Have you ever felt like there’s a remarkable future with your name on it, but somehow you keep stumbling over the same roadblocks? You’ve got big plans, stellar ideas, and a mind buzzing with potential—yet the path to success feels way harder than it should.
In my practice, I’ve worked with people who are talented, bright, and on the cusp of something extraordinary. But the difference between the ones who manage to achieve their dreams and those who keep spinning in circles often boils down to one trait: discipline. Without it, potential will remain locked up.
Today, I’d like to share five signs that you might have what it takes to soar—but your discipline needs a serious upgrade before you can fully take flight.
1) You talk a great game but don’t take action
For some of us, discussing big ideas is thrilling. We love the brainstorming stage, the excitement of a fresh project, or even the daydream of a long-term goal. Sometimes we’ll say, “I’m going to start a business,” “I’m writing a book,” or “I’m going back to school.”
Yet weeks roll into months, and we’re still talking. Does that strike a chord?
I’ve been in that spot more times than I can count. Long ago, before I wrote my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I spent a lot of time just telling friends about it. For a while, I was more in love with the idea of writing a book than actually doing the work.
It took a stern self-talk and a daily word-count routine to push me into real action. That’s how discipline is born—by turning daydreams into daily tasks.
If you notice that your plans only exist in conversation and rarely on paper or in actual steps, it’s a strong sign you need to tighten your discipline muscle. Discipline isn’t about squashing creativity; it’s the structure that helps your creativity become something tangible.
2) You’re always waiting for the ‘right time’
I often hear people say, “I’ll do it when I have more money,” or “I’ll start once I’m less busy.”
However, the truth is that life doesn’t usually present a perfect little window labeled “Now is ideal.” There’s always something that threatens to derail us—a family obligation, financial limitations, or even just plain old procrastination.
We tend to cling to the idea that our circumstances have to be flawless, but any small step taken now—imperfect as it may be—beats a perfect step never taken.
As Tony Robbins has famously said, “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” If you’re always putting off your goals until everything aligns perfectly, you’ll be in perpetual stand-by mode.
3) You set goals but don’t follow through
Maybe you’re actually someone who does set goals. You write them down, make them specific, and even stick them to your fridge or bedroom mirror.
But then, life happens. The plan to wake up at 6 AM for a run turns into hitting snooze three times. The strategy to finish an online course this month is derailed by Netflix binges. Sound familiar?
I’ve definitely had those moments, too.
During a particularly chaotic year, I set out to launch a relationship workshop for couples. I mapped out everything—topics, marketing, a timeline. But every day, I found an excuse to move the finish line.
It was only when I set a firm deadline and committed to a disciplined schedule—no matter how tired or unmotivated I felt—that the workshop finally became a reality.
4) You don’t keep track of your progress
Ever start something and then realize you have no clue whether you’re improving, stagnating, or sliding backward?
This can happen with a fitness plan, a new skill, or even a side hustle. We get super excited at the beginning—buy the gear, watch the tutorial, plan the schedule—but we never bother to measure our results along the way.
Tracking progress might sound like an extra chore, but it’s essential for cultivating discipline.
In my counseling sessions, I’ve found that clients who keep some sort of log—whether it’s journaling about their emotional growth or recording daily steps toward their career goals—are far more likely to stay motivated. Why? Because they have evidence of how far they’ve come, even if it’s just a little improvement each day.
Trust me, if you keep ignoring metrics—be they financial goals, word counts, or hours spent practicing—you’re operating in the dark. And that usually leads to falling off track.
5) You tend to multitask your way into distraction
This is a big one.
Being “busy” is not the same as being disciplined. In fact, too much busyness is often a sign of disorganization and a lack of focus.
I know this firsthand. I used to pride myself on being a multitasking pro—juggling emails, planning my counseling sessions, and writing blog posts all at once.
The end result? A lot of half-done tasks and too many “Let me get back to you on that” messages.
A simple trick that I personally love is setting a timer (some call it the Pomodoro technique). Commit to 20 or 25 minutes of uninterrupted work on a single task, then allow yourself a break. You’d be amazed at how quickly your discipline muscles strengthen when you practice single-tasking with set intervals.
Final thoughts
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, take it as a wake-up call. Potential without discipline tends to stay locked in your head, never quite making it to the real world.
Fortunately, discipline can be developed. It starts with honest self-reflection—admit where you’ve been slacking, set clear goals, track your progress, focus on one task at a time, and keep going even when things get uncomfortable.
And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. I’ve been there, and so have many of my clients.
So go ahead—pick one habit to tackle, one goal to finally bring to life, and one daily routine that keeps you accountable. The moment you commit to doing the work—even on days you don’t feel like it—is the moment your great potential begins to shine. And trust me, that feeling is worth every ounce of effort.
