The Five Hurdles to Happiness: Summary Review
What if the biggest barriers to your happiness weren’t outside forces, but hidden hurdles you carry within yourself? In The Five Hurdles to Happiness: And the Mindful Path to Overcoming Them, Mitch Abblett invites readers into an eye-opening exploration of how we unconsciously block our own joy—and how mindfulness can help us clear the path.
What is the Book About?
The Five Hurdles to Happiness is a thoughtful guide that unpacks the internal obstacles that often prevent us from experiencing true contentment. Mitch Abblett identifies five mental and emotional hurdles—desire, aversion, sloth, restlessness, and doubt—that act like invisible walls separating us from a more fulfilled life. Drawing from Buddhist psychology and practical mindfulness techniques, he offers a step-by-step approach to recognizing, understanding, and overcoming these hurdles, not by battling against them, but by wisely working with them.
Rather than promising a quick fix or overnight transformation, the book emphasizes an ongoing, compassionate journey toward happiness. Abblett teaches that facing our internal struggles with mindful attention not only diffuses their power but also turns them into stepping stones toward personal growth. His message is simple yet profound: happiness isn’t about changing your circumstances—it’s about changing your relationship to the hurdles you inevitably face.
Book Details
Print length: 271 pages
Language: English
Publication date: August 7, 2018
Genre: Self-help / Personal Development
Book Author
Core Theme
At the heart of The Five Hurdles to Happiness is the recognition that happiness is not something to chase but something to uncover by seeing through the illusions our minds create. Mitch Abblett explains that the five hurdles—desire, aversion, sloth, restlessness, and doubt—are not enemies to defeat but parts of the human experience to compassionately understand. Through mindfulness and intentional awareness, we can see these hurdles for what they are: habits of the mind that we can skillfully work with rather than be controlled by.
Abblett’s philosophy leans heavily into Buddhist teachings but is delivered in a voice that feels relatable and non-dogmatic. He stresses that perfection is not the goal; presence is. His central argument is that by facing the discomfort these hurdles bring without judgment, we unlock a natural capacity for resilience, clarity, and deeper joy. Readers are encouraged to welcome their challenges rather than resist them, transforming life's struggles into opportunities for authentic growth.
Main Lessons
A few impactful summary lessons from The Five Hurdles to Happiness:
1. Embrace Imperfection as a Path to Growth
Mitch Abblett’s deeply personal and humorous approach reminds us that chasing perfection in mindfulness or life is an illusion that only sets us up for disappointment. Instead of striving for flawlessness, he encourages embracing our own struggles and inconsistencies as a natural part of the human experience. It’s through acknowledging these imperfections with compassion that true personal growth and healing become possible. By being honest about our flaws, rather than masking them, we open the door to a more authentic, resilient version of ourselves.
2. Blend Science and Tradition for Practical Mindfulness
The book skillfully weaves together modern positive psychology, clinical observations, and ancient Buddhist wisdom to offer a practical roadmap for everyday mindfulness. Abblett shows that mindfulness is not about abstract theories or rigid rituals but about integrating time-tested practices with evidence-based strategies to navigate real-life struggles. This blend creates a more relatable, grounded approach to mindfulness, making it accessible to readers from all walks of life, whether they are beginners or seasoned practitioners.
3. Approach Behavioral Change as a Gentle Journey
Rather than portraying personal transformation as a rigid checklist or instant overhaul, the book emphasizes that behavioral change is more like a compassionate conversation with oneself. Abblett paints it as a journey where curiosity, self-forgiveness, and gentle strategizing are far more effective than harsh self-criticism. Readers are encouraged to see change as an ongoing dance between awareness and action, where the goal is not eradication of flaws but learning how to skillfully coexist and evolve with them.
4. Understand and Counter the Five Hindrances
Central to the book is a clear and profound exploration of the five major hurdles to happiness: desire, anger, slothfulness, restlessness, and doubt. Abblett doesn’t simply describe these obstacles; he offers actionable strategies to counter them, such as fostering contentment over material craving, choosing assertiveness over rage, engaging action over laziness, cultivating present-moment focus over restless worrying, and leaning into action despite uncertainty. These insights provide a structured yet flexible framework to untangle the internal barriers that hold us back from lasting well-being.
5. Develop a Mindful Relationship with Desire
Instead of framing desire as an enemy to be conquered, the book teaches that desires are an inevitable part of being human and should be approached with mindful awareness rather than judgment. Abblett offers the wisdom that fulfillment of desires often leads to fleeting satisfaction, and therefore, cultivating gratitude for what we already possess is a more sustainable source of happiness. Recognizing the motivations behind our cravings empowers us to make more conscious choices that honor our well-being rather than being led blindly by impulse.
6. Transform Anger into Healthy Assertiveness
The lesson on anger is refreshingly nuanced, showing that rage and passivity are not the only responses to frustration or injustice. Instead, Abblett invites readers to transform anger into appropriate assertiveness—a middle path where boundaries are maintained without aggression, and personal dignity is preserved without submission. By mindfully channeling the energy of anger, individuals can advocate for themselves and others in ways that are empowering and constructive rather than destructive.
7. Combat Sluggishness with Intentional Action
Slothfulness is explored not merely as laziness but as a deeper form of disengagement from life. The antidote proposed is not relentless hustle but mindful action—choosing to engage meaningfully with the present moment rather than retreating into inertia. Abblett encourages small, deliberate steps that reconnect us to a sense of purpose and vitality, reminding readers that being is not passive but an active, living process fueled by our choices and intentions.
8. Replace Restlessness with Present-Moment Commitment
Restlessness, especially the kind fueled by constant worrying and mental overactivity, is presented as a thief of inner peace. The book offers a powerful lesson in countering this by grounding oneself firmly in the present moment and committing to the task at hand. Through practical exercises and a shift in focus from what could happen to what is happening, Abblett helps readers experience the calming, productive effect of wholehearted engagement with the now.
9. Leap Through Doubt with Courageous Action
Rather than waiting for doubt to vanish before making a move, Abblett teaches that action often needs to precede confidence. Doubt is likened to a heavy anchor that can only be released by choosing to act in spite of uncertainty. This leap of faith philosophy empowers readers to realize that progress does not require perfect certainty but a willingness to move forward even when fear or hesitation lingers in the background.
10. Redefine Success as Inner Contentment Over Outer Achievements
In a culture obsessed with materialism and external validation, the book reframes success not as the accumulation of possessions or status but as the cultivation of inner contentment. True happiness, Abblett suggests, comes not from getting everything we want but from deeply appreciating what we already have and living aligned with our values. This shift in focus offers a more enduring and fulfilling measure of a life well-lived.
11. Use Mindfulness Exercises to Deepen Self-Awareness
Throughout the book, Abblett integrates practical mindfulness exercises designed to help readers not just understand but directly experience the teachings. These exercises are not gimmicky or overwhelming but deceptively simple, offering powerful gateways to greater self-awareness. By committing to these practices, readers can develop a more compassionate and discerning relationship with their thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns, allowing for real and lasting transformation.
12. Accept the Ongoing Nature of Personal Growth
Rather than offering false promises of quick fixes, Abblett’s tone consistently reinforces that personal development is a continuous, evolving process. There is no final destination where all hurdles magically disappear; instead, life itself is a series of opportunities to meet challenges with increasing wisdom, patience, and resilience. This refreshing honesty invites readers to drop unrealistic expectations and instead embrace the beauty and messiness of ongoing self-discovery.
13. Build a Mindful Blueprint Unique to Your Life
Finally, the book encourages readers not to blindly adopt someone else’s formula for happiness but to craft their own personal blueprint based on mindfulness, self-awareness, and lived experience. By gathering insights from science, philosophy, and reflective exercises, readers are guided to design a way of living that feels authentic, flexible, and deeply aligned with their own unique paths and values.
Key Takeaways
Key summary takeaways from the book:
- True happiness comes from working with, not fighting against, our internal struggles.
- The five hurdles—desire, aversion, sloth, restlessness, and doubt—are natural parts of the human experience, not signs of failure.
- Mindfulness is a powerful tool that allows us to see our mental patterns clearly and choose wiser responses.
- Self-compassion is crucial; growth happens not by forcing change but by gently allowing ourselves to be present with our challenges.
- Happiness is an ongoing journey that unfolds through intentional awareness, not a fixed destination to achieve.
Book Strengths
The Five Hurdles to Happiness stands out for its combination of practical wisdom and heartfelt relatability. Readers consistently praise the book’s ability to make complex psychological and spiritual concepts accessible, offering grounded advice that feels immediately useful rather than abstract. Abblett’s tone is compassionate and conversational, making the reading experience feel like sitting with a trusted guide rather than receiving a lecture.
Who This Book Is For
This book is perfect for readers who are drawn to mindfulness, emotional resilience, and personal development but who may feel overwhelmed by more theoretical or heavily academic books. It speaks especially to those who are tired of "quick-fix" self-help promises and who are ready to explore a more meaningful, compassionate path toward true happiness.
Why Should You Read This Book?
If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of doubt, craving, frustration, or restlessness—and wondered why happiness feels so elusive—this book offers the keys to deeper understanding and transformation. The Five Hurdles to Happiness doesn’t offer a magic solution, but it provides something better: a real, sustainable path toward peace and fulfillment through mindful engagement with your own life experience.
Concluding Thoughts.
The Five Hurdles to Happiness is a refreshing, empowering guide for anyone ready to stop chasing external solutions and start cultivating inner wisdom. Mitch Abblett’s compassionate approach reminds us that happiness isn’t about fixing ourselves or eliminating challenges—it’s about changing how we meet them. His teachings blend psychology and mindfulness into a powerful, practical framework for lasting personal growth.
Whether you're a longtime mindfulness practitioner or just beginning to explore the concept, this book offers tools and insights that can profoundly shift your experience of life. If you’re ready to see your obstacles not as enemies but as allies in your journey, The Five Hurdles to Happiness is a must-read.
→ Get the book on Amazon or discover more via the author's website or social channels.
* The publisher and editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, lessons, takeaways, or summary notes.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
