5 life lessons you can learn from Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle's most popular character is none other than Sherlock Holmes whose stories have been adapted to the big screen multiple times. Despite the character and his detective stories being fictional, Sherlock Holmes gives us multiple life lessons, some of which are listed below.

Be Observant

If anything, Sherlock Holmes is observant and pedantic. He notices the tiniest of things which might easily evade the normal eye and not even leave an impression on most of us. Over time, he has proved that the answer to every puzzle is in the details. In fact, his strongest attribute is his precise eye for detail and nothing gets past him. Simply by studying people, he can often identify where they have been, what they have been doing, and at least some partial information about their past or habits the instant they walk into a room.

The lesson we take away from his observant character is that a problem may appear straightforward at first glance, but the tiny intricacies hold the key to its resolution.

Believe in Evidence

Trust the facts. For many of us the dilemma arises when the heart and the mind battle each other, and when our emotions clash with what we know are facts or with what is reality. Although Sherlock looks at the evidence when solving mysteries, this tactic is not far away from us. It is essential to have a logical and scientific mindset, just like Sherlock Holmes. Never take anything at face value, for that will only cause us to live in delusion and face unwelcoming repercussions. Only believe it if it is supported by data and facts, and move forward accordingly.

That One Close Friend

We all like to have a thriving social life with many people we call friends. But what do many friends bring you?

"More the merrier" does not always promise itself. Instead of having many friends with whom you share casual conversations, it proves more vital to have one trustworthy, like-minded friend like Watson. A cacophony of pretentious conversations does not necessarily assure a friend that will be there for you through thick and thin.

Outside-the-box Thinking

Sometimes thinking of ways to approach something necessitates going about it in unconventional ways.  Sherlock Holmes, the genius that he was, would occasionally spend the entire night smoking his pipe and thinking, disguise himself, or skilfully get people to reveal themselves. There are usually multiple approaches to an issue. Consider thinking imaginatively outside of the box. You never know what you may stumble across once you push yourself to think differently.

Unsolved Mysteries Are Okay

Mostly in the stories, many of Holmes' cases leave us with more questions than answers. In both crime and life, there tend to be more questions than answers. This is not something that bothers Holmes. It does not worry him that he cannot solve every problem. Instead, he finds it fascinating. If every instance was thus cleanly settled, he would undoubtedly lose interest, being as prone to boredom as he is when there is no riddle to solve.

That is how it should be in life as well – It should be a riddle to solve. If you are facing a problem, not everything needs to have an answer or solution. It should stimulate your mind to come up with new, inventive solutions to your situation. If your job or the problem at hand does not pique your interest, you are either on the wrong career path or not being challenged enough.

If Sherlock Holmes and his detective stories have taught us anything, it is that success in this world does not rest just on talent. The eccentric, intelligent investigator solved puzzles and mysteries with such ease that it is difficult not to be envious of him at times. Holmes has certainly taught us some excellent life lessons.