The think (here) Blog

As a "think (here)" thinker I am always looking for ways to step outside of my comfort level, to grow, and to change the way I think.  The following method may sound crazy, but I absolutely recommend giving it a try. The method: Scuttle the boats.

Before we get started, a brief and grossly simplified history lesson is required.
Hernando Cortez did something bold and it has stuck in my mind.  The story goes that upon arriving in Mexico he destroyed any chance of returning/ retreating/ or abandoning his goal.  Most commonly, the story is told that he torched all 11 of the boats that he and his crew arrived on.  This is a common misconception that wikipedia credits to details getting lost in translation. What he actually did is "scuttle" (interntionally sink) them.  

While I do agree the imagery provoked by the notion of "burning" something is more powerful than that of "scuttling", it is fact that he left himself (and his crew) no choice but to figure out how to make things work that gives the story so much weight. 

So that is the history lesson, and if you have read any of my previous posts you will have an idea where I am heading with this. If you want to go "above and beyond" and position yourself for a huge success you need to eliminate any potential escape route. 

Some examples of how I have "Scuttled the Boats" (and ended up better for it):

• I signed the contract, (and accepted the first payment!) for my first freelance web design job before I knew a single line of code.
• I successfully pitched, was offered, & accepted funding for a startup without a proof of concept.
• I always say YES if someone asks for assistance (even if I am not sure how initially)
• I often end posts with "tomorrow on Tt(h)B" even if I don't think I will be able to write it.
• I "Over Promise/ Then Deliver"

Most of the time, I am able to achieve the task that I "scuttled the boat" on.  I am not saying that failure is not possible.  It is.  To be honest, failure will most likely increase.  However, it is failure that shows we are pushing ourselves, it is failure that shows we have attempted something great, and it is from failure that we truly learn.

Quoting this post from @markkley's Blog CORE Business Development:

If you want to ensure success, then burn the bridge behind you so that escape is not an option.

Burn the Bridge/ Scuttle the Boats... use whatever metaphor you need to.  In order to grow, in order to be extremly successful you need to intentionally put yourself into situations where you don't have an answer (initially).

This does not mean "attempt while unprepared"! It means prepare to the best of your ability, sever any chance of retreat, and go for it.  So show up, scuttle the boats, and take action... because it is the only choice you've got.

Tomorrow Tt(h)B is introducing an exciting new project with @timbursch.  Stay Tuned.

Have you ever "Scuttled the Boats"?  What is your story?  What was the outcome?  Have you used it since? Leave a comment below and get in on the discussion.