When Paulo Coelho first published The Alchemist in his native language in Brazil, he didn’t think it would become the wild sensation it is today. It barely sold two copies in 6 months and his first publisher had to cancel his contract. Today, the story is different. The Alchemist has been translated into 80 different languages with over 65 million copies sold.
Like Santiago, the hero of the book, Paulo is a living testament to living your dreams. And here are the top 10 lessons I learned from this story.
1. When you want something, the universe itself conspires to favour you: This may sound psychic or spiritual but it is true. There is a beginner’s luck that you enjoy simply for the determination to try something new; a little sign that says, “it’s possible.” Watch out for this.
This is the principle of favourability. The universe wants to see you fulfilled so it encourages you. Your ability to go on when this luck runs out (and you face real hardship) determines your success.
2. People project their fears and limitations onto you; not necessarily what is true: When Santiago sought his father’s permission to explore the world, his father dissuaded him by projecting his own fears. Every reason the father gave was the things he feared, and the thoughts he used to console himself. But Santiago could see beyond this veil and held his resolve. So the father had no choice but to grant to his request.
Likewise when you seek the opinion of others to do great things, too often they project their own fears. Not necessarily what is true.
3. Keep the faith: It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting; the uncertainty of plodding along uncharted paths. Keep the faith.
4. You’re not helpless: The greatest lie in the world is that you are helpless; that at a certain point in your life, you lose control of what’s happening to you and become controlled by fate. That is the world’s greatest lie. You, and you alone, are responsible for how you think and feel; how you act too.
5. Sometimes, see the world in terms of what you would like to see happen; not what actually is: How many times have you heard never trust a stranger? Or that your co-workers are not your friend? Or that the world is a dog-eat-dog place and you have to fight for what is yours? I bet too many. And if you look around, there’s enough evidence to support this view.
But there’s also goodness, whereby if you trust, you just may end up pleasantly surprised. If you see the world as a place of co-creation and inexhaustible treasures, that happens. And if you see it as a dangerous, competitive place, it is. You choose.
Santiago got burned on many occasions but still chose to trust. This eventually got him the result he needed.
6. Never go empty-handed when seeking favor from others: When Santiago first began his journey, he lost all he had to thieves and scammers…as with the doom of inexperience. But he was smart enough to know his options and offer his services for free to survive. He scored a meal even by selling himself.
That’s the mentality of someone not entitled. You have power if you believe you have power. And you can negotiate anything if you’re aware of your options, willing to try, and hold the firm believe that you have power.
7. Follow the omens. Almost a spiritual or pyschic feeling, there is a language which the world speaks that you must read. Be curious enough to read the signs, and be introspective enough to learn from events. Spirituality, introspection, sudden realization, or some epiphany…these are all whispers from the very heart of God. Pay attention to the events around you and follow the omens.
8. Making a decision is only the beginning. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision. Taking that leap is only the beginning. Be prepared and see it through.
9. One day at a time: How do you predict the future? By paying attention to the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings. Take one day at a time. Each day in itself brings with it an eternity.
10. It’s in you: When you finally get what you want, you’ll see you’ve had it all along. It’s closer to you than you think. Your detour was just a necessary lesson.
This reminds me of a lesson from Acres of Diamond — you can succeed right here in Philadelphia.
