Burn the ships not the bridge

Legend has it that in 1519 Hernan Cortes with a fleet of 12 ships transporting hundreds of soldiers, a dozen or so horses and some canons set out to conquer the Aztec empire and capture its wealth. Once they landed ashore, Cortes ordered the burning of his ships to prevent retreat.

Leaving comfort for risk is counter-intuitive. It goes against our natural instinct to protect what we’ve worked hard to establish. But if there is one thing I’m still learning, it’s that preventing retreat is not the same as ruining the chance for future relationship. Burning the ships suddenly adds urgency to the mission. No longer is it optional to plan, to fight, to compete. Flippancy turns to compulsion and we need this spark to pursue and vanquish the enemies of humanity.

Burning a bridge means you brandish arrogance as you head for the exits. You don’t value the friendships or professional relationships you’ve created. Bridge burning is code for the world’s greatest gamble – not being grateful when you move through the seasons of life. The gamble is realized should you ever need to flip a u-turn.