I first learned of Matt Higgins while watching one of my favorite shows, Shark Tank. I remember him winning a bidding war with Mark Cuban and thinking, wow, that took guts. But what was really behind that was heart. I also remember him being so kind to the guests. Especially those kids with the cutting board… what a story. Further research showed Mr. Higgins owned or co-owned some of our favorite brands, Magnolia Bakery, VaynerX, Momofuku, Bluestone Lane (best coffee!) etc., etc. The stories behind these companies are powerful ones. The people are amazing. They are inherently good and want to do good.
The unifying factor? Heart.
So, when I saw on social media Matt had written a book, I knew what I had to do.
With my copy proudly in hand and having read it already (in one sitting), here are my thoughts:
THIS BOOK IS LIFE-CHANGING. Plain and simple.
What struck me most is that Matt’s public persona isn’t just an act—he’s the real deal. The same generosity seen on Shark Tank, IG, Twitter, etc., are true IRL. He shares his story and his wisdom wholeheartedly.
I loved the book because aside from having case studies (about 50 of them) to support the thesis, it has a narrative quality that makes for a great read. So many business books read like instruction manuals, with mundane checklists dictating “the steps we need to take for success.” One size fits all.
This book is not that.
It’s different in so many ways that it’s difficult to categorize. And maybe I shouldn’t try. But if I had to say: it’s the love child of an inspirational, uplifting entreprenurial book with a powerful nonfiction narrative detailing a life of fierce struggle and overcoming adversity against all odds.
It’s about leveling up and following your dreams.
Burn the Boats has changed my perception and the way I will now approach things—both personally and professionally. I’ve been struggling lately with a decision that will have a profound effect on my life. I’m finally ready and I know it will be amazing. My new-found confidence is one of the many gifts this book will give you, too.
It’s approachable and honest. It’s vulnerable and powerful. Guts & heart in equal measure. I imagine it took a lot of guts for some of the founders/companies to share their stories. And it definitely took bravery for the author to share his personal story. It’s a doozy!
Did I mention I cried while reading? Yeah, I don’t see your run-of-the-mill biz book having that effect on you.
And that’s because this book IS different. It’s unique. It will meet you where you’re at and at the perfect moment. It’s the guide you didn’t know you needed. It gives you the tools and vocabulary to live your dreams.
I get the sense that reading this book is like being able to sit down with the author (over Bluestone coffe!) and drawing a roadmap on how to take the leap. Whatever that looks like for you.
But be prepared to do the work and really go for it. Burning the Boats only works if you truly eliminate ‘Plan B’. Heck, it even has a quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger himself on the back cover! And if it’s good enough for The Terminator, it’s good enough for me.
The book talks a lot on how to view risk and how it factors into your decision making. You can contemplate risk (you have to), synthesize it, then go for it nonetheless. But that type of bravery takes introspection—which can be painful but vital to make big changes.
Fortune favors the…
All in all, I consider this to be an extremely important book. It's a keeper. One of the reasons we keep buying self-help or entrepreneurship books is because they don’t stick. It’s that same formula over and over. This one is here to stay and will have a permanent home on my desk. One book to rule them all.
I can honestly say I’m ready to do my best work and become the best version of myself.
This book is for dreamers, for doers, for the brave and the bold. But if you’re doubtful, confused, scared, or lost, this book is also for you.
I truly hope it can affect you as it has me. I hope it becomes a movement and changes as many lives as possible.
There is so much good in this book and so much to be done with it. There’s enough heart to go around for all of us to share. Scaling Heart… that’s a good book title BTW.
It’s time to force ourselves to grow, change, and innovate. We need to inspire ourselves and those around us by declaring that failure is not an option—no ‘Plan B’, no looking to the past. We move forward, brave, bold, curious.
So, what are you waiting for? Time to light the match. Time to change your life. I know it might be scary (it was for me for many years), but I promise that with this book as your guide, a beautiful future awaits you.
BURN THE BOATS... AIN'T GONNA BE NO REMATCH!
Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 960 ratings
Price: 22.04
Last update: 11-12-2024
About this item
*A WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER!*
Listen to the book that has inspired thousands of people around the world to pursue their Plan A—making bold career moves, launching dream businesses, fleeing toxic relationships, and silencing the naysayers.
Feel like you’re always settling for Plan B? Have big goals but something—or someone—is holding you back?
There is a counterintuitive but effective strategy used throughout recorded history to overcome impossible odds and achieve breakout success: Eliminate any thoughts of retreat.
In Burn the Boats, you’ll learn:
- How to break patterns that undermine total commitment (such as imposter syndrome, anxiety, and toxic leadership habits)
- How science proves that a perfectly crafted plan B saps motivation and diminishes successful outcomes
- How to achieve financial independence by leveraging the stream of data you consume in your daily life, known as ‘proprietary insights’
- How to harness the personal power of your pain and shame to turn flaws into your superpower
- How dozens of the people you admire first burned their own boats before becoming household names
In this gripping rags-to-riches instant classic, Matt Higgins provides the blueprint he used to go from a desperate sixteen-year-old high school dropout caring for his sick mother in Queens, New York, to a shark onShark Tank. Now a serial entrepreneur with a billion-dollar portfolio of some of America’s most beloved brands, Higgins unpacks the burn-the-boats strategy with raw emotion and radical transparency.
Now translated into numerous languages worldwide, Burn the Boats is the definitive tome on the oldest life hack in history. From Sun Tzu to Tariq ibn Ziyad, the ancient Israelites to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—when leaders want to motivate their troops for success, they self-sabotage their own retreat so all energy is directed on a singular objective. They burn their metaphorical boats that sow doubt; it’s win or perish, and their unshakable resolve propels them to victory.
But the clarity of crisis decision-making can also be harnessed in our everyday lives. Higgins draws upon extensive research, historical precedent, and dozens of firsthand case studies—from actress-turned-entrepreneur Scarlett Johansson to NFL Coach Rex Ryan—that prove merely contemplating Plan B diminishes the probability of ever achieving Plan A.
Written in the reassuring tone of a mentor and drawing upon Higgins’s experience as a teacher at Harvard Business School, Burn the Boats will carry you through any rough seas on the most exciting journey of your life.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Top reviews from the United States
DR5.0 out of 5 stars
BEST BUSINESS BOOK. EVER.
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023Q5.0 out of 5 stars
Burn the Boats is a Life Changer
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2024
Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential" by Matt Higgins is a compelling and motivational read that urges readers to fully commit to their goals and dreams. Higgins excels at sharing his personal journey and the experiences of notable leaders, weaving these stories together with a raw, relatable narrative that resonates deeply.
The metaphor of "burning the boats"—a historical strategy of removing retreat options—is used effectively to promote a mindset of unwavering dedication. Higgins enriches this concept with poignant stories, from his early days selling flowers to support his ailing mother, to becoming New York City's youngest press secretary, to his pivotal role in rallying the world after 9/11, and his triumphant battle with cancer. His journey from these challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and investor underscores his message.
The book is filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus. Higgins combines his own experiences with those of other successful individuals, presenting complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner.
While some may view the notion of burning all bridges as extreme, Higgins offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting the importance of calculated risks and thorough preparation. "Burn the Boats" is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating significant challenges or transitions, providing an inspiring framework for taking decisive action and cultivating resilience and success.
If you are looking for some guidance, are working through career decisions or simply need some inspiration, get a copy of “Burn the Boats”.
The metaphor of "burning the boats"—a historical strategy of removing retreat options—is used effectively to promote a mindset of unwavering dedication. Higgins enriches this concept with poignant stories, from his early days selling flowers to support his ailing mother, to becoming New York City's youngest press secretary, to his pivotal role in rallying the world after 9/11, and his triumphant battle with cancer. His journey from these challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and investor underscores his message.
The book is filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for overcoming obstacles and maintaining focus. Higgins combines his own experiences with those of other successful individuals, presenting complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner.
While some may view the notion of burning all bridges as extreme, Higgins offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting the importance of calculated risks and thorough preparation. "Burn the Boats" is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating significant challenges or transitions, providing an inspiring framework for taking decisive action and cultivating resilience and success.
If you are looking for some guidance, are working through career decisions or simply need some inspiration, get a copy of “Burn the Boats”.
Jason Jacobson5.0 out of 5 stars
Burn the Boats Review
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2023
Summary of a great read:
We each have a unique vision of success. So why do we all follow the same path to get there?
Matt's journey began with the simple desire to build a career as quickly as possible so he could care for his disabled mother. Today, it’s all about helping an individual reach their true potential…
Assuming we’re brave enough to follow this example.
In Burn the Boats, you’ll learn how he broke the rules to fast-track his own journey. You’ll also get his unconventional and often uncomfortable ideas around what it takes to reach your full potential.
About Matt Higgins
Matt Higgins was a high school dropout from Queens. He was an unlikely success. But he was also smart. He realized his needs were too pressing. He didn’t have time to finish high school, go to college, and wait in line for promotions at a dead-end job.
So, he jumped the line, broke the rules, and forged his own path.
Today, Higgins is a guest shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, an executive fellow teaching at Harvard Business School, and cofounder of RSE Ventures, the private investment firm behind some of America’s most beloved brands.
By leaving the traditional path, he didn’t close the doors of opportunity. He opened new opportunities.
He earned a law degree from Fordham University School of Law, only to pass on a career in law. He realized it would take years to become a partner, and he wanted life to happen fast, almost live everything happening overnight, not a walking path, to success.
He was the youngest press secretary to the mayor’s office in New York City history and helped lead the effort to rebuild the World Trade Center site after 9/11. Again, he found himself on a high-powered success track that couldn’t give him the future he wanted.
So, he joined the New York Jets’ executive team and, later, the Miami Dolphins as Executive Chairman, driving unprecedented growth for both franchises.
Each stage of his journey opened new doors. At every stage, he was warned he was making mistakes. But it was his journey. And he was willing to take risks to move forward.
Reading Higgins’ story, it becomes clear that “unlikely success” is actually uncommon courage. The courage to dream big, to trust your instincts, and to dare to do things others can’t or won’t.
And it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from. As Higgins says, “The circumstances of your life do not make your journey inevitable.” He trusted his instincts and followed the opportunities that opened for him.
In Burn the Boats, he encourages you to do the same.
My Takeaways
Burn the Boats begins and ends with one thought: you are the key to your own success. Not your degree. Not your years of experience. You and you only.
You don’t need a Plan B. You need only to know yourself and what you really want from life.
“The key to unlocking potential is to embrace your highest competitive advantage: you are the only one who has the full story of your life…. You need to know where you want to go; only then can you come up with a plan to get there.”
Higgins wasn’t able to help his mother, and he’s never forgotten it. So now, he’s helping others achieve their goals. He funds scholarships for single mothers through the Linda Higgins Empowerment Scholarship at Queens College as well as running a venture fund for entrepreneurs.
Make no mistake, this isn’t just another success book. It’s actually a tribute to Higgins’ late mother, who had been confined to a wheelchair for years yet dreamed of a better future.
He wants you to focus on your vision of success. It may be about money. It may also be about serving your community or paying tribute to a loved one.
So much of this book was validating for me. I’ve also had to break some rules and clear my own path to success.
When I entered the Business School at my university to talk about a degree in economics, the professors laughed at me. So, I majored in English and Psychology.
And when I started my business, I didn’t get the mentoring my brother received. I wasn’t staying in my lane, and no one wanted to reward that.
Higgins thinks BIG. He’ll tell you straight, if you see an opportunity, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Then, to make sure you don’t back down, burn the boats.
“Burning the boats is a recipe to leave no dream unfulfilled, no ambition denied. We all need to give ourselves a chance to realize the ceiling of our talents, to find the limits that we’ll never quite reach, to know ourselves and to appreciate our power to make things happen.”
The destination is yours to choose. You don’t have to pursue wealth. You might want to follow a calling or bake cupcakes.
The point is to stop making excuses and start finding a way to turn your vision into a reality.
There are so many inspiring takeaways in this book. My favorite is this: stop worrying about whether you have the right answers and focus instead on asking the right questions.
We want a definitive path, a step-by-step guide to achieve our goals. You create the path, and you do that by asking the right questions:
What are you uniquely positioned to do that no one else can do?
What do you see that no one else sees?
What special talents and abilities do you have that you can leverage?
And most importantly, what do you want out of life?
If you’re struggling to achieve your goals, whether because you’re following the traditional path or because no one seems to believe in you, this book is for you. It’s full of inspiring stories, practical tips, and challenging questions.
And it will help you find the courage to burn your boats and write your own success story.
We each have a unique vision of success. So why do we all follow the same path to get there?
Matt's journey began with the simple desire to build a career as quickly as possible so he could care for his disabled mother. Today, it’s all about helping an individual reach their true potential…
Assuming we’re brave enough to follow this example.
In Burn the Boats, you’ll learn how he broke the rules to fast-track his own journey. You’ll also get his unconventional and often uncomfortable ideas around what it takes to reach your full potential.
About Matt Higgins
Matt Higgins was a high school dropout from Queens. He was an unlikely success. But he was also smart. He realized his needs were too pressing. He didn’t have time to finish high school, go to college, and wait in line for promotions at a dead-end job.
So, he jumped the line, broke the rules, and forged his own path.
Today, Higgins is a guest shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, an executive fellow teaching at Harvard Business School, and cofounder of RSE Ventures, the private investment firm behind some of America’s most beloved brands.
By leaving the traditional path, he didn’t close the doors of opportunity. He opened new opportunities.
He earned a law degree from Fordham University School of Law, only to pass on a career in law. He realized it would take years to become a partner, and he wanted life to happen fast, almost live everything happening overnight, not a walking path, to success.
He was the youngest press secretary to the mayor’s office in New York City history and helped lead the effort to rebuild the World Trade Center site after 9/11. Again, he found himself on a high-powered success track that couldn’t give him the future he wanted.
So, he joined the New York Jets’ executive team and, later, the Miami Dolphins as Executive Chairman, driving unprecedented growth for both franchises.
Each stage of his journey opened new doors. At every stage, he was warned he was making mistakes. But it was his journey. And he was willing to take risks to move forward.
Reading Higgins’ story, it becomes clear that “unlikely success” is actually uncommon courage. The courage to dream big, to trust your instincts, and to dare to do things others can’t or won’t.
And it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from. As Higgins says, “The circumstances of your life do not make your journey inevitable.” He trusted his instincts and followed the opportunities that opened for him.
In Burn the Boats, he encourages you to do the same.
My Takeaways
Burn the Boats begins and ends with one thought: you are the key to your own success. Not your degree. Not your years of experience. You and you only.
You don’t need a Plan B. You need only to know yourself and what you really want from life.
“The key to unlocking potential is to embrace your highest competitive advantage: you are the only one who has the full story of your life…. You need to know where you want to go; only then can you come up with a plan to get there.”
Higgins wasn’t able to help his mother, and he’s never forgotten it. So now, he’s helping others achieve their goals. He funds scholarships for single mothers through the Linda Higgins Empowerment Scholarship at Queens College as well as running a venture fund for entrepreneurs.
Make no mistake, this isn’t just another success book. It’s actually a tribute to Higgins’ late mother, who had been confined to a wheelchair for years yet dreamed of a better future.
He wants you to focus on your vision of success. It may be about money. It may also be about serving your community or paying tribute to a loved one.
So much of this book was validating for me. I’ve also had to break some rules and clear my own path to success.
When I entered the Business School at my university to talk about a degree in economics, the professors laughed at me. So, I majored in English and Psychology.
And when I started my business, I didn’t get the mentoring my brother received. I wasn’t staying in my lane, and no one wanted to reward that.
Higgins thinks BIG. He’ll tell you straight, if you see an opportunity, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Then, to make sure you don’t back down, burn the boats.
“Burning the boats is a recipe to leave no dream unfulfilled, no ambition denied. We all need to give ourselves a chance to realize the ceiling of our talents, to find the limits that we’ll never quite reach, to know ourselves and to appreciate our power to make things happen.”
The destination is yours to choose. You don’t have to pursue wealth. You might want to follow a calling or bake cupcakes.
The point is to stop making excuses and start finding a way to turn your vision into a reality.
There are so many inspiring takeaways in this book. My favorite is this: stop worrying about whether you have the right answers and focus instead on asking the right questions.
We want a definitive path, a step-by-step guide to achieve our goals. You create the path, and you do that by asking the right questions:
What are you uniquely positioned to do that no one else can do?
What do you see that no one else sees?
What special talents and abilities do you have that you can leverage?
And most importantly, what do you want out of life?
If you’re struggling to achieve your goals, whether because you’re following the traditional path or because no one seems to believe in you, this book is for you. It’s full of inspiring stories, practical tips, and challenging questions.
And it will help you find the courage to burn your boats and write your own success story.