10 ADVENTURE LESSONS FROM “THE ALCHEMIST”
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks are an adventure to the pyramids of Egypt in search of worldly treasure. His quest is fraught with hardships and unexpected challenges but leads him to riches far different — and more satisfying- than he imagined.
Santiago’s journey is a guide for travelers and those pursuing a dream. It teaches us about the essential wisdom of following your bliss, of recognizing opportunity, and taking control of fate.
Here are ten mantras from the story to help on your next adventure:
1. Just Go
“Making a decision was only the beginning of things. 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.”
Often the hardest part of a journey is the decision to take the first step. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the unknowns, but sitting on the fence will get you nowhere. Get at it. Make a decision, follow up with action, and just go.
2. Always take action
“There is only one way to learn. It’s through action.”
We can watch documentaries, read books, and listen to podcasts until we turn blue in the face, but the full experience is when we take action, and let the rubber meet the road. Once the decision is made, just do it. Always take action
3. Don’t be afraid if (and when) things go wrong
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”
Traveling often requires entering uncharted territory — that’s scary. But with any great risk comes great reward. Fear can often hold us back, but the thought of something is often worse than the thing itself. The experiences you gain en route to your destination, immersing into new cultures, and communicating in different languages makes it all worthwhile. Don’t be afraid if (and when) things go wrong.
4. Enjoy the moment
“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. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now.”
Worry about the “what if’s” — it is a waste of time and effort. There’s no point dwelling in the past and letting it define you. The same can be said about getting lost and anxious about the future. Worrying about a wrong turn or uncertainty about your current course leads only to despair, anxiety, and frustration. Be in the present moment and engage in the now. Enjoy the moment.
5. Keep getting back up
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”
Santiago was robbed and left for broke several time during his journey. He lost everything as he dug frantically at the pyramids looking for his treasure. His will and desire to complete his journey kept him going and allowed him to discover his “Personal Legend”. It is never a true adventure until something goes wrong. The important things is to keep getting back up.
6. Take control of what you can
“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.”
We are in control of our own lives. Our decisions and actions dictate our destinies. Unforeseen circumstances, setbacks, and random acts of nature will always exist, but the power to remain in control ourselves likes within each of us. Take control of what your can.
7. Focus on your goal
“When you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Aim small miss small. Don’t lose sight of what your adventure is about. Say “no” to the things we don’t want and remain diligent with our energy, thoughts, time, and actions on only what we truly desire. Call it fate, coincidence, luck or whatever sits best, but our desires will manifest it in our life. Stay focused on your goal.
8. Be aware of your surroundings
“Learn to recognize omens, and follow them”
Ancient sailors relied upon the most subtle signs from their surroundings to determine their location. Today we can easily navigate even some of the most remote locations using GPS and cell phones it is important to be aware of your surroundings for omens. These unexpected markers can take many shapes and forms to guide us, but are easily missed if we are unaware. Be aware of your surroundings
9. Stay Flexible
“Eat when it’s time to eat. And move along when it’s time to move along.”
Traveling is rarely routine. Delays, time changes, and layovers can all contribute to a chaotic schedule. Remember to stay flexible and take advantage of opportunities to rest and refuel when they arise. Remember to stay flexible.
10. Appreciate the world, but don’t lose focus
“The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of the oil on the spoon.”
Santiago learns from the King of Salem the parable of the boy who was instructed by the “wisest man in the world” that he must carry the oil in the spoon while he sees the world, and yet not spill the oil. Traveling can be an escape from reality, but we must not lose focus of our primary responsibilities. Maintaining this balance is important on any journey. It is just easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new location as it is to get bogged down with responsibilities and worries. Appreciate the world, but don’t lose focus.
