Commitment takes courage. Many times we are content to stand on the
sidelines and just watch as the game is being played. It’s safer there;
but there’s no action and no opportunity for success, or growth.
Sometimes we just need to jump into it and see what happens. Sometimes we just need to burn the boats.
The ancient Greek warriors understood this idea. These Greeks
possessed an unwavering attitude to victory and commitment. When the
Grecian armies landed on their enemy’s shore, the first order the
commanders gave was “Burn the boats.”
These commanders knew the power of motivation and necessity. With no
boats to retreat to, the army had to be successful in order to survive.
As the soldiers watched the boats burn, they knew there was no turning
back – there would be no surrendering.
In our lives we need to do everything possible to make good
decisions. We may not always be right. But if we follow a process of
gathering the facts, analyzing the risks, and creating a viable plan
based on the information available, more times than not we will make the
proper decision.
However, fear can keep us from moving forward. Consider the missed opportunities in your life. Think about the relationships you didn’t pursue, or end. Think about the career opportunities you allowed to pass by because you were more comfortable with the status quo. Think about the dreams and goals you once had, but are now stuffed down into a seemingly unreachable place. Imagine if you had burn some boats along the way.
However, fear can keep us from moving forward. Consider the missed opportunities in your life. Think about the relationships you didn’t pursue, or end. Think about the career opportunities you allowed to pass by because you were more comfortable with the status quo. Think about the dreams and goals you once had, but are now stuffed down into a seemingly unreachable place. Imagine if you had burn some boats along the way.
A leap of faith is just that – a leap from what you know and trust
and to the unknown. Frequently, growth lives on the landing spot where
you leap. The question then becomes, “do I leap”; “how do I know I know
if I’m following my heart’s desire and not just making a stupid
mistake?”
The answer is you really don’t know, for sure. The Greeks didn’t
know, for sure, if they would be victorious, but there were extremely
motivated because there was no other course; no other way. They didn’t
think about the “what ifs.” they only thought about how to prevail and
win.
You have the same choice in front of you. Perhaps
there is a book you have always wanted to write, or a business you have
always wanted to start; or someone you would like to approach and begin a
conversation.
Safety nets are good because they can protect you from pain and
injury, but they can also keep you from really putting it on the line.
The suggestion here is not to do your due diligence or act in a rash
manner, but rather once you have completed your discernment process and
your inner voice; your inner wisdom, says, “Go!” You go!
Remove the obstacles and the excuses. Storm the shore with the
attitude you will be successful. Set fire to the boat that took you
there and watch as it lists in the water and then disappears.
Turn around and look forward; look ahead. Leave your fear and regret
at the bottom of the water with the boat and begin moving in the
direction you want to go. Surrender to no one or nothing and fully
commit. You will get to where you want to go. You will be victorious,
too.
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