Burning the Boats

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred…Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power , and magic in it. Begin it now.” - Johann Wolfang von Goethe

Wow. Can you feel the intensity of those words? They are encouragement to go after what you dream you can do. One guy said that people make decisions by goals or by fear. If we do not have our goals in mind clearly, then we default to fear. Most of us are just real good at hiding that fact and embroider the lesser decision. We don’t go after what we really want then. Don’t compromise. Get clear on what you want. Then go after it. If you don’t have fortitude inside, be sure to hang out with friends who will encourage you in the way of your dreams, not reinforce your fears.

Will People Remember Your Name?

In the movie, Troy, the warrior Achilles is summoned to take
on the brute champion of an opposing army. On his way out, a little
boy tells him the man is big and fierce and that he would be scared to
face him. Achilles answers beautifully, “That is why no one will
remember your name.” He rides off to conquer this opponent and his
army. It’s a beautiful scene of pure ego.

I wonder, would people pity the boy or desire to be like Achilles?
Does our fear define us and make us anonymous? Is that good enough?
If so, that is who you are. If you want greatness, then don’t let a
small thing like fear stop you. Overcome it and get your name
remembered. We don’t necessarily have to kill giant ogres, but we do
have to face our fears.