I hosted a small gathering for the Texas altMBA alumni this past weekend and it was a meaningful session. Challenges were discussed, ideas were shared, nudges were given, and leaps are being taken. We started our time together by diving in on a quick writing exercise – focused on gratitude. We had a stack of GapingVoid gratitude postcards in front of us to give a nudge, and as always, Hugh’s art served as a wonderful conversation starter.
During the session I had a chance to share some updates on my work with Badass Backpacks, including some of the challenges I face, and areas where I need to ask for help. In the midst of that discussion, Neala Moore took a daring leap and she jumped in to point out (paraphrasing) … “Adam, listen to how much you’re hesitating, using the words ‘but this’ and ‘but that’. Cut out the buts – you need to burn your ships.” It became a heavy reference for the remainder of our conversation. “Burn the ships!” (Fully commit!) This phrase references how legends tell when Cortes, Alexander the Great, and others too, took their armies abroad, and not wanting any thoughts drifting backwards: they burned their boats. No option. March forward, or die trying.
As Nov 30 inches closer (Nov 30 will be my last day at Blackbaud), I am taking a big gulp. Full of fear. I keep saying things in conversation like:
- Well, I’m going to focus on Badass Backpacks, but maybe I need to look for part-time work.
OR - Well, I’m going to push on Badass Backpacks, but our pace has been so slow up until now, that I don’t know if we should try to speed things up.
And I’m so grateful for the nudge that Neala gave me. Because I think she is onto something. Those above statements are riddled with momentum destroying hesitation. Burning my ships? No looking back? I’m not familiar with burning my boats. It makes me uncomfortable. 🙂 (One value of the altMBA is to pay close attention when something makes you uncomfortable – this is a sign that there might be something worth ACTING ON.) [quick note here that burning the ships, is entirely different than burning bridges – I love building bridges and connections, and that’s an entirely different conversation :)]
As always – huge hat tip to the altMBA for continuing to inspire, challenge, and encourage me. And thank you Neala, Sandy, and Andre!
____________
[We’re taking a rare break from our Tuesday night BFD session tomorrow. It’s election day in the US. We’ll be back in action next week. November marches on and Nov 30 is right around the corner. BURN THE SHIPS :-)]