Burning the Ships: Embracing Creativity with No Way Back
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived on the shores of the New World in 1519 with 600 men and 11 ships.
According to myth and legend, he ordered his men to burn down the ships, leaving them with no option but to press forward into the unknown. This act became a powerful metaphor for commitment and embracing uncertainty.
But what does "burning the ships" mean for creatives?
Courage to Commit
In simple terms, burning the ships means fully committing to your craft. It's a silencing of the inner critic that whispers, "Maybe this isn't for you," or "You could always go back to your day job." When you burn the ships, you're telling yourself and the world that there's no turning back.
For writers, this might mean quitting your job to write full-time. For artists, it could be investing in that expensive equipment you've been eyeing. For bloggers, it might be publicly announcing your posting schedule, holding yourself accountable to your audience.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, exemplifies this commitment. As a single mother living on benefits, she dedicated herself to writing her first novel, often working in cafes while her daughter slept. She rejected the safety net of a steady job, believing in her vision and committing fully to her craft.
Embracing Vulnerability
Burning the ships is a statement of intent, an act of vulnerability. It's saying, "This is who I am, and this is what I create." It's sharing your work before you feel it's perfect. It's hitting "publish" on that blog post even when doubt creeps in.
By eliminating your safety net, you open yourself up to criticism, but also to growth and authentic connection with your audience.
Brené Brown, a research professor and author, burned her ships when she decided to share her vulnerable TED Talk on shame and vulnerability. Despite her fears, she opened up about her own struggles, which resonated deeply with millions of viewers. This act of vulnerability catapulted her career and led to best-selling books and a Netflix special.
Creativity Through Necessity
When Cortés burned his ships, he created a situation where creativity and problem-solving became necessary for survival. For creatives, when we burn our metaphorical ships, we often find untapped reserves of inspiration and innovation.
With no way back, you're forcing yourself to push through creative blocks, experiment with new techniques, and persist even when the muse seems to have abandoned you.
Chef David Chang, founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, exemplifies this principle. When he opened his first restaurant, Momofuku Noodle Bar, he invested all his savings and took out loans. With no culinary school background and limited resources, Chang had to innovate out of necessity. His creative approach to Asian-inspired cuisine, born from this pressure, revolutionised the New York food scene and led to a global culinary empire.
The Freedom of No Options
Limiting your options can be incredibly freeing. When you've burned the ships, you no longer waste energy wondering "what if" or second-guessing your path. All focus can be directed toward moving forward, honing your craft, and creating your best work.
Comedian Jim Carrey famously wrote himself a check for $10 million for "acting services rendered," dated it 10 years in the future, and carried it in his wallet. This act symbolised his commitment to success in acting, eliminating other career options from his mind. A decade later, he was indeed earning that much per film.
Practical Steps
- Make a public commitment to your craft
- Invest time or money into your creative pursuits
- Set ambitious goals and share them with others
- Eliminate your backup plans
- Surround yourself with like-minded people
Author Stephen King followed several of these steps early in his career. He set a goal to write 2,000 words every day, rain or shine. He also famously threw away the manuscript for "Carrie," his breakout novel, only for his wife to retrieve it from the trash and encourage him to finish it. This commitment to his craft, even in the face of self-doubt, paved the way for his prolific and successful career.
Risk and Reward
Burning your ships is not without risk. It requires courage, faith in yourself, and a willingness to face potential failure. The rewards can be immense: a life lived true to your creative vision, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, and the possibility of creating something truly remarkable.
It's important to remember that you don't literally have to quit your job or make any drastic life changes to embody this mindset. The essence of burning the ships is about commitment and forward momentum in your creative life.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway hit "Hamilton," took a significant risk by choosing to write a hip-hop musical about American founding father Alexander Hamilton. He spent years working on the project, turning down other opportunities. His commitment to this unconventional idea paid off enormously, resulting in a groundbreaking, award-winning production that revolutionised musical theatre.
Are you ready to set fire to your ships and embark on your own creative conquest? A world of potential awaits.
SF.