The “burn the ships” analogy comes from Hernán Cortés, who, in 1519, ordered his men to destroy their ships upon arriving in the New World so they had no option but to push forward. It’s been widely used as a metaphor in business and personal development by Tony Robbins and others.
There may come a time in our lives or careers where we stagnate, feel lost and confused about the future. We become less productive and more anxious. Letting time pass us by as we decide on next steps. The longer we wait, the more stuck we feel. Inaction will lead to paralysis to it is important to take action.
The deeper issue stemming from indecision to burn all ships can be affected by the fear of the unknown, loss of a steady income, ridicule from family and friends, etc. Until the feeling of stuck becomes too heavy to bare, we will not make a decision to change our circumstances. When they do, it is time to change.
The “burn all ships” mentality emphasizes a go all in mindset unwavering dedication and determination to get to your end goal or … die. It is deciding to pursue your passion or a dream career without a plan-B. To succeed, it is important to eliminate all distractions and separate from people that may have the tendency to challenge our decision.
It means to cut “off all means of escape or retreat, pushing forward with resolute determination and commitment toward a chosen path or objective without the option of turning back.”
Embracing this mindset is knowing there is no turning back until you succeed. There will surely be times of doubt and wonder if we made the right decision. The key – as with everything else in life – is persistence and pushing through when we feel like we want to give up. When this happens, quickly analyze the pros and cons of the previous situation (lack of fulfillment by working for someone else) versus your current situation (building your own business by working on your own time).
Pain is greater in the short term, but the pleasure will be significantly greater in the long term. You must be convicted that the decision you made was the correct one. “Approach challenges before you with determination and resilience viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning rather than setbacks.”1
Burning all ships and going all-in on entrepreneurship is a bold, high-stakes move—but it’s also the mindset that separates those who build empires from those who stay in the comfort of mediocrity. If we want to make something truly ours, something that outlives us, something that gives us full control over our time, income, and freedom, then there’s no better path.
1. Security Is an Illusion
That 9-to-5 job and a steady paycheck? That is not security, but dependence. The only real security is owning something that no one can take away from you. You can be let go tomorrow. The market can shift, and you’ll be scrambling. But when you build something that is your own, every hour of effort compounds for your future, not someone else’s.
2. No Regrets, No Looking Back
You don’t want to wake up 10, 20 years from now wishing you had taken the leap. Regret is heavier than failure. At least with failure, you learn, pivot, and grow. But if you never start? You’re left wondering what if.
3. Entrepreneurship Forces You to Level Up
There’s no coasting when you’re the one calling the shots. You have to become sharper, more resilient, and more resourceful. Every challenge is a chance to evolve, and every win is yours. No one caps your growth—no boss, no salary bracket.
4. Control Your Time, Control Your Life
Entrepreneurship isn’t about working less—it’s about working on your terms. You set the direction. You decide how much you’re worth. You decide when to grind and when to take off. No approval needed.
5. The Burn the Ships Mindset = No Retreat
Cortez and his men burned their ships so there was no way back—only forward. That’s the mindset you need. When you remove the escape route, when you commit fully, when failure is no longer an option, you force yourself to succeed.
If you want to build something great, if you want freedom, if you want to bet on yourself—burn the ships and make it happen.