Traveling on the desert caravan along with the boy is an Englishman, who’s seeking to learn alchemy, the magical art of turning lead into gold. Through the next character we encounter, Coelho teaches us about tapping into our collective spiritual power. Most people have the opposite problem-they don’t set their goals high enough.) The Englishman He says the problem is never that you set your goals too high.

On this topic, Cardone advises that when we’re having difficulty reaching a goal, instead of lowering the bar for the goal to be more “realistic” we should ramp up our effort. (Shortform note: The 10X Rule also emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication for overcoming obstacles toward a goal. Coelho makes it clear that Santiago had to put substantial effort into overcoming those obstacles-it wasn’t all magically handed to him. But, we also see that it often takes hard work and dedication. With this decision, Coelho shows us that when we face obstacles and find ourselves at a crossroads, we need to remember that the universe will help us if we choose to take risks. He realizes he’s making his decisions based on fear and seeking comfort over taking risks, and he decides to book passage on a caravan across the desert to Egypt. But just as he’s on his way to make travel plans for home, he remembers the words of the king, telling him that when you pursue your calling the universe will work with you to make it happen.

He longs for the comfort of what he knows and the simplicity of the shepherd’s life, and he’s become resigned like the merchant. He says the only thing that conquers fear is taking action.)Īfter a full year, Santiago saves enough money to either return to Andalusia and buy a new herd of sheep, or to continue to Egypt. Hesitating too long will usually result in your backing out. He says when you fear taking a risk, you should act on it as quickly as possible, because fear will increase over time. In order to experience growth, we need to move beyond that edge. He says that if you’re afraid, think of it as a positive thing because that means you’re nearing the edge of your comfort zone. (Shortform note: In The 10X Rule, Grant Cardone advises that you use your fear of taking risks to your advantage.

The alchemist pdf