Chapter 24 - Burn the Backup Plan

Imani Rhodes

Picture this: You're standing on a rickety old bridge. Behind you is the life you've outgrown. In your hand—a single match. The only way forward is to strike it, light the bridge, and never look back. That’s what we’re talking about today—burning the backup plan. And, Miles, I know this sounds dramatic, but I actually did it. I stopped hiding behind my ‘safe’ role and started owning opportunities that scared me. No plan B. Just me, my skills, and a bet on showing what I could really do.

Miles Carter

That’s wild, Imani. And honestly, it’s the kind of story that sticks with people. I mean, most of us are taught to keep a safety net, right? But the research actually backs you up. There’s this thing called the Point of No Return Effect—Gollwitzer’s work. Basically, when you make an irreversible decision, like quitting before you have the next thing lined up, your odds of following through on your goals go way up. It’s like, once you torch the exit ramp, your brain gets laser-focused. No more “what if I fail” scenarios running in the background.

Imani Rhodes

Exactly. And it’s not just about being reckless. It’s about commitment theory—Festinger, 1957, if you wanna get nerdy. -When you make a public, high-stakes move, your identity starts to shift. You’re not just “trying” anymore. You’re becoming. I mean, look at the engineer who stopped waiting for permission. He went all in on leading projects no one else wanted—and that’s when leadership started noticing him. Or the mechanic who quit coasting, raised his hand for every tough assignment, and suddenly—boom—he became the go-to expert everyone trusted." Sometimes burning the ships is the only way you find out what you’re really made of.

Miles Carter

Yeah, and it’s not just for the big, flashy pivots. I read about a server in a restaurant chain—never called off, always handled the toughest shifts. But she wanted more. Instead of hoping to get noticed, she asked the GM what she needed to do to grow. Took on extra training, learned scheduling, and in less than 90 days, she was promoted to Assistant GM. One decision. No safety net. Sometimes, the only way forward is to stop hedging and just go all in. Safety nets can turn into anchors if you’re not careful.

Imani Rhodes

That’s the line, right there. Safety nets can become anchors. It’s not just what you say, it’s what you do when you decide there’s no turning back. That’s when things get real.

Miles Carter

Alright, let’s get practical. I wanna do a quick roleplay. Imagine I’m that server who’s been crushing it for years— I walk into the manager’s office and say, “I want the Assistant GM spot. Boss says, “That’s a big jump. You sure you’re ready? "And I say, “It’s not about being ready—it’s about being done settling. I’m not waiting for someone to tap me on the shoulder. I’m stepping up, because I know I’ve already got half the job down." -That’s what commitment looks like. You’re not waiting for permission. You’re putting yourself on the hook—and that’s where the real growth kicks in.

Imani Rhodes

And that’s what Warren Buffett talks about, right? Skin in the game. He didn’t just manage other people’s money—he put his own cash in, too. That’s what made people trust him. When you have something to lose, your accountability and drive go through the roof. It’s not just about risk, it’s about ownership. You’re not hedging. You’re invested.

Miles Carter

Totally. And it’s not just business. Think about Kirby Smart, head coach at Georgia. He’s famous for “Bloody Tuesday”—these brutal, full-contact practices that nobody sees. It’s not the game-day glory, it’s the 5am lifts, the relentless effort when nobody’s watching. That’s where commitment is built. You create a culture where quitting isn’t even on the table. It’s just not an option.

Imani Rhodes

And that’s grit, right? Coaches want people who run toward the wall, not around it. It’s the same in leadership, in art, in anything that matters. When you’ve got skin in the game, you show up differently. You’re not just clocking in—you’re owning the outcome. And, honestly, that’s what separates the people who rise fast from the ones who just… float.

Miles Carter

Yeah, and I think a lot of people get stuck waiting for the “perfect” moment. But, like, the perfect moment is a myth. Sometimes you just have to decide, “I’m in. No plan B. Just plan win.” That’s when you start to see what you’re really capable of.

Imani Rhodes

And if you’re listening and thinking, “But what if I fail?”—that’s the sunk fear fallacy. Research shows people with fallback plans actually perform worse. It’s wild, but it makes sense. If you’re always half-out the door, you never really walk through it.

Imani Rhodes

So, let’s talk about how you actually do this. It’s less about torching a backup plan and more about flipping the switch from “trying” to “becoming.” Language matters. Don’t say