for those lacking self-discipline.

Procrastination is a common trait among people who have big dreams but struggle to translate those dreams into action. 

They often find themselves delaying tasks until the last minute, not out of a lack of time or resources, but due to an inability to muster the willpower to get started.

The problem with procrastination is that it creates a perpetual cycle of delay.

It’s easy to say you want to achieve something, but actually doing the work necessary is another story.

Tasks pile up, stress levels rise, and the actual work becomes even more daunting.

Procrastination is like being stuck in a car that’s running but never actually moves forward.

The desire for progress is there, but without the discipline to put the pedal to the metal, they remain firmly in place.

If you find that procrastination has become your default setting rather than an occasional slip-up, it might be a sign that you’re lacking in self-discipline. 

Remember success isn’t built on what we plan to do in the future, but on what we actually accomplish today.

Recognizing this habit is the first step towards overcoming it.

2) Avoiding discomfort

The path to success is rarely paved with roses. It often involves stepping out of comfort zones, facing fears, and enduring discomfort.

Those who lack self-discipline, however, tend to shy away from anything that feels uncomfortable or challenging.

They’d rather stay in their cozy bubble where everything is familiar and predictable, even if it means their dreams remain just that – dreams.

They choose immediate comfort over long-term gains, ignoring the fact that growth often sprouts from the soil of discomfort.

If you find yourself consistently choosing the easy path, avoiding challenges or difficult tasks, it might be a sign that you’re lacking in self-discipline.

Remember, success is often found just outside your comfort zone.

3) Lack of productivity 

It might seem a bit paradoxical, but being busy doesn’t always equate to being productive.

Those who want to be successful but lack self-discipline often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of activity, but when the dust settles, they realize they haven’t made any significant progress towards their goals.

They might be filling their day with tasks, ticking off things on their to-do list, but often these tasks are low priority or unrelated to their main objectives.

This behavior is a classic sign of lacking self-discipline.

They’re hustling and bustling but without a clear focus or prioritization, their efforts are dispersed and diluted.

If you find yourself constantly busy yet not moving closer to your goals, it might be time to reassess your priorities and cultivate the discipline to stay focused on what truly matters.

4) Lack of consistency

Success is not a one-time event but a result of consistent effort, day in and day out.

People who lack self-discipline often struggle with this aspect.

They may start a project or task with great enthusiasm, but their interest and effort wane as time passes.

 They find it hard to keep the momentum going, especially when they encounter challenges or when the initial excitement wears off.

They often find themselves breaking their routines for instant gratification or due to lack of willpower.

They sleep in instead of going for that morning jog or binge-watch a TV show instead of finishing their work.

Their life is often marked by a series of unfinished projects, broken promises, and unmet goals.

This lack of consistency is a clear signpost pointing towards a deficiency in self-discipline.

If you find yourself starting things but rarely finishing them, it might be time to work on developing the discipline required to stay the course, even when the going gets tough.

5) Lack of punctuality

Did you know that being constantly late is not just about time management, but also an indicator of a lack of self-discipline?

People who aspire to be successful but lack self-discipline often struggle with punctuality.

Whether it’s a work deadline, a social engagement, or even simple daily tasks, they find themselves frequently running behind schedule.

This behavior goes beyond mere disregard for time.

It reflects their struggle to discipline themselves to start tasks on time, to plan ahead, and to respect their own commitments as well as others’ time.

If you find yourself constantly racing against the clock, it might be a sign that your self-discipline needs some fine-tuning.

Remember, success and punctuality often go hand in hand.

6) Lack of motivation

Those who lack self-discipline are often the ones lacking motivation.

They’re on a never-ending quest for that magical spark that will propel them into action.

However, they fail to realize that motivation is not something you seek; it’s something you create.

And more importantly, it’s self-discipline that keeps you moving when the initial burst of motivation fades away.

They find themselves on a roller coaster ride of high productivity when they’re motivated and low productivity when they’re not.

If you’re always waiting for the right mood or the perfect moment to get started, it might be a sign that you’re lacking self-discipline.

Remember, success comes to those who act, not to those who wait.

7) Lack of focus

In this age of technology, distractions are just a click away.

