Christopher Hatfield

By Christopher Hatfield

When it comes to building a small business, there’s a lot of talk about strategy, planning, and having a safety net. But sometimes, the best way to achieve success is to go all in—no plan B, no safety net. That’s where the story of Hernán Cortés comes in, and trust me, it’s a lesson every entrepreneur needs to hear.

The Story of Burning the Ships

Let’s rewind to 1519. Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, lands on the shores of what we now know as Mexico. His mission? Conquer the mighty Aztec Empire. Sounds straightforward, right? Except that Cortés and his men were vastly outnumbered, in unfamiliar territory, and facing an enemy that had every reason to wipe them out.

Now, any rational leader might have kept the ships nearby, just in case things went south. But Cortés wasn’t interested in a half-hearted attempt. He knew that as long as those ships were in the harbour, his men would have one foot out the door, always thinking about the possibility of retreat.

So, what did he do? He ordered his men to burn the ships. That’s right—he destroyed their only way home, leaving them with just one option: fight with everything they had or perish trying. There was no going back, no second chances, and no escape. The result? His men, knowing they had no choice, fought with a ferocity that led to the eventual downfall of the Aztec Empire and the establishment of Spanish rule in Mexico.

The Entrepreneurial Lesson: No Plan B

Now, you might be thinking, “What does this have to do with my small business?” Everything. The story of Cortés is a masterclass in commitment. When you’re building a business, especially a small one, the temptation to keep a fallback option is strong. It feels safe, it feels smart, but let me tell you—safety nets can also be your biggest enemy.

Here’s the truth: if you always have one eye on the exit, you’re never fully committed. Just like Cortés’ men, if you know there’s a way out, you’re not going to push yourself to the absolute limit. And in business, especially when you’re small and scrappy, that’s exactly what you need to do.

Going All In: Why You Need to Burn Your Ships

So, what does burning the ships look like in the business world? It means making the decision that failure is not an option. It means committing all your resources, time, and energy to making your business work. It’s about saying, “This is going to succeed because it has to.”

1. No Safety Net, Just Determination: When you don’t have a backup plan, you’ll find that your focus sharpens. You start thinking more creatively, solving problems faster, and making decisions with conviction. Without the option to retreat, you’ll push through challenges that might have otherwise stopped you in your tracks.
2. Building a Team with the Same Mindset: Just like Cortés needed his men to be all in, you need a team that’s as committed as you are. When everyone knows there’s no turning back, they’ll bring their A-game every day. It’s about creating a culture of resilience and determination.
3. Taking Risks That Matter: Burning the ships isn’t about being reckless; it’s about taking calculated risks that move your business forward. When you’re fully committed, you’ll take bold actions that can lead to big rewards. You’ll stop playing it safe and start playing to win.

But What If It Doesn’t Work?

Here’s the part where most people hesitate. “But what if I fail?” they ask. And I get it—failure is scary. But here’s the thing: if you’ve truly burned your ships, failure isn’t an end; it’s just another step on the journey. You’ll find a way to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward because you’ve got no other choice.

And let’s be honest—if you’re already thinking about failing, you’re not all in. Success in business requires a mindset where failure isn’t even on the radar. It’s about having the confidence that, no matter what, you’ll find a way to succeed.

The Bottom Line: Commit Fully or Don’t Bother

So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re serious about building a successful small business, it’s time to burn your ships. Remove the option to retreat, commit fully to your vision, and watch how that commitment transforms your business.

It won’t be easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments where you question whether you’ve made the right choice. But if you’re all in, if you’ve truly burned your ships, you’ll find that those challenges only make you stronger. You’ll become more resilient, more creative, and more determined to succeed.

So, the next time you’re tempted to keep a safety net, remember the story of Hernán Cortés. Burn the ships, commit fully, and give your business the chance to become everything you know it can be.



About the Author: Discover Christopher Hatfield Nottingham, a coach and entrepreneur supporting leaders through authentic communication and strategy.