One of the limitations of BaZi is that a person's success or failure is not exclusively dependent on destiny alone, although it does have a significant impact. According to Chinese belief, the five factors that affect a person's success or failure—ranked in order of importance—are:

1. Destiny — Determined by the day and time of birth, destiny reflects one’s innate characteristics and potential.
2. Luck — Life cycles that bring periods of ups and downs. It is widely accepted that luck plays a pivotal role throughout life.
3. Feng Shui — The influence of our environment, including physical space and cosmic factors like time and spatial alignment.
4. Character — Personal virtues such as honesty, kindness, diligence, and integrity that shape how one acts and is perceived by others.
5. Education — Encompasses both formal academic training and practical knowledge, including technical skills, general awareness, and lifelong learning.

In addition to the five core factors above, external circumstances also play a role. For example, the country in which a person lives and the profession they pursue can significantly influence outcomes. Political and economic conditions vary across regions and time, impacting available opportunities. Moreover, industries and services in demand offer better financial rewards. Thus, even if two people are born at the same time, their income levels can differ based on profession—though their cycle of ups and downs remains similar.