Welcome to the Week... How I Learned to “Burn the Boats!”

One of the coolest things about writing “Welcome to the Week” is getting to share my thoughts each week with the entire team at Fitlife Foods , hearing their thoughts, and giving everyone else a view inside of our company.?

After reading one of my columns, Matt Higgins , Co-Founder of RSE Ventures with Stephen Ross, who is the Founder of the Related Companies , owner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium and the namesake of the 美国密歇根大学 - 罗斯商学院 reached out to recommend his book, "Burn The Boats." Intrigued by the title and Matt’s journey, I decided to dive in. What I found was more than just a collection of stories; it was a powerful narrative that resonated deeply with my own entrepreneurial journey.

One of the most striking elements of Matt’s book is his philosophy on commitment, encapsulated in the phrase, “burn the boats.” This ancient strategy, where soldiers would burn their boats upon reaching enemy shores to eliminate any option of retreat, is a metaphor for total commitment to one’s goals. For me, it echoed the early days of Fitlife Foods, when there was no turning back, only the forward march towards building something meaningful.

Starting Fitlife Foods over 13 years ago, I faced countless challenges and moments of doubt. The decision to persist, to commit entirely to the vision despite the obstacles, was akin to burning my own boats.?

One quote from Matt's book that particularly resonated with me was, “I’ll be busy for the rest of my life.” This sentiment isn’t about perpetual motion for its own sake; it’s about being driven by a profound sense of purpose. Reflecting on figures like Mark Cuban , Warren Buffett, and Charlie Munger, it’s evident that their relentless drive stems from a deep-seated commitment to their goals and values.

What it also made me think about is that there is a crucial difference between simply being busy and being purposefully engaged.

Several years ago, I experienced a panic attack after an intense period of expansion, opening six stores in four months. This event was a wake-up call, pushing me to seek balance through meditation and coaching. Through this journey, I discovered that my true purpose wasn’t just about opening stores or creating meals; it was about elevating the way people feel—my core purpose, which led to “feeding your journey,” our core focus at Fitlife today. Keeping this purpose central to my work has guided Fitlife Foods and all my subsequent endeavors.

Matt’s book also brought to light the importance of attention to detail. “Small details are proxies of competence,” he writes, a concept that resonates strongly with me. In my experience, paying attention to the small details can create magic for people and organizations. It’s often the little things that differentiate a good brand from a great one.?

Writing “Welcome to the Week” is another way I stay connected to my purpose. Whether you read all or some weeks is not just a newsletter; it’s a platform to share insights, reflections, and stories that can inspire others. Matt’s book reminded me why I started this column in the first place: to connect, to elevate, and to add value to others' lives.

In essence, “Burn the Boats” isn’t just a book; it’s a call to action. It challenges us to commit fully to our goals, pay attention to the small details, and always stay connected to our purpose. As I continue to navigate my journey, these lessons serve as a guide, to help me through the complexities of balancing busyness with purpose.

So, as you start your week, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey. Are you merely busy, or are you purposefully engaged? What boats do you need to burn to commit fully to your goals? And how can you elevate those around you through your actions??

Here’s to a week of purposeful engagement and meaningful progress.

Feed Your Journey,

David