In April 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Veracruz on a rogue mission to win Mexico for the crown of Spain. Whilst history would not look kindly on Cortés, who set sail from Cuba in an act of blatant defiance, he was a man of legendary single-mindedness who pursued a dream of conquering the New World with complete abandon. The conquistador would ultimately lead his band of 600 men in one of history’s most cunning military campaigns, culminating in the fall of the great Aztec Empire, some two years later. For centuries, many had tried to lay claim to the vast treasure held by this ancient civilization, but no invading force had prevailed. What made Cortés’s attempt different? How would a magistrate, and one who had never led an army, reign victorious in a near impossible mission?
Legend has it that his leadership strategy was simple. Cortés cast a strong vision amongst his men, painting a vivid picture of what life would look like for them and their families, should they succeed. Finally, taking a leaf from Sun Tzu and Alexander the Great’s war manual, he is said to have stood on the beach and issued a command — three simple words that changed everything:
“Burn the ships”
All eleven vessels were scuttled, an act which would create a galvanized force, rallying the full extent of their will and strength behind his sword. Cortés knew that the greatest risk did not lie in marching upon Tenochitilán — a far greater danger lurked in giving Plan B a foothold in their hearts and mind.
Don’t believe, for a moment, that you are not at war too. Whilst Hernán Cortés lived the horrors of ruthless imperialism, yours is a righteous revolt. But all the beauty and significance that you are to give an aching world — The Original You — is facing fierce resistance. This is not about “finding your passion” (whatever that may mean). The defining question is a far deeper one: Are you going to give yourself unreservedly, in the very same way that God came to you, or will you choose to march to the beat of your fears?
“The most dangerous risk of all - the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.”
How many men do you know who waited around till they gathered enough, and only then set out to do something remarkable? We do not hear stories like that, because playing it safe is simply too dangerous. Ask the guy who buried his talents — in the end it is a slow burn to nothing.
If I thought you were irresponsible, or acting on a whim, I’d caution you to please check that there is some water in the pools below before you leap from the falls. But you’ve probably spent years checking. Bro, you and I do not have that kind of time. So I’ll leave you with Tolkien’s wisdom:
“‘The counsel of Gandalf was not founded on foreknowledge of safety, for himself or for others,’ said Aragorn. ‘There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark.’”
If this quest requires your whole heart, is it not time to burn the boats which float your excuses? It may just be the flaming torch that lights your way.
Werner