Born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Paulo Coelho is one of the most widely read authors in the world. His books have inspired millions of people across the world. According to The Washington Post, Coelho’s magnum opus The Alchemist has been translated into 56 languages in 150 countries and has sold more than 27 million copies worldwide since it was published in 1988. Some of his other works include Eleven Minutes, The Zahir, Veronika Decides to Die, The Pilgrimage, and The Winner Stands Alone.
Through his books, Coelho urges people to challenge how they think, how they see themselves and become their best selves. His expertise lies in answering life’s difficult questions, which can help you change your life for the better. If you are stuck and looking for your purpose in life, reading his books can help you find the path that can steer you in that direction. Here are some of the lessons you can learn from Paulo Coelho’s books.
Embrace solitude to learn more about yourself
Solitude is a state of being alone. This is a time you spend with yourself away from the external influence, which allows you to learn more about yourself and gain insight into your abilities and thoughts. You become more self-aware, which helps you in finding your own unique voice. In his book, Manuscript Found in Accra, Paulo Coelho writes, “Solitude is not the absence of Love, but its complement. Solitude is not the absence of company, but the moment when our soul is free to speak to us and help us decide what to do with our life. Therefore, blessed are those who do not fear solitude, who are not afraid of their own company, who are not always desperately looking for something to do, something to amuse themselves with, something to judge. If you are never alone, you cannot know yourself.”
Trust your abilities
Trusting your abilities is easily one of the best things you can do for yourself. It can help build your confidence and boost your self-esteem. But it is easier said than done, especially when self-doubt creeps in your life and forces you to question yourself. Although is tough to overcome such negativity, this is exactly the moment you need to believe that you are good enough and that you can overcome the hurdles in your life. In his book, The Winner Stands Alone, Paulo Coelho says, “Talent is a universal gift, but it takes a lot of courage to use it. Don’t be afraid to be the best.”
Never stop dreaming
Whether it is your dream of becoming a successful person or something as small as exercising every day in the morning, when you have something to strive for in life, you stay motivated, energised, and have a reason to get out of bed every morning. This sense of purpose not only provides you with things to do during your day but also adds meaning to your life. In his book The Pilgrimage, Paulo Coelho says, “We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body.”
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Don’t let mistakes stop you from taking risks because only when you take a chance in life, you will learn new things and grow as a person. While it is easy to be passive and stay in your comfort zone, such an attitude will never let you access your true potential. Trying new things can help you step into unexplored territories and allow you to learn new things about yourself. In Eleven Minutes, Paulo Coelho writes, “Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn’t have the courage to say ‘yes’ to life?”
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