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Sometimes You’ve got to Burn the Boats

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May 4, 2009

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You know you should turn your service into an ebook product, create a new workshop, start a podcast...you know, all those things you've been meaning to do to grow your business. Sometimes knowing and doing have a hard time intersecting. I learned years ago that one of the best ways to get something done is to give myself no choice.


There is a fable about a captain coming ashore to conquer a new land and finding his forces outnumbered 10 to 1. Seeing this, a sergeant asks what they should do. The captain replies, “Burn the boats!”

•    If you want to create a new product, buy an ad for it in a magazine that publishes in three months

•    If you want to get into public speaking, offer to speak for free everywhere you can

•    If you want to hold a teleseminar training course, start promoting the dates now

•    If you need to ramp up sales, place an ad for a salesperson today

•    If you want to start your own business, start getting clients now

•    If you want to get in shape, enter a 10K (that was a bonus one!)


Years ago I received a call from someone wanting to buy a product I hadn’t actually created, but had always intended to. So I sold her one — and then I had to create it! Funny how your priorities can change when you have no choice. Don’t be afraid to succeed.

What do you think?

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  • harry riddle 2 years 4 months and 21 days ago

    harry riddle

    liked your points you made here....especially the one about "taking out a ad months from now" to create that deadline to get er done. I'll find a use for your post in our project for a new product we're creating....thanks, harry

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