For those lacking self-discipline, these distractions often turn into major roadblocks on their path to success.

People struggling with discipline often display a lack of focus in their lives.

They easily give in to distractions, like spending hours scrolling through social media, watching random videos, or indulging in other activities that offer instant gratification but contribute nothing towards their goals.

While everyone gets distracted at times, those lacking self-discipline struggle to regain their focus and fall prey to these time thieves more frequently.

If you find yourself constantly sidetracked by distractions and find it hard to refocus on your tasks, it might be a sign that you need to work on your self-discipline.

Remember, success requires focused effort, not scattered attention.

8) Lack of long-term planning

Success rarely comes overnight. It’s a result of long-term planning and consistent effort.

But for those lacking self-discipline, long-term planning can be a challenge.

People with low self-discipline often focus on immediate gratification rather than considering the long-term implications of their actions.

They might opt for an easy task that brings quick satisfaction over a more challenging one that could bring significant benefits in the future.

This lack of foresight can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation.

Successful people understand the importance of long-term planning and are disciplined enough to make decisions that may not be instantly rewarding but will pay off in the future.

So if you’re someone who struggles with looking beyond the present moment, it might be a sign that you need to work on your self-discipline.

9) Lack of perseverance 

Roadblocks, challenges, and setbacks – they’re all part of the journey to success.

However, for those lacking self-discipline, these obstacles can often lead to giving up prematurely. 

People with poor self-discipline might start a project with enthusiasm but abandon it at the first sign of difficulty.

Perseverance is not their strong suit and they frequently jump from one thing to another without seeing any of them through to completion.

Those struggling with self-discipline tend to lack the perseverance to keep going even when things get tough. 

This behavior not only hampers progress but also affects self-confidence.

After all, it’s hard to feel accomplished when you’re constantly leaving tasks unfinished.

So if you find yourself frequently giving up on your goals or projects, it could be a sign that you need to work on your self-discipline.

Remember, success is often about sticking with it, even when the going gets tough.

10) Lack of boundaries 

For a long time, I struggled with this one. I found it hard to turn down requests or opportunities, even when I knew I was already stretched thin.

This behavior stemmed from a desire to please others and fear of missing out.

However, I soon realized that by not saying no, I was spreading myself too thin and my performance in various areas started to suffer.

Moreover, I was sacrificing my own needs and priorities to cater to others.

Saying no requires self-discipline.

It’s about understanding your limits and prioritizing your time effectively.

If you find yourself always saying yes and feeling overwhelmed as a result, it might be time to practice a little self-discipline and start setting boundaries.

There’s a lot of power in a respectful and well-intentioned “no”.

Understanding the role of self-discipline in success

At this point, you might be reflecting on these behaviors and realizing that you identify with more than a few.

But don’t be disheartened.

Acknowledging these signs is the first step towards improving your self-discipline.

Self-discipline is like a muscle.

The more you use it, the stronger it gets. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress, however small.

It’s about developing habits and routines that move you closer to your goals, one step at a time.

Or in the words of Jim Rohn, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Many people misunderstand the concept of self-discipline.

They associate it with deprivation, hardship, and an austere lifestyle devoid of fun or relaxation.

But that’s not what self-discipline is about.

It’s about making choices that align with your long-term goals, even when they’re not the most appealing options in the short term.

It’s about choosing to wake up early to exercise, even though your bed feels incredibly comfortable.

It’s about deciding to save money for a future investment, even when you could spend it on instant pleasures.

It’s about choosing to work on a project that will advance your career, even when you could be binge-watching your favorite show.

Moreover, self-discipline doesn’t mean completely eliminating distractions or leisure activities from your life.

It’s about balance and knowing when to say yes and when to say no.

Remember, success isn’t an overnight phenomenon. It isn’t about sudden bursts of productivity or motivation.

It’s a journey marked by consistent efforts and small victories that add up over time. And self-discipline is the vehicle that fuels this journey.

So if you’ve recognized these behaviors in yourself, see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a cause for despair.

With conscious effort and commitment, you can cultivate self-discipline and steer your life towards the success you aspire to achieve.