"The Alchemist": Follow Your Personal Legend

This post is part of a series in which Influencers describe the books that changed them. Follow the channel to see the full list.

The first time I read "The Alchemist," I had been accepted to the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and was planning to leave the only home I had known. Like many college-bound teens, I was excited to start this new chapter in my life but experienced some sadness and worry about leaving my safe haven.

The story of a shepherd boy named Santiago inspired me not only because of his bravery, but also because of his perseverance to see his Personal Legend through. At many points throughout his story, he could have stayed where he was and enjoyed a comfortable life instead of moving on. He also encountered many physical and mental challenges along the way that did not deter him from his goal. Santiago dedicated himself to a long and complicated journey to find his treasure, and he was rewarded in the end and learned the Language of the World along the way.

There are valuable life lessons to understand from this book. These resonated with me the most, when I first read it and every time since:

• Someone else’s Personal Legend is not your own — don’t try to be someone you’re not, and stay focused on your own journey.
  
  
• You can learn something from every experience — be open to learning new things and living new experiences.

These lessons can also be translated to my professional life:

• Be a leader in your industry, not a “me too” company — understand and leverage your core competencies.

• Adapting to change and becoming a learning organization are competitive advantages.

The old king in the story said, “When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.” This “principle of favorability” is what I think of as positive momentum in one’s life or business — if you are brave enough to control your own destiny. This book helped me accept a life change when I left home for school, and it has continued to inspire me to embrace change in my life and work. I am committed to making my journey exciting, like Santiago’s, and staying on course to realize my own Personal Legend.

Many years after I first read "The Alchemist," I met its author Paulo Coelho at a conference in Europe. Wisdom mixed with a sense of humor is Paulo’s signature. He has become a dear friend, and I encourage all of you to follow him on Twitter: @paulocoelho.

The alchemist told Santiago, “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.” Like all novels, the message is subjective and open to interpretation. I invite you to share your interpretation or favorite lesson from "The Alchemist."

Photo: iStockphoto