In 1519 AD, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez arrived in the New World with 600 men and burned his ships. This made it very clear that there was no going back — they had to move forward. Two years later they succeeded in conquering the Aztec Empire.
What can we learn from this story?
When we are trying to make a change or achieve our goals, we have to make the big decision that we will stay and fight or die trying. There is no way out of the situation other than fighting through it.
When we have our lives on the line, we really will be motivated to fight hard. If we can wake up each day it is a gift. The lesson Cortez teaches is one of total commitment — when retreat is not an option, you find a way forward.
Apply this to your own goals: burn the ships. Remove the safety nets that allow you to retreat to your old ways. Make the commitment public. Set stakes. When going back is not an option, you discover what you’re truly capable of.
Onward. Let’s go!