What is really getting in our way?
We often think workplace productivity is about time management, technology, skills and targets. But sometimes, the biggest obstacle is not the workload.
It is the mind carrying unnecessary psychological weight.
An ancient framework called Pancha Kleshas describes five patterns that can disturb our clarity. We don’t have to approach them academically or spiritually. Look at them through the lens of everyday corporate life, and they become surprisingly practical.
1. Avidya (Ignorance) — “Am I seeing this clearly?”
At work, it can be as simple as mistaking our interpretation for reality.
“My manager doesn’t value me.”
“The team isn’t committed.”
“She is deliberately ignoring me.”
“He doesn’t respect my ideas.”
But do we actually know that?
When assumptions become facts in our mind, our decisions follow those assumptions.
The shift: Before reacting, ask, “What are the facts, and what am I adding to them?”
Clarity improves when assumptions reduce.
2. Asmita (Asmita = Egoism) — “Am I taking this personally?”
Someone rejects our idea and sometimes corrects our work. A colleague gets the promotion we expected.
Why does it sometimes hurt so much?
Because somewhere, “my work” has become “me”.
Our designation, expertise, achievements and opinions can become part of our identity. Then feedback feels like criticism of our worth.
The shift: Separate who you are from what you did.
An idea can be wrong without making you incapable. A mistake can happen without making you a failure. When identity becomes less fragile, learning becomes easier.
3. Raga (Attachment) — “Do I need this outcome?”
We all have ambitions. A promotion. Recognition. A particular role. Appreciation. Success.
There is nothing wrong with wanting these things.
The problem begins when:
“I want this” becomes “I must have this.”
Now our peace depends on an external outcome. We become anxious when someone else succeeds. Frustrated when our plans change. Disappointed when recognition doesn’t come.
The shift: Give your best to the process, but don’t make your emotional well-being completely dependent on the result.
Ambition needs direction. Attachment needs awareness.
4. Dvesha (Aversion) — “Am I avoiding what I dislike?”
I don’t like working with that person. I hate presenting. I don’t want to learn this. This is not how we do things.
Sometimes our dislike is justified.
But sometimes, discomfort becomes a reason to stop growing.
We avoid difficult conversations and unfamiliar responsibilities. We avoid people who challenge us. And slowly, our comfort zone becomes our limitation.
The shift: Replace immediate rejection with curiosity.
Ask:
“What exactly am I uncomfortable with?”
Not everything uncomfortable is harmful.
Sometimes, discomfort is simply growth wearing an unfamiliar face.
5. Abhinivesha (Fear of Death/Losing) — “What am I afraid of losing?”
Traditionally, Abhinivesha is associated with a deep fear of death and clinging to life.
In professional life, we can recognise a related pattern in our fear of losing security, status, identity or familiarity.
Fear of failure, losing a job, becoming irrelevant, changing careers & taking a risk.
Sometimes we remain in a situation we have outgrown simply because the unknown feels more frightening than the familiar.
The shift: Instead of asking,
“What if I lose this?”
Ask:
“If things change, can I learn, adapt and find my way forward?”
That question builds a different kind of security — inner security.
So, How Do We Come Out of These Patterns?
Not by fighting ourselves, not by suppressing emotions, not by pretending to be unaffected.
Three simple practices can help.
Awareness
Notice before you react.
What is happening inside me right now?
Is it ego? Attachment? Aversion? Fear?
Abhyasa — Consistent Practice
Reflection, meditation, journaling and mindful observation are not merely personal wellness practices.
They train us to pause before reacting.
And that pause can improve decisions, relationships and leadership.
Vairagya — Healthy Detachment
Work sincerely. Aim high. Care deeply.
But don’t make your identity, happiness or self-worth completely dependent on outcomes.
Hold your goals firmly. Hold your identity lightly.
The Workplace Impact
The clearer we see, decision-making improves. Ego becomes lighter; learning improves. When attachment reduces, clarity improves. Aversion reduces; collaboration improves. The moment fear reduces, courage improves.
And when these improve, productivity often follows organically.
Perhaps professional growth is not always about adding more skills, more strategies or more pressure. Sometimes, it is about removing what is standing in the way.
Less assumption. Less ego. Less attachment. Less resistance. Less fear.
And more:
Awareness. Clarity. Adaptability. Confidence.
The next time something at work triggers a strong reaction, pause for a moment and ask:
“Is the situation creating my reaction — or is something within me adding to it?”
That one question can change the quality of our response.
And sometimes, changing our response is the beginning of changing our professional life.
Think…Contemplate…Live…
In Love & Gratitude, Rakesh Babu | Psychologist | www.shreshtaminds.com