Burn the Boat

“The Art Of War,” which is an ancient Chinese military treatise, written by military strategist Sun Tzu. The book may focus on war—however, it helps us battle our number one opponent: ourselves. We often are the biggest obstacle when it comes to achieving success or failure. How we manage ourselves is vital to helping us lead others. In Coach Raveling’s newsletter this past weekend, he touches on this subject: “At 82, the two most important people I have invested consistently in over my lifetime is myself and others. Many people spend their entire life working to make someone else's dream come true instead of going out and cultivating their own.

Live by design rather than by default. If you do not manage your life and career, someone else will. To live an extraordinary life, your definition of success must be your own.

In the Art of War, Tzu reminds us to focus inward, not outward and by using his seven points, we will all improve the quality of our life

1. Before you attack a new challenge, commit to paying the price

2. Over plan and prepare

3. Win the battle of your mind first

4. Break down big tasks into small ones

5. Be flexible with methods, not results

6. Burn the Boat

7. Expect the best, prepare for the worst.

All seven are sensational, but my favorite is “Burn the Boat,” which comes from a Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor who sat out to conquer England 2000 years ago by boat. Upon landing at the coast, his soldiers soon realized the Celts had way more men, which caused Caesar’s men to panic with fear and start preparing their boats for a quick exit. Caesar burnt all the boats, forcing the men to fight, gaining 100% commitment from his men.

When you read Phil Knight’s fantastic book Shoe Dog, you learn that inventing Nike and getting his sneakers into stores was an enormous challenge, yet Knight refused to fail. Knight, like Caesar, decided success was the ONLY option, and no matter how many times he faced seemingly insurmountable odds, he prevailed. Knight had no boat.

Today, adopt the “burn the boat mentality,” don’t make excuses, or have an escape hedging your plan. Keep believing you can—because failure is not an option.

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