There are two kinds of people. Those who hate going to the dentist, and those who secretly enjoy it.
I’m in the second group. There’s something about walking out after a cleaning that makes you feel refreshed. So when my six-month appointment came up, I was actually looking forward to it.
A new dental hygienist, let’s call her Amanda, greeted me and took me back. We hit it off right away. I asked a few curious questions about her life and career while she worked. At one point, she mentioned choosing dental hygiene, then quickly added that she also had a plan B, plan C, and even a plan D if this didn’t work out.
What struck me was how good she already was after just a year. She didn’t have a skill problem. She had a commitment problem. Her talent was there, but her attention was split. So I shared a story with her.
When Hernán Cortés sailed from Cuba to Mexico in 1519, his mission was clear. Explore new territory, establish a settlement, and secure riches for Spain. But many of his men were uneasy. The land was unfamiliar, the risks were high and retreating back to their ships always felt like an option.
So Cortés removed it. He “burned the boats.” By eliminating the path back, his men had only one choice. Move forward with full commitment to increase the likihood of their success.
Most people never burn their boats. They keep a backup plan, a safety net, or a quiet escape route. They enter relationships without fully letting go of the past. They take jobs while constantly imagining the next one.
It feels responsible, but it weakens commitment. The hard truth is this. You won’t know how good you can be until you stop planning your exit. You must commit to a strong obedience in the same direction.
Life happens, and a plan B isn’t the devil. But many people never get great at what they are doing now because they never fully commit to it.
So here’s the question. Have you burned the boats?
You rarely discover how good something can be until you stop planning your exit and commit to a strong obedience in the same direction.
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Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook