The following blog posts were written on my original blog over five years ago. This article is part of my 37 Life Lessons From My Youth Series. Note: I’ve matured a lot since then and my “voice” has changed since. Enjoy.
Before I reveal the lessons from the alchemist, let me ask you a question:
What are you so afraid of? (1) Getting old. (2) Being different. (3) Being indecisive.
I read that question as a kid 15 years ago. Back then I couldn’t fathom the fear of getting old.
Instead my biggest fear was being indecisive.
Ask me that same question today and I’d tell you different. We don’t realize how much our lives and perspectives change over time.
It’s been eight years since I first laid eyes on The Alchemist. I remember it being my favorite book.
But see, eight years ago I didn’t know what I know now. Now when I look back at those lessons they make much more sense than they used to.
You can check out The Alchemist yourself. It’s a short fable full of valuable life lessons. I’d read it to my children if I had any.
10 Lessons From The Alchemist
When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.
Strong, gripping desire lets you see opportunities that you wouldn’t notice otherwise. As if the world is guiding you towards a solution.
This is because when you are trying your damndest to reach out and get something, the world is willing to meet you halfway.
But you have to be all in. You can’t half-ass it.
The world doesn’t reward you if you don’t take yourself seriously.
When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
Don’t be mislead by this quote. Just because you aim to improve yourself doesn’t mean others will too.
Part of being better than you are is actively looking to surround yourself with better people and environments.
Improving your own being and improving your surroundings are both essential. You won’t make it far when you neglect either.
Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.
Someone who asks for advice is only looking for direction. Ultimately they will decide based on what they believe is right.
What most people should do is listen to their inner voice and follow it.
The issue is that most people have a hard time listening to their inner voice. They assume they have no clue what they want. But they’re just not paying attention.
Help them reconnect to their inner voice by making them aware of what they talk about most.
When someone leaves, it’s because someone else is about to arrive.
This is pretty self-explanatory. Change is always happening.
Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart… You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say.
If you know you don’t want to do something, don’t do it. Don’t get stuck on a path that isn’t yours to follow.
You already know what you want to do with your life. To live otherwise is self-sabotage and a recipe for regret.
There is only one way to learn. It’s through action. Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey.
Personal experience is the greatest teacher.
You can read all the self-help and how-to advice you want. But only action makes a difference.
Some of us, myself included, are warned to not do something but do it anyway. Sometimes you just have to find out for yourself.
When you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.
Your greatest motivation comes when your back is against the wall.
When you have no other choice, all you see is opportunity. Possibilities open up that you didn’t see before.
It’s a do-or-die mentality that allows your intuition and creativity to peak.
Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that dream. That’s the point at which most people give up. It’s the point at which one ‘dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon
Let’s be real. What else are you going to do with your life if you’re not going after what you want?
As long as you never give up and give it your all, then failure is impossible.
Detours happen and they’re normal. But it’s your duty to realign those experiences with your ultimate goal.
Pay attention and learn. Then keep on keeping on.
When you possess great treasures within you and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.
Think of those Jehovah witnesses that come to your door to spread their word.
Chances are you don’t answer and wait for them to leave. You’re simply not interested in what they have to say.
A message is only going to make sense to people who can hear it. If you are deaf to it, you aren’t meant to hear it.
For example, if you’ve already read this far, it’s because you are meant to receive my message.
Those who never find this post aren’t meant to read it.
What’s the world’s greatest lie?” the boy asked, completely surprised. “It’s this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s the world’s greatest lie.
This quote is the most powerful of all. The philosophy in this quote is what this entire blog is built on.
Your life belongs to you. Make it the life you want it to be.
Fight the good fight and never give up hope. Work for the life you want to live.
If you think back to your childhood, you will notice things about yourself that were guiding you towards your path.
This is the time when you slowly became aware of what you wanted to do in your adult life.
You just needed the time and experience to realize it.
Before you leave, let me ask you a quick question:
What are you so afraid of?
- Getting old.
- Being different.
- Being indecisive.
If you answer anything other than “getting old” then you need to give The Alchemist a read.
Because the truth is, you will reach a point where you’re too old to be afraid.
There will be a point where you’re too old to waste your time.
And the fear of being different and indecisive is a life full of regrets.
Don’t live another day without making the decision to be who you are meant to be.
Until next time.
Your brother,
- Rich
