One of the obstacles most of us face is the lack of interest in listening to discourses of Gurus or satsangs. While we know it is an important part of our dharmic journey, our senses seem to be too distracted.
Jagadguru Puri Shankaracharyaji explains that worldly people find it very difficult to appreciate discussions on atma gyan (knowledge on matters of Supreme Truth). They feel as if hot water has been poured on them if they are made to listen to discourses on dharma.
That is why, in the start, even if you are not interested in listening to satsang, it is good to make use of strong will like a hath yogi and try and listen little by little.
When pitta rises in our body even mishri (sugar candy) seems bitter to taste. However, in this state also one must keep having mishri since it helps our system to cool down. As our pitta problem reduces, the mishri starts tasting sweet.
In the same way, when we continue to listen to discourses, even though we are not quite interested in the begining, over a period our system is refined and becomes receptive. We start relishing satsangs that give us knowledge of dharma and help us on the path to elevate ourselves.