07/10/2020
SET FIRE TO YOUR BRIDGES
We all know the phrase, "To move forward in life, you have to burn your bridges" but many people don't know how that phrase came to be.
During wars, soldiers would burn a bridge after crossing it to prevent their enemies from attacking. It also meant that the soldiers themselves would have no means of returning to where they came from.
It therefore meant that they had no other option than to advance and conquer or surrender and be killed in battle. There was no chance of retreat. Burning bridges gave soldiers the motivation to advance forward because any chance at hope was gone.
The same applies to life. A bridge is often times a connection to your past or to your comfort zone. When you advance and the going gets tough, you simply turn around, retreat and cross that bridge back to where you came from. As long as that bridge is still erect, you truly do not advance in life.
That bridge could be hurt and trauma from your past, the fear of failure or the unknown, keeping you paralysed. It could be your feelings of unworthiness and low self esteem.
It could also be your parent's money, your spouse's money, your cushy, comfortable life, and sometimes, even a plan B or plan C. While these things are good, they may end up holding you back from truly reaching your highest potential.
Now, I want you to take these last examples with a grain of salt. If these examples are your ONLY option for now, apply wisdom. Don't say "VC said we should burn our bridges". Apply wisdom.
However, if you know deep inside of you, that you have the potential for so much more, but you're still tethered to your comfort zone, it's time to burn that bridge.
Sometimes, burning that bridge means taking a leap of faith without the parachute or safety net. Sometimes burning that bridge means trying something new, with the possibility of failing at it. Sometimes it means taking the bull by the horn without any experience in bull fighting.
At some point or the other, you're going to have to burn that bridge if you truly want to achieve the results you see others achieving. You're going to have to burn that bridge and walk that lonely road if you truly want to discover the world that lies ahead.
Nobody who achieved anything great, ever looked back. They simply set fire to their bridges with no regret, and kept advancing, just like the soldiers of old. Your greatness lies on the other side of the bridge you're too scared to cross. Will you burn it?
