Have you ever looked at someone who seems perpetually stuck and wondered what’s really holding them back?
I’ve seen it time and time again—some guys never seem to make progress, no matter how many doors open for them.
Sometimes, the obstacles aren’t external at all.
They’re daily habits and mindsets that keep a person spinning in place.
In my own experience, both running startups and working alongside business founders, I’ve observed a handful of recurring patterns that often lead straight to stagnation.
Let’s explore seven of those habits, so you can avoid them—or catch yourself early if any ring a bell.
1. They blame everyone else
I’ve met too many guys who point the finger everywhere except themselves.
Bosses, coworkers, the economy, family—you name it, it’s their fault.
This blame-game attitude might feel comforting (after all, if it’s never your fault, you don’t have to change), but it’s a surefire way to remain stuck.
As James Clear has noted, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
When your “system” is to deflect responsibility, you rob yourself of the power to fix what’s broken.
Because if it’s always someone else’s doing, there’s nothing you can do differently, right?
Shifting to a mindset of ownership is a game-changer.
When you take responsibility—even for circumstances that aren’t entirely your fault—you shift from helpless victim to active problem-solver.
It doesn’t mean you blame yourself needlessly; it just means you’re willing to ask, “What can I do about this?” instead of waiting for the world to rearrange itself for you.
2. They cling to their comfort zone
Plenty of men stay stuck because they’re terrified to leave the bubble of what’s familiar.
I remember talking to a friend who’d been in the same low-paying job for years. Every time I suggested a better role or extra training, he’d shrug and say, “But what if I fail?”
The result? He never moved forward.
He was more comfortable with the devil he knew than the possibility of bigger, better things.
Staying in your comfort zone might feel safe, but it lets external forces dictate your path.
Real growth happens when you decide to get a bit uncomfortable, whether that’s speaking up in meetings, learning a new skill, or starting that side project you’ve secretly been daydreaming about.
As Tony Robbins wrote, “Pushing your boundaries can make you more productive, more adaptable and more creative. As you push your personal boundaries, you train your brain to adapt to new situations and create new neural pathways that make you a better problem-solver, decision-maker and leader.”
3. They fear failure more than they value progress
We’ve all failed at something.
But for some men, the fear of failing again is so crippling that they never try in the first place.
They’d rather do nothing than risk being mocked or ridiculed if things don’t go perfectly.
Thing is, every success story I’ve seen—whether in tech, entrepreneurship, or relationships—involves failing multiple times.
As Tim Ferriss once said, “Conditions are never perfect. ‘Someday’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.”
One of my friends launched a startup that flopped spectacularly. Rather than disappear into a hole of shame, he dusted himself off, analyzed what went wrong, and tried again.
By the time he launched his second venture, he already knew the pitfalls to avoid.
Failure can be the best teacher if you’re willing to listen. If you let that fear freeze you, you’ll never learn the lessons that come with rolling the dice.
4. They chase instant gratification
Have you met guys who pour their free hours into binge-watching, endless scrolling, or partying every weekend, yet complain they have no time to improve their situation?
They might say they want a thriving career, but they’re not willing to skip a weekend out or sacrifice a few Netflix marathons to make it happen.
I’m not saying life should be all work, no fun.
But if you constantly choose short-term pleasures over long-term gains, you’ll rarely see forward momentum.
Even Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner, has emphasized the power of delayed gratification in building wealth and success.
Think about it: every time you trade practicing a new skill, networking, or reading something that expands your mind for another round of guilty-pleasure TV, you push your goals further away.
Balance is key, of course. You certainly need – and deserve – to have fun.
But if all your time goes to fleeting kicks, there won’t be much left for the habits that build the future you claim you want.
5. They ignore feedback
I’ve mentioned this before in previous posts, but it’s worth repeating: ignoring honest feedback can tank your progress in record time.
When multiple people in your life suggest you might need to work on communication skills or point out a pattern of self-sabotage, that’s usually a clue to look in the mirror.
Yet, many men refuse to consider the possibility that they might be the common denominator in their problems.
Don’t get me wrong—criticism can sting.
But if you see feedback as a personal attack rather than a tool for growth, you shut down the very insights that could propel you forward.
I’m a big believer in finding a mentor or coach who gives it to you straight, no sugarcoating.
It might feel uncomfortable, but sometimes uncomfortable truths are exactly what we need.
6. They talk more than they act
Ever met someone who has a brilliant business idea every week but never takes a single step to execute?
They talk about moving to a new city, starting a new career, getting in shape… and yet, month after month, nothing changes.
Action is what separates the dreamers from the doers.
It’s easy to get stuck in planning mode, constantly brainstorming or “researching,” because action involves real risk.
Plans can’t fail if they stay in your head.
But as Ray Dalio says in Principles, “Dreams + reality + determination = a successful life.”
That middle part—facing reality—is crucial.
Reality often demands we fail a bit, pivot, try again, and keep showing up.
When you see a gap between your words and your actions, that’s a sign you’re likely staying in the realm of ideas.
If you truly want to move forward, you have to step out of the theoretical and into the practical, messy, unpredictable world of actually doing things.
7. They refuse to invest in themselves
Finally, there’s a habit that’s subtle but deadly: they don’t invest in personal growth.
They avoid reading books or taking courses.
They spend money on temporary thrills but see zero value in a workshop or a conference pass.
They’d rather remain ignorant about topics that could benefit them financially or professionally.
Warren Buffett famously said, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”
It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Even reading a solid business book or taking an online tutorial can open doors you never imagined.
But if you’re always cutting corners on self-improvement—telling yourself you don’t have time or money for it—don’t be surprised if you stay exactly where you are.
Wrapping up
These seven habits are like anchors that keep men stuck in place, never really moving forward no matter how much they claim they want to.
The good news?
Habits can be changed.
It’s not always comfortable, and it sure isn’t easy, but a little self-awareness and a willingness to try new approaches can make all the difference.
If you catch yourself falling into any of these patterns, don’t beat yourself up. Just take one step, however small, to shift away from it.
Small, consistent changes can lead to huge transformations over time.
Until next time, friends.
