8 unique habits of a low class man, according to psychology

Let's get something straight: "class" has nothing to do with your bank account.

I've met wealthy people who behave with zero dignity and warehouse workers who carry themselves with more grace than CEOs. The real distinction isn't about money or status – it's about habits, mindset, and how we show up in the world.

Psychology backs this up. Research consistently shows that certain behavioral patterns predict life outcomes far better than socioeconomic background. The habits we cultivate, not our circumstances, ultimately define who we become.

Today, we're diving into eight habits that hold people back from reaching their full potential. These aren't about judging anyone – trust me, I've exhibited most of these myself at various points. They're patterns psychologists have identified that keep us stuck in cycles of self-sabotage.

Ready to take an honest look in the mirror?

1. Constantly blaming others for your problems

Ever notice how some people have a villain for every chapter of their life story?

The boss who's out to get them. The ex who ruined everything. The system that's rigged against them. While external factors definitely impact our lives, there's a psychological phenomenon called "external locus of control" that keeps some people perpetually stuck.

When I worked in a warehouse shifting TVs after getting my psychology degree, I watched this play out daily. Some colleagues blamed management for everything – and yeah, management wasn't perfect. But the guys who took ownership of what they could control? They moved up or moved on to better things.

Psychologists have found that people with an external locus of control experience higher stress, lower job satisfaction, and poorer mental health outcomes. The habit of constant blame-shifting becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Taking responsibility doesn't mean accepting blame for everything. It means recognizing your power to influence outcomes, even when circumstances are tough.

2. Refusing to invest in personal growth

Here's a trap I see constantly: treating self-improvement like it's only for "those people" – the privileged, the lucky, the ones with time and money to spare.

But personal growth doesn't require a trust fund. It requires curiosity and effort.

Growing up in a working-class family, I watched my parents navigate financial challenges while still valuing education and growth. They didn't have much, but they had library cards. They asked questions. They learned from mistakes.

In my book [Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego](https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Buddhism-Maximum-Minimum-ebook/dp/B0BD15Q9WF), I explore how ancient wisdom traditions understood this principle: growth is about mindset, not resources.

The research is clear on this. Studies show that people who engage in continuous learning – whether through books, podcasts, or simply staying curious – have better career trajectories and life satisfaction, regardless of their starting point.

3. Living entirely in the short term

Quick question: What are you working toward that won't pay off until next year? Or five years from now?

If you can't answer that, you might be caught in what psychologists call "present bias" – the tendency to overvalue immediate rewards while undervaluing future benefits.

This isn't about delayed gratification for its own sake. It's about recognizing that meaningful achievements require sustained effort over time. Whether it's building skills, relationships, or financial security, the good stuff takes patience.

I've noticed this pattern repeatedly: people who can't tolerate short-term discomfort for long-term gain stay stuck in cycles of quick fixes and temporary solutions.

4. Maintaining toxic relationships out of convenience

You know that friend who only calls when they need something? The one who somehow makes every conversation about their drama?

We all know someone like this. But here's what psychology tells us: the people we spend time with literally shape our neural pathways. Their habits, attitudes, and behaviors become ours through a process called "behavioral contagion."

Staying in toxic relationships – whether romantic, platonic, or professional – isn't loyalty. It's self-sabotage. Research from Harvard's Grant Study, one of the longest-running studies on human development, found that relationship quality is the strongest predictor of happiness and health.

Yet many people stay connected to energy vampires because it feels easier than setting boundaries or being alone. This habit keeps you operating at the lowest common denominator.

5. Speaking without thinking

Have you ever met someone who treats every thought like it deserves immediate broadcast?

Impulsive communication isn't just annoying – it's professionally and personally destructive. Psychologists link poor impulse control in speech to lower emotional intelligence, damaged relationships, and limited career advancement.

The ability to pause, consider impact, and choose words carefully is what researchers call "cognitive control." It's not about being fake or censoring yourself. It's about recognizing that words have power and using that power intentionally.

I learned this the hard way in my twenties. Running Hackspirit.com taught me that one poorly thought-out response could damage relationships I'd spent years building. The habit of thoughtful communication is like compound interest – small improvements yield massive returns over time.

6. Avoiding uncomfortable truths about yourself

What's the one thing about yourself you really don't want to examine?

That's probably exactly where you need to look.

Self-deception is one of the most limiting habits humans possess. Psychologists call this "cognitive dissonance" – the discomfort we feel when our actions don't match our self-image. Instead of changing the behavior, we often change the story we tell ourselves.

In studying Buddhism and writing [Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego](https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Buddhism-Maximum-Minimum-ebook/dp/B0BD15Q9WF), I've learned that genuine growth requires radical honesty with ourselves. Not brutal self-criticism, but clear-eyed acknowledgment of our patterns and tendencies.

The research supports this. Studies show that accurate self-assessment correlates with better decision-making, stronger relationships, and greater professional success.

7. Treating respect as optional

Ever notice how someone treats service workers? That tells you everything.

Selective respect – being polite to those who can benefit you while dismissing those who can't – is a habit that reveals character. Psychologists have identified this as a key marker of what they call "interpersonal exploitation."

Growing up in a working-class family taught me that dignity isn't determined by job title. Later, shifting TVs in that warehouse reinforced this lesson from the other side. The people who treated everyone with basic respect, regardless of position, were the ones who built genuine connections and opportunities.

Research on social capital shows that people who practice consistent respect across all interactions build stronger networks and achieve better outcomes than those who practice selective courtesy.

8. Making excuses instead of making changes

"I would exercise, but..."
"I'd learn that skill, but..."
"I'd leave this situation, but..."

We all have our "buts." The question is whether they run our lives.

Chronic excuse-making is what psychologists call "self-handicapping" – creating obstacles to protect our ego from potential failure. It feels safer to have a reason why we didn't try than to try and possibly fail.

But here's what the research shows: people who habitually make excuses experience lower self-esteem, reduced motivation, and poorer performance across all life domains. The excuse becomes the cage.

Final words

These habits aren't about class in the traditional sense. They're about the patterns that keep us playing small, regardless of our circumstances.

I've exhibited every single one of these habits at some point. The difference isn't perfection – it's awareness and willingness to change.

The beautiful thing about habits is that they're just patterns, and patterns can be broken. Every moment offers a chance to choose differently. To take responsibility instead of assigning blame. To invest in growth instead of staying comfortable. To speak thoughtfully instead of impulsively.

Class, in its truest sense, is about how we show up in the world. It's about the habits we choose to cultivate and the ones we choose to leave behind.

Which pattern will you start changing today?