Zodiacs With The Most To Least Self-Control, Ranked

How do you measure self-control? Is it stopping yourself from doing impulsive things, like reckless spending or over-eating? Does it mean holding back a dramatic display of emotions, no matter how infuriated or overwhelmed you feel? Regardless of how you define self-control, there are a few zodiacs that have it in spades. These star signs keep their cool during emergencies, stay stoic when they’re upset, and have so much discipline that they practically live by their calendars. Meanwhile, others can barely manage to stick to a schedule or keep from buying everything in their online shopping carts. So, which category do you fall into? Your star sign can give you a hint – here are all 12 zodiac signs, ranked from having the most self-control to the least. 

1. Capricorn

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure, authority, and karma. Thanks to Saturn’s fatherly influence, Capricorn is easily the most self-controlled and self-disciplined sign of the entire zodiac. People born under this ambitious zodiac sign can achieve whatever they set their minds to. They keep calm in a crisis, and they never let their emotions show on their face. If anything, they are a bit too rigid, and could use a little help letting go once in a while.

2. Virgo

Like Capricorn, Virgo is an earth sign, and earth signs are known for being steady, stable, and reliable. Virgo also rules the sixth house of the zodiac, which is the house of health, fitness, systems, organization, and work habits. This astrological combination means that Virgos thrive on routine and exert control and precision in everything they do. They take excellent care of their bodies and follow directions to the letter. The only area where they lack self-control is their language – Virgos are brutally honest, and their unfiltered opinions often slip out. 

3. Aquarius

This one may come as a surprise because Aquarians often come off as free-spirited and uninhibited. But make no mistake, they are almost as controlled and restrained as Capricorns. This is because Saturn, the planet of structure and authority, is also one of Aquarius’ ruling planets (the other is Uranus, the planet of individuality and innovation). While they mostly allow their authentic selves to show, Aquarians are also careful, guarded, composed, and disciplined. They just don’t place as much emphasis on these traits as their Saturnian cousin, Capricorn.

4. Scorpio

Scorpios know how to appear wild and carefree, but the truth is that every move they make is measured and controlled. This zodiac sign is always thinking and scheming, and they plan everything well in advance. They also like to control others – but they don’t necessarily want anyone to know it. They are like a puppet master, pulling strings from behind the curtain as they manipulate people into doing their bidding. Yes, Scorpios are masters of control in every aspect, including their own discipline and restrictions. 

5. Taurus

Taurus is a self-contradicting star sign – they are somehow among both the hardest-working and the laziest members of the zodiac. They are very ambitious and can achieve their goals when they set their minds to it. But they are also quite hedonistic, seeking comfort and pleasure whenever they can. It’s like they have a switch: when they turn it on, they are as self-disciplined and self-controlled as their fellow earth signs. But unlike Capricorn and Virgo, Taurus can flip the switch and let themselves rest, relax, and indulge to their heart’s content. 

6. Libra

As the sign of the scales, Libras strive for balance in everything they do, which is why Libra lands squarely in the middle of this list. Their mantra is “work hard, play hard,” leaving very little time for rest. Libras love to socialize and have fun, but they also know when to get down to business and put in the hard work. They are quite disciplined, but can also let go and have a good time. 

7. Leo

Fun-loving Leo is the life of the party and will do anything to put a smile on people’s faces. They have big hearts and are deeply passionate, so when they’re excited about something, they will exercise all their self-discipline to make it happen. They can be a bit vain and narcissistic, so the areas where they show the most self-control tend to revolve around their appearances, like diet, exercise, and maintaining regular beauty treatments. But most of the time, they just like to enjoy themselves, and they’re not too worried about holding anything back.

8. Pisces

Pisces people are genuinely free-spirited and whimsical, but thanks to their strong artistic vision, they can buckle down and get the job done when they really want to. If their task aligns with their spiritual goals, values, and beliefs, they will exercise every ounce of self-control they have to complete it. However, most of the time, they’re too busy daydreaming to focus on self-discipline. This zodiac sign is also prone to addiction issues, so self-control and restraint can be very challenging for them in particular areas. They need to find their passion and use it to fuel their purpose if they want self-control to win over self-indulgence.

9. Cancer

Cancers may show restraint when it comes to practical things like work, diet, and exercise, but the truth about this zodiac sign is they have no emotional self-control or regulation. As a water sign, they are deeply sensitive, and as the first water sign of the zodiac, they are spiritually “immature,” or haven’t yet learned how to harness their intense feelings. They are prone to outbursts or reckless behavior when their emotions get the best of them. There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable and showing others how you feel; it’s just that Cancers sometimes do it in explosive and inappropriate ways. They also struggle to stick to a schedule and often find themselves running late, no matter how hard they try to prepare. 

10. Gemini

Geminis are so thoughtful and energetic that their lack of self-discipline is surprising. But while they have a lot of big ideas, they lack the focus and self-control to make them happen. They are too easily distracted by the next shiny new goal, abandoning projects and leaving a trail of half-finished work in their wake. When you need someone to follow through on a project and get it done, Gemini is not the one. But if you’re looking for encouragement or help brainstorming, Geminis are perfect. 

11. Sagittarius 

As the “oldest” fire sign of the zodiac, Sagittarians possess plenty of passion, self-discipline, and willpower – but what they don’t have is commitment or self-control. They are always running late, putting their foot in their mouths, and over-indulging. They tend to do everything in excess – drinking, eating, talking, spending, etc. They love to live life to the fullest, which can be inspiring and exciting. It’s just not very practical when it comes to everyday concerns like cooking, cleaning, paying bills, etc., all of which require some level of self-control to get it done.

12. Aries

It’s not that Aries people don’t have any ambition or self-discipline – when they want something, they boldly pursue it, charging through any obstacle. But they have zero self-control, acting without thinking, blurting out every thought that pops into their heads, and making moves before considering the consequences. As the very first sign of the zodiac, Aries are the astrological “newborns” – they are energetic and eager, but have no inhibitions. And, as a fire sign, they are like a lit match – they start projects with excitement and enthusiasm, then burn out quickly when they don’t get immediate satisfaction.