Chapter 4. The Five Hindrances that Impede Success

Hindrances are mental states that impede success. They get in the way of you realizing your full potential and experiencing fulfillment, and they cause great suffering. There are numerous hindrances, but the five most applicable to our topic are

  1. Attachment

  2. Aversion

  3. Ignorance, confusion, and delusion

  4. Envy and jealousy

  5. Pride

In the descriptions below you'll see how these get in the way of making good decisions, exhibiting good judgment with your money, and experiencing fulfillment in your life.

It's important not to judge yourself negatively if you recognize that you're experiencing, or have experienced, any (or all) of these hindrances. They're simply part of being human. Everyone experiences them in some form or other during their life. Sometimes all the hindrances may be evident at the same time, and at other times you'll be aware of only one or two.

They ebb and flow and can be very intense or barely perceptible. Keep in mind that they're only problematic when they manifest in a dysfunctional way in your life. If they begin to drive your behaviour and cloud your focus, clarity, and equanimity (or acceptance of what's arising in your sensory experience—Feel/Image/Talk), then you may need to address them and re-examine your priorities (more on how to do this later in the chapter).

THE HINDRANCES

Attachment

Attachment refers to the unrelenting drive to acquire and the inability to let go. This can apply to material goods, position, status, ...

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