Burn The Boats

By Matt Higgins

Book Overview

Upon reaching the English coast in his quest to conquer the island, Julius Caesar swiftly recognized that his forces were significantly outnumbered. Faced with this daunting reality, he understood the importance of ensuring his troops remained committed to the fight. In a bold move, he commanded them to burn their boats, effectively removing any option for retreat.

Caesar's decision forced his soldiers to fight with absolute dedication. They understood that surrender was not an option. In that moment, they embraced the challenge, fighting not just for victory but for their survival. By eliminating the possibility of retreat, Caesar inspired his men to unleash their full potential, transforming fear into a fierce determination to succeed against all odds.

Matt Higgins, at 14, didn’t know about Caesar’s strategy, but he intuitively applied the same principle. Growing up in poverty in Queens, New York, he and his mother struggled to survive in a small apartment with an empty fridge. Matt realized his minimum-wage job at McDonald’s wasn’t enough to lift them out of their dire situation. He needed a faster way to start earning a decent living.

Before 16, Matt came up with a risky plan: drop out of high school, take the GED, and start college two years earlier than expected. This would fast-track his journey to earning higher wages. However, to pull it off, he couldn’t tell anyone about his plan. He knew his teachers would try to stop him if they thought he had potential, so he intentionally failed all his classes. The day he turned 16, he dropped out, burning his boats and cutting off any possibility of returning to high school.

“We are led to believe that we must identify and develop the theoretical solution to a problem before we assume the risk.”

Trust Your Instincts and Take the Leap

Matt recognized Jesse Derris’s talent early on. At just 26, Jesse was already making a name for himself at a publicity firm, confidently sharing bold ideas with much older CEOs. Despite his success, Matt saw that Jesse’s skills were underutilized, so he offered to invest $2 million for Jesse to start his own PR company. Although Jesse felt terrified at the thought of going solo, he listened to his instincts and accepted the offer after a motivating talk with his girlfriend.

Jesse’s journey highlights the importance of trusting your gut when making big decisions. It’s common to feel scared when facing the unknown, but you must remember a few key points. First, there’s never a perfect time to make a move. Waiting can often make things harder, so if you feel drawn to an opportunity, act now. Second, don’t seek approval from others. Recognize chances that others might overlook.

Also, remember that you don’t have to stick to what you know. For instance, Sarah Cooper had a long career in tech, but she took a risk by diving into comedy and ended up with a Netflix show. Finally, challenge the idea of gradual progress. Sometimes, big goals require bold steps rather than slow climbing.

When your instincts clash with conventional wisdom, don’t hesitate. Reflect on your vision for your life. Do you want to miss out on becoming your best self? Jesse did not, and within a few years of starting his firm, he sold it to a major PR company, becoming a millionaire. Trust your instincts and take the leap!

“No visions are ever rendered to us in the dead of night that we are incapable of pursuing at the break of dawn.”

Embrace the Fear to Unlock Your Potential

Life's journey can be tough, especially when you take big risks. After making bold choices, it's normal to feel fear and anxiety. Challenges are a part of going all-in, so be ready for the rough patches.

When things get hard, you might want to turn back, but it's better to face the discomfort head-on. Take Matt, for example. The night before he appeared on Shark Tank, he was anxious and full of self-doubt. When the cameras started rolling, he froze. This shows that a bit of fear can be beneficial. Instead of trying to eliminate all stress, learn to manage it and use it to push yourself.

Research suggests that experiencing positive emotions during a crisis can help build resilience and reduce the risk of depression. Viewing challenges as opportunities can help you thrive. Matt recognized that being on Shark Tank was a great chance for his career. Despite his fears, he prepared by watching every episode and taking notes.

However, too much anxiety can be overwhelming. When fear becomes unmanageable, it's essential to reconnect with your strengths and remember how you've overcome challenges before. On that first day of filming, Matt used self-talk to calm his nerves, reminding himself he was capable and belonged there.

This mindset allowed him to succeed, and he eventually made a deal by showing the entrepreneur his commitment. The key idea is that crises force you to act. When facing tough situations, you must gather your strength and confront your fears. Embracing these moments can lead to growth and success.

Own Your Journey: Embrace Change to Find Success

Burning the boats means taking control of your own path, rather than following others' ideas of success. It begins with having a vision for your life. This vision can vary—maybe you want to work independently, achieve financial stability, or contribute to a meaningful cause. Whatever it is, pay attention to it.

Matt’s story is a powerful example. At just 16, he realized he needed a different life for himself and his mother, escaping the limitations of poverty. He took a bold step by quitting high school to start college early, knowing he had to change how others saw him as a dropout. He worked in the press office of New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani while attending law school at night.

After being passed over for a promotion, Matt burned his boats again and left his job. Soon after, he was offered the position of press secretary at just 26 years old, changing his identity from a dropout to the youngest press secretary in New York City.

Matt's life shows that living your dreams involves courage and continuous effort. Each time you make a significant change, it’s like building a muscle—stronger with practice. After managing the mayor's press during the September 11 attacks, Matt became the CEO for rebuilding Ground Zero and later took on a role with the New York Jets. Even when that opportunity didn’t pan out, he kept moving forward.

Instead of waiting for the next chance to arrive, he always planned his next move. The key lesson is not to get comfortable; use each success to create new opportunities. Stay proactive, leverage your strengths, and embrace change to shape your future.

“The key to unlocking potential is to embrace your highest competitive advantage: you are the only one who has the full story of your life. YOU are the one subject about which there will never be a greater expert in the world.”

Major Takeaway

Remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Embrace the challenges, take bold risks, and never shy away from the discomfort of change. Each step you take, each boat you burn, brings you closer to the life you envision. Let your fears fuel your growth, and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and evolve.

As you navigate your path, hold onto your vision and stay true to yourself. Trust in your ability to adapt and thrive, and always be ready to seize the next opportunity. Your journey may not always be smooth, but with courage and determination, you have the power to shape your destiny.

So, go forth with confidence. Own your story, embrace the unknown, and create a life that reflects your true aspirations. The world is waiting for you to make your mark.

Video Insights from the Author, Matt Higgins