Brazilian novelist and lyricist , best known for The Alchemist, has shaped his literary voice around the idea of pursuing one’s inner calling. His work focuses on a central theme: that committing to what genuinely inspires you can set unseen forces in motion in your favour.
Quote of the day by Paulo Coelho
“When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It’s very simple.”
What does the quote mean?
This simple yet inspiring by Coelho reminds us to be enthusiastic about the task at hand. It is worth noting that enthusiasm is not merely being busy or having your hands full throughout the day; instead, it is a state of mind, one that is not achieved by many.
His words suggest that if you change your perspective, everything changes, and time seems to be moving fast. When most people crib or express frustration regarding their work or why the day is progressing slowly, what they are failing to acknowledge is their mood and attitude toward the task at hand. When a person is enthusiastic, time seems to be progressing fast, with individuals complaining that they wish they had more time to get more done. Hours feel like minutes, and problems become a puzzle, instead of becoming a hindrance.
However, those who lack enthusiasm for their work and their goals seem frustrated and keep pondering the same things.
His words also suggest a shift in the and perspective, where one should focus on the positives. A person who focuses on the positive tends to be a better problem solver and can accomplish things seemingly quickly. On the other hand, an individual who only focuses on the negative or has a laid-back attitude would fixate on why they are unable to finish the task or why it is difficult for them to accomplish something, while others can achieve their goals.
The idea of Coelho’s “positive energy” can act as a useful guide in everyday life. When you experience it, it often signals that you’re moving in the right direction; when it’s absent, it may indicate that something isn’t quite aligned. This doesn’t mean you should avoid effort or difficulty; people who are passionate still encounter obstacles. The key difference lies in how it feels: the fatigue that comes from purposeful effort is very different from the draining weight of work that feels empty or forced. Developing the ability to notice and understand these signals can help you make better choices in your career, relationships, and daily life.
Who is Paulo Coelho?
Born on 24 August 1947 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a Brazilian novelist known for rich symbolism in his depictions of the often spiritually motivated journeys of his characters. He reportedly rebelled against the conventions of his Roman Catholic upbringing and, as a result, was briefly sent to a psychiatric hospital by his parents. In 1970, he dropped out of law school and travelled through South America, Mexico, North Africa, and Europe. In 1972, he returned home and began to work on pop and rock music lyrics with Raul Seixas, a well-known Brazilian singer and songwriter. Later, in 1974, he was briefly imprisoned for alleged subversive activities against the Brazilian government.
