Burn the Boats audiobook cover - Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential

Burn the Boats

Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential

Matt Higgins

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Burn the Boats
The Core Philosophy+
Taking the Leap+
Navigating Crises+
Continuous Reinvention+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 5
Why did Matt Higgins intentionally fail his high school classes before dropping out?
  • A. He lacked the academic skills to pass the required coursework.
  • B. He wanted to ensure his teachers wouldn't try to intervene and pull him back on course.
  • C. He needed to prove to college admissions that he was a non-traditional student.
  • D. He was protesting the inadequate education system in his low-income neighborhood.
Question 2 of 5
According to the book, how should one view the concept of 'incrementalism' when trying to achieve a major goal?
  • A. It is the most reliable way to build a foundation before taking a major risk.
  • B. It is a necessary phase for gathering validation and buy-in from others.
  • C. It is merely a disguise for 'Plan B' and can hold you back from taking necessary leaps.
  • D. It is the best strategy for minimizing the fear and anxiety of a career transition.
Question 3 of 5
How does the author suggest dealing with the inevitable fear and anxiety that follow a big risk?
  • A. Eliminate all stress by meticulously planning a fallback option.
  • B. Drive into the discomfort and use a healthy dose of fear to drive performance.
  • C. Ignore the negative emotions until they naturally fade away over time.
  • D. Temporarily pause your efforts until you feel completely confident again.
Question 4 of 5
What specific technique did Matt Higgins use to overcome his paralyzing anxiety during his first appearance on Shark Tank?
  • A. He visualized the worst-case scenario to realize it wasn't that bad.
  • B. He relied on his extensive notes to guide him through the pitch.
  • C. He used self-talk to remind himself of his strengths and that he belonged there.
  • D. He focused entirely on the financial numbers to distract himself from the cameras.
Question 5 of 5
What is the 'secret to living your dreams' as demonstrated by Matt Higgins's career trajectory from press secretary to venture capitalist?
  • A. Finding a highly successful mentor and following their exact career path.
  • B. Reaching the top of your chosen field and maintaining that position indefinitely.
  • C. Always ensuring you have a signed contract for your next job before leaving your current one.
  • D. Burning the boats repeatedly, as the courage to do so acts like a muscle that strengthens with use.

Burn the Boats — Full Chapter Overview

Burn the Boats Summary & Overview

Burn the Boats (2023) tells the story of how Matt Higgins went from abject poverty to wealth and success using one simple approach: tossing Plan B and going all-in. Through both guidance and inspiration, it will help you apply this strategy to achieving your own goals and dreams.

Who Should Listen to Burn the Boats?

  • Visionaries with big ambitions
  • Self-doubting entrepreneurs 
  • Anyone holding back on their dreams

About the Author: Matt Higgins

Matt Higgins co-founded the multi-billion dollar investment firm RSE Ventures. He has appeared on the hit TV show Shark Tank as a guest investor, and was a highly placed executive with both the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins. 

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