Burn the Boats Summary

Burn your boats, and you will have no choice but to move forward. That’s how you achieve the extraordinary.

1. Trust Your Instincts, Even When It Feels Risky

Taking bold action often requires trusting your gut, even when it defies conventional wisdom. Matt Higgins emphasizes that your instincts are often more reliable than external advice, especially when it comes to pursuing your dreams. He shares the story of Jesse Derris, a talented PR professional who hesitated to start his own firm despite his clear potential. It was only after trusting his instincts and taking a leap that Jesse found success.

Higgins explains that waiting for the "perfect time" or external validation can paralyze you. The world often encourages incremental progress, but some opportunities demand a leap of faith. Trusting your instincts means recognizing when the time is right for bold action, even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.

Examples like Sarah Cooper, who left a stable tech career to pursue comedy, show how trusting your gut can lead to unexpected success. Cooper’s decision to follow her creative instincts resulted in a Netflix show and a thriving career. Higgins argues that these leaps are necessary to break free from mediocrity and achieve greatness.

Examples

• Jesse Derris trusted his instincts and launched a PR firm, later selling it for millions.
• Sarah Cooper left Google to pursue comedy, leading to a Netflix show.
• Higgins himself dropped out of high school at 16, trusting his plan to start college early.

2. Burn the Boats to Eliminate Plan B

The concept of "burning the boats" comes from Julius Caesar’s strategy of removing the option to retreat. Higgins applies this idea to personal and professional growth, arguing that having a backup plan often dilutes your commitment to your primary goal. When you eliminate Plan B, you force yourself to focus entirely on making Plan A work.

Higgins shares his own story of dropping out of high school to take the GED and start college early. By failing his classes intentionally, he ensured there was no way to return to his old path. This bold move accelerated his journey toward financial independence and a better life for his family.

Burning the boats isn’t about recklessness; it’s about creating a sense of urgency and commitment. When you remove the safety net, you’re more likely to push through challenges and find creative solutions. Higgins believes this mindset is essential for achieving extraordinary results.

Examples

• Julius Caesar burned his boats to ensure his army fought with full commitment.
• Higgins dropped out of high school to pursue college and escape poverty.
• Entrepreneurs who go all-in on their ventures often achieve greater success than those who hedge their bets.

3. Fear Is a Signal to Move Forward

Fear often signals that you’re on the verge of something meaningful. Higgins argues that instead of avoiding fear, you should lean into it. Fear can be a powerful motivator, pushing you to prepare, adapt, and grow. The key is to manage fear rather than let it paralyze you.

Higgins recounts his experience on Shark Tank, where he felt intense anxiety before filming. Instead of backing out, he used the fear as fuel, spending a year preparing by studying every episode of the show. This preparation allowed him to perform confidently and secure his first deal on the show.

Research supports this idea. Studies show that positive emotions during crises can build resilience and improve long-term outcomes. By reframing fear as an opportunity, you can turn challenges into stepping stones for growth.

Examples

• Higgins overcame his fear on Shark Tank by preparing extensively.
• Barbara Fredrickson’s research shows that positive emotions during crises build resilience.
• Athletes often use pre-competition nerves to enhance their performance.

4. There’s No Perfect Time to Act

Waiting for the "right moment" often leads to missed opportunities. Higgins stresses that the perfect time to act rarely exists. Life is unpredictable, and delaying action only makes it harder to take the leap later. If something is calling to you, the best time to start is now.

Higgins uses the example of Jesse Derris, who hesitated to start his PR firm because he wasn’t sure if the timing was right. By taking action despite his doubts, Jesse was able to build a successful business and achieve financial independence.

This principle applies to all areas of life. Whether it’s starting a business, changing careers, or pursuing a passion, waiting for ideal conditions often leads to regret. Higgins encourages readers to embrace imperfection and take action anyway.

Examples

• Jesse Derris started his PR firm despite initial doubts about timing.
• Sarah Cooper left her tech career without waiting for a "perfect" opportunity.
• Higgins dropped out of high school at 16, knowing that waiting would delay his goals.

5. Incremental Growth Can Be a Trap

Society often promotes the idea of gradual progress, but Higgins argues that some goals require bold leaps rather than small steps. Incremental growth can create a false sense of security, keeping you stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. To achieve extraordinary results, you need to think bigger and act bolder.

Higgins points to his own career as an example. After being passed over for a promotion in Giuliani’s office, he left without a backup plan. This bold move led to him becoming the youngest press secretary in New York City history.

By rejecting the idea of incrementalism, you open yourself up to new possibilities. Higgins encourages readers to question societal norms and pursue their dreams with urgency and determination.

Examples

• Higgins left Giuliani’s office after being passed over for a promotion, leading to a better opportunity.
• Entrepreneurs who take bold risks often achieve faster growth than those who play it safe.
• Sarah Cooper’s leap from tech to comedy bypassed the traditional "ladder" of career progression.

6. Embrace Crises as Opportunities

Crises are inevitable when you take big risks, but they can also be opportunities for growth. Higgins believes that challenges force you to act, adapt, and grow in ways you wouldn’t otherwise. By embracing crises, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Higgins shares how he managed the press for Giuliani’s office during the September 11 attacks. This challenging experience helped him develop resilience and leadership skills that he carried into future roles.

The key is to reframe crises as opportunities rather than obstacles. When you face challenges head-on, you build the strength and confidence to tackle even bigger goals.

Examples

• Higgins managed the press during the September 11 attacks, building resilience and leadership skills.
• Entrepreneurs often pivot during crises, leading to innovative solutions.
• Athletes use setbacks as motivation to train harder and improve.

7. Your Vision Is Your Compass

Success starts with a clear vision for your life. Higgins emphasizes the importance of defining what you truly want, rather than chasing other people’s ideas of success. Your vision serves as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions.

Higgins’s vision was to escape poverty and create a better life for his family. This clarity allowed him to make bold decisions, like dropping out of high school and pursuing unconventional career paths.

By staying true to your vision, you can navigate challenges and stay focused on your goals. Higgins encourages readers to listen to their inner voice and take their dreams seriously.

Examples

• Higgins’s vision of escaping poverty guided his bold decisions.
• Entrepreneurs who stay true to their vision often achieve greater success.
• Athletes use their long-term goals to stay motivated during tough times.

8. Consolidate Gains and Keep Moving

Each success is a stepping stone to the next opportunity. Higgins advises consolidating your gains and using them to leverage new opportunities. This mindset keeps you from stagnating and ensures continuous growth.

Higgins’s career is a testament to this principle. From managing Giuliani’s press office to rebuilding Ground Zero to working with the New York Jets, he used each role as a springboard for the next.

By constantly looking for the next opportunity, you can maintain momentum and avoid complacency. Higgins encourages readers to think ahead and plan their next move, even while enjoying their current success.

Examples

• Higgins used his role in Giuliani’s office to become the youngest press secretary.
• Entrepreneurs often reinvest profits to fuel future growth.
• Athletes build on each victory to prepare for the next challenge.

9. Courage Is a Muscle You Can Build

Courage isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you develop through practice. Higgins believes that each bold decision strengthens your ability to take risks and face challenges. Over time, burning your boats becomes easier and more natural.

Higgins shares how he repeatedly burned his boats throughout his career, from dropping out of high school to leaving stable jobs without a backup plan. Each decision built his confidence and resilience.

By practicing courage, you can overcome fear and take bigger risks. Higgins encourages readers to start small and build their courage over time, knowing that each step will make the next one easier.

Examples

• Higgins dropped out of high school, building the courage to take future risks.
• Entrepreneurs who take small risks early on often gain the confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
• Athletes build mental toughness through repeated exposure to high-pressure situations.

Takeaways

1. Identify one area of your life where you’re holding onto a Plan B, and commit to going all-in on Plan A.
2. Reframe your fears as opportunities for growth, and take one bold action that scares you this week.
3. Define your vision for your life, and use it as a guide to make decisions that align with your goals.