The Two Things You Control: Lessons from Paulo Coelho’s Journey
At 2logical, we’ve always emphasized a powerful truth: we only have 100% control over two things in life:
- What we think
- What we do
For those familiar with the 2logical Success Formula, you’ll recognize that these two areas of control are the foundation of personal success. Everything else—be it the weather, the economy, or even how others behave—is beyond our reach. However, the empowering reality is that we have 100% control over how we respond to these uncontrollable forces.
Reacting optimally, regardless of circumstances, is a hallmark of high Motivational Intelligence (MQ). As the Brazilian author Paulo Coelho beautifully expressed:
“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.”
Coelho’s words carry immense weight, not just because of their eloquence but because of his life experience. His story is a testament to the power of embracing challenges and leveraging inner strength to overcome obstacles.
Paulo Coelho: A Journey Defined by Courage
Paulo Coelho is one of the world’s most beloved authors, with his works translated into over 80 languages and sold in more than 170 countries. His best-selling novel, The Alchemist, has touched millions of lives, offering timeless lessons on pursuing one’s dreams.
But Coelho’s success was hard-won. As a young man, his dream of becoming a writer met harsh resistance from his family. His parents, hoping for a more "logical" career path for their son, committed him to a mental institution three times. Coelho was eventually released at 20, but he abandoned his dream temporarily, enrolling in law school at their insistence.
One year later, he dropped out and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. From living as a hippie and writing rebellious song lyrics to enduring imprisonment and torture for his political activism, Coelho’s path was anything but easy.
It wasn’t until a spiritual awakening in 1986, during a 500-mile pilgrimage across Spain, that he rediscovered his calling. He later described this moment as pivotal:
"It’s now or never. I stopped everything and said: ‘Now I am going to fulfill my dream. I may be defeated, but I will not fail.’”
The Power of Motivational Intelligence
Coelho’s journey exemplifies the essence of Motivational Intelligence. Despite immense external challenges, he maintained control over how he thought about his circumstances and what he chose to do next. His life underscores the truth that success is not about avoiding difficulties but about leveraging them to grow stronger.
As Coelho once wrote in The Alchemist:
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
How This Applies to Us
We can’t control the economy, the market, or even what others think or say. But we can choose to respond with courage, resilience, and determination. Like Coelho, we have the power to rise above external forces and steer our lives in the direction of our dreams.
So, the next time you face a challenge, remember: you already have everything you need. Control your thoughts. Control your actions. And trust that, with time and perseverance, the pieces will fall into place.
Let’s all take a page from Paulo Coelho’s story and keep writing our own.
