What is burn the boats?

"Burn the boats" is an expression rooted in historical events and is often used as a metaphor for committing to a course of action by eliminating any possibility of retreat or turning back. The phrase originates from instances in military history where leaders would literally burn their own ships upon landing in enemy territory, thereby eliminating the option of retreat and forcing their troops to push forward and achieve victory.

One of the most famous stories associated with this phrase involves Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. In 1519, during his conquest of the Aztec Empire, Cortés allegedly ordered his men to burn or scuttle their ships after landing on the shores of what is now Mexico. This drastic action was meant to motivate his troops by making it clear that the only way to return home was to succeed in their mission.

In a broader sense, "burn the boats" is used in business, sports, and personal development contexts to describe a strategy where individuals or teams fully commit to a goal by removing any safety nets or fallback options. The idea is that this kind of commitment can lead to increased focus, determination, and resilience.

The concept has been popularized in modern times through various motivational speeches, business books, and entrepreneurial strategies, where leaders encourage their teams or themselves to embrace risk and fully dedicate themselves to achieving their objectives by ensuring there's no easy way out.