April of 1519, Hernando Cortes lands in Veracruz Mexico, about 200 miles from the Aztec capital. Cortes had one mission: defeat the Aztecs and take their gold. To do so, he had less than 400 soldiers. His first act upon landing was to burn all but one of his ships - he wanted no turning back (excerpt taken from Tom Batchelder's Barking Up A Dead Horse). Cortes had no idea of the dangers, but he did know that if the fighting got difficult, there would be no talk of sailing home.
Today we can learn a valuable history lesson from Cortes. As an aspiring business owner, I've seen that every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat. Only by so doing can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a BURNING DESIRE TO WIN, essential to success.
The most successful entrepreneurs have that burning desire to win, with no sources for retreat. So the next time you envision starting up a new business, ask yourself if you're prepared to burn your boats at the shore. Are you willing to not pay yourself throughout the start up period? Open to work 60-80 hours per week to develop the business? Ready to compromise time spent with family vs. the business?
And don't forget to ask yourself - - would you make courageous commitments where there is no going back? Can you lead by example?
"When one has nothing to lose, one becomes courageous."
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