Confessions of a Closet Alchemist

A few weeks ago I had coffee with a vibrant young woman whom I’ll call Erika. Erika impressed me. In spite of her youth (or perhaps because of it), she has an innovative vision for her future and the courage to pursue it.

Like me, Erika has faced a life-changing health crisis. Her experience motivates her to make the most of her days by finding practical ways to invest in her values and dreams.

She hasn’t always been supported in her quest. In fact, it runs counter to the societal culture in which she was raised. But as Erika spoke, I could feel her excitement and joy.

**Alchemy and Practicality**

As I described to her my own vision to empower people all over the world to identify their dreams and develop a personalized plan to reach them, Erika said, “Oh, that sounds like the message of a book I just read.” She suggested I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Now, I love reading novels but gave them up a year ago when I began researching motivation and neuroscience. At Erika’s urging, I ordered the book. Although I have not yet finished reading, the message has ignited me.

The simple story is about Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who sells his flocks to pursue his dream of finding treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. Essentially an allegory, The Alchemist introduces intriguing characters along Santiago’s journey. You will likely recognize parts of yourself, and others who have crossed your path, in each of the characters. I certainly do. Beautifully written in its simplicity, The Alchemist is an easy and gripping read.

More than that, it captures the change in my heart when I decided to pursue my dream, whatever the cost. Like each of us, Santiago faces the choice between a predictable life that is reasonably satisfying (or maybe not so satisfying), and a life of exploration.

**Predictability and Passion**

As we live our predictable lives, we quietly bury our passions to avoid the upset they may represent. Slowly, we forget our passions. It becomes difficult to uncover them.

Those of us who risk uncovering our passions face a new problem. Our quiet, predictable lives have taught us many habits and attitudes that are obstacles to pursuing our passion. We are afraid of what change may do to our relationships, finances, and reputation. We’ve lost our taste for exploring unknown, possibly perilous, new paths.

We either settle for what is, or, like Santiago, we face our fears and cross the desert of uncertainty.

Which is right for you? I don’t know. I only know that since I made the choice my life has been enriched in more ways tha
I can count. Each day feels like a gift, an opportunity to learn more and offer more to others. I know that I will never turn back.

Ironically, I am known as the Alchemist. Not because I practice esoteric magical rituals. No. A dear friend, one of the first testers of the Personal Success Toolkit, observed that I had transformed my organizational performance consulting firm, Iron Scaffold, into a personal and team success venture, Gold Scaffold. Iron into gold – the mythical ability of the Alchemist.

Thank you, Erika, for the recommendation. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and imparted wisdom to my journey. May we all discover our treasures – our passions – and pursue them.

To Your Success,

Kate