We all have those days when we can’t seem to get anything done, but some people struggle with discipline more consistently than others.

If you’ve ever wondered why someone can’t quite seem to get their act together, there might be some telltale signs of a lack of discipline at play.

Here are eight signs that a man might be struggling with self-discipline

1) Procrastination

Procrastination is often the first sign of a lack of discipline.

Psychology tells us that procrastination is not just about being lazy or disorganized, but about avoiding tasks that cause discomfort or stress.

A disciplined person, however, knows how to manage these feelings and get the job done despite them.

They don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’ to start a task. They roll their sleeves up and dive right in.

Procrastination is more than just a bad habit. It’s a roadblock on the path to success.

2) Poor health habits

Let me share a personal example to illustrate this next point.

A few years back, I had a friend, let’s call him Jake. Jake loved to socialize and was the life of every party. But his lifestyle choices were far from healthy.

He would often stay up until the wee hours of the morning, subsisting on junk food, and neglecting exercise completely.

Despite multiple attempts to encourage him to adopt healthier habits, Jake always had an excuse ready.

Psychology tells us that discipline plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. It requires discipline to follow a balanced diet, commit to regular exercise, and ensure adequate sleep.

Jake’s disregard for his health was a clear sign of his lack of discipline. He always chose immediate gratification over long-term benefits, a trait common amongst those with low discipline.

3) Inability to meet deadlines

One key characteristic of a disciplined person is their ability to meet deadlines consistently.

Now, here’s something you might not know: A study found a strong correlation between discipline and punctuality.

The research suggested that people who consistently meet deadlines are more likely to be disciplined in other aspects of their lives as well.

When a man frequently misses deadlines or is constantly late for appointments, it’s a sign that he may lack discipline.

Discipline is about managing your time efficiently and making the most out of every moment.

So, if you’re always racing against the clock, it might be time to take a closer look at your self-discipline.

4) Difficulty maintaining relationships

Discipline isn’t just about work and personal habits, it also plays a significant role in our relationships.

Maintaining a healthy relationship requires effort, understanding, and yes, discipline. You need to be disciplined enough to respect boundaries, devote time, and maintain open communication.

When a man struggles to maintain stable relationships or frequently jumps from one relationship to another, it could be a sign of a lack of discipline.

This struggle might manifest as an inability to commit or constantly avoiding difficult conversations.

5) Neglecting personal growth

Personal growth is a journey, one that requires a great deal of discipline.

It’s about making time for self-reflection, learning new things, and stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s about setting personal goals and then having the discipline to pursue them.

When a man neglects his personal growth, it’s often a sign of a lack of discipline.

Maybe he’s stuck in a job he doesn’t like but does nothing to change his situation. Or perhaps he talks about wanting to learn a new skill, yet never seems to find the time.

Life is full of opportunities for growth, but it takes discipline to seize them.

If you’re not growing, you’re standing still. And standing still is often a sign of a lack of discipline. 

6) Disorganized living spaces

I remember a time when my life was in chaos. The clutter in my home was a physical manifestation of the turmoil within me.

My workspace was messy, my home disheveled, and it seemed like I was always losing or misplacing things.

Order and cleanliness require discipline and making the effort to clean up after yourself, to organize your belongings, and to maintain a tidy living environment.

A man who lives in constant disarray, with a home or workspace that’s always in a state of chaos, may very well be lacking discipline.

Your external environment often reflects your internal state. If you’re surrounded by chaos, it might be time to take a closer look at your discipline levels.

7) Financial Instability

Financial discipline is a crucial life skill, yet one that often gets overlooked.

It’s about making smart financial decisions, sticking to a budget, and saving for the future.

It requires discipline to resist impulsive purchases and to live within your means.

When someone constantly struggles with money, always living paycheck to paycheck, or accumulating debt, it could indicate a lack of discipline.

Financial stability doesn’t come from earning more, it comes from managing better what you have. 

8) Lack of self-control

The most telling sign of a lack of discipline is a lack of self-control.

Self-control is about resisting temptations and making decisions that align with your long-term goals, even when it’s difficult.

It’s about choosing the salad over the burger, going to the gym instead of sleeping in, or working on a project instead of watching TV.

Final thought

According to renowned psychologist Albert Bandura, self-discipline is an acquired skill, not an innate trait.

It’s something that can be learned and honed over time. This gives room for hope, no matter where you find yourself on this journey.

The truth is, we all encounter moments of weakness and lack of discipline. The key is to recognize these moments for what they are – opportunities for growth and improvement.

When you see these signs of a lack of discipline, don’t despair. Instead, view them as a call to action, an invitation to embark on the journey towards self-improvement.