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Burn The Boats: Now That's Commitment

The ancient Greek warriors were both feared and respected by their enemies. In battle, they established a well-deserved reputation for bravery and commitment to victory. It appears that the commanders knew how to motivate their soldiers and lead them to success.

Boat The commanders understood how to use a dramatic visual demonstration to infuse a spirit of commitment into the heart of every warrior. Upon arriving on their enemy's short and offloading the boats, the commander would issue the order, "burn the boats!"

As the burning boats slipped under the waves, each warrior knew there was no turning back now. It was either victory or death.

The sight of burning boats removed any notion of retreat from their hearts and any thoughts of surrender from their heads. Imagine the tremendous psychological impact on the soldiers as they watched their boats being set to the torch. As the boats turned to ash and slipped quietly out of sight into the water, each man understood there was no turning back and the only way home was through victory.

Just think for a moment about your goals for 2008. Ask yourself,

* "Am I really committed to success?"

* Am I willing to "burn the boats?"

* Will I commit myself to succeed no matter what the cost?

Dan Forbes, PL is a licensed Broker-Associate and Certified Residential Specialist serving the Bradenton - Sarasota, Florida market. He leads the Forbes Advantage Team at RE/MAX Gulfstream Realty's Lakewood Ranch Office. To learn more about buying a home or selling a home in the Bradenton - Sarasota Florida Real Estate market please visit Dan on the web at BradentonFloridaRealEstate.com ; TheRealEstateZoo.com ; The-Short-Sale-Expert.com ; and BradentonRealEstateClub.com Please call Dan today directly at 941-713-5760 or toll free at 800-756-3068.

Posted by Dan Forbes on 12/30/2007 08:08 AM

Comments (8)

life lessons, commitment, dan forbes

8 Comments on Burn The Boats: Now That's Commitment

Dan,

Great posts! If you are not really committed, you will find excuses. I love the visual of burning the boats.

Sal Poliandro - Bergen County Realtor

12/30/2007 08:16 AM

by Bergen County Realtor, Sal Poliandro, SRES, ePRO, Short Sale Specialist (RE/MAX Properties)

Interesting POST...you bet I'm committed, and sure hope I make it through another year without a Viking Send Off!

PS I won't mention the image of the burning boat to our offshore racing team...but WE'RE IN IT TO WIN IT IN 2008 if that helps you figure out where our heads our on the team too!

12/30/2007 08:17 AM

by Paige Rausch (PAR)

Dan, Great post. I know ok I think oh ok I hope I am ready for 08' just kidding. I believe everyone need to write a business plan and review it once a year and stick to it.

12/30/2007 08:17 AM

by My Favorite Mortgage.net - Matthew J Blum

Sal - Excuses are like armpits. Everyone has a couple of them and they both stink.

Paige - Need some matches?

Matthew - I have my business plan in writing for 2008 and review it, at least, weekly.

12/30/2007 08:49 AM

by Dan Forbes (.)

Dan-I believe in the very depth of my heart that one does have to be completely committed with desire, drive and passion to reach the full capacity of success.

12/30/2007 12:34 PM

by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)

Julie - No wonder you are so successful.

12/30/2007 01:01 PM

by Dan Forbes (.)

What a great analogy Dan. I know this story, but I haven't heard it in years so thanks for this brief reminder.

12/30/2007 08:57 PM

by Simon Conway (Picket Fence Realty)

Simon - It is a wonderful story about commitment, isn't it.

12/31/2007 08:56 AM

by Dan Forbes (.)