8 Life Lessons to Learn from The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of the best-selling books in history that takes us on a journey of self-discovery. The story is about a shepherd boy named Santiago, who is on his journey to pursue his personal legend.

The theme of the story is to pursue your dreams by following what your heart desires. This book is an inspiration for all the people who are looking to improve the quality of their existence.

“Fear of failure is the biggest obstacle in your life!”

Fear in pursuing your dreams is much worse than the other sufferings of life. Fear of failure never allows you to set your life goals and you’ll always think that you can’t do this.

But remember these setbacks are the opportunities, the way to your success, you can’t succeed without these failures. So, change your thinking and be thankful when they show up as you are closer to your goal.

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

Remember, failure is when you think, you can not do this, and you quit. But those who struggle to achieve dreams never do this. The world will test you through different trials, and when you are not willing to achieve what you want, you’ll not get it and also you don’t deserve it anyway.

Always follow your heart and never give up.

A personal legend is identifying your purpose in life and pursuing it. If you are not following your dreams and pursuing your passion, then you are not fulfilling your personal legend.

“To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.”

Once you’ve identified the personal legend of your life, then you’ll be more dedicated and clear about your life goals.

When you follow your heart, then you’ll have no regrets in the future and you will be satisfied. A person who follows his heart never loses as it’ll never let you wander astray.

Like Santiago in The Alchemist followed his heart, identified his personal legend, took the decision, and started his journey for the treasure.

Don’t think about what people say.

When you think about people, their points of view about your life then you stop thinking about your own life goals and dreams. Society becomes your only concern, and their sick mentality becomes your priority.

“In the long run, what people think about shepherds and bakers becomes more important for them than their own personal legends.”

If anyone stops you in the pursuits of your dreams, then they are not your well-wishers and these loved ones are not lovers. If they love you, they’ll support you and will always be there for you, no matter what’ll be the consequences.

Take action to learn.

“There is only one way to learn…It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey…”

Studying and listening are essentials, but if you want to learn, then practice is the key, put your learnings into practice. Learn to take action effectively and wisely.

When Santiago identified his personal legend, he took action to pursue his dreams and didn’t waste his time thinking about failures. He sold his sheep and started his journey, he was passionate, and each step in his journey was a learning experience. And ultimately, in the end, after a long journey of struggle, he found his treasure.

Money may or may not be the ultimate life goal for everyone, and with your life experience, no matter how you perceive it as positive or negative, comes an opportunity for personal learning and growth. It helps you to get the fullest version of yourself. Your sincerity towards your life goal is the real treasure.

The real treasure for Santiago was his life experience, his struggles, his patience, his personal growth throughout the journey, not the riches he found in the church.

Live in the present.

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man.”

One most important lesson to take from The Alchemist is it teaches us to live in the present. Thinking about past events that can’t be changed will give you nothing but only guilt and regret. And future concerns also cause a loss of enjoyment from life. But remember, the present is all that matters, learn from the experience, and focus on your life goals and enjoy every second of life.

Look for the signs.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

It is the best lesson from this book that encourages you to carry on your life goals and makes you strong. The above statement from the book is not just a quote, but a fact, believe me. The universe gives you signs, omens, and opens several ways to achieve the purpose of your life, your dreams. You’ll find all the answers at the right time, but don’t let someone change your decisions.

Be grateful and positive.

“When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.”

If you are grateful and have a positive attitude then eventually, you’ll find a new thing each day. All the days are not the same when you focus and observe. After this, you’ll realize that life is not always cruel. It is you, who can control your life and can make this life a wonderful one. And when you become a better version of yourself, all the things around you will also become better.

The only limit is your imagination.

Thanks for reading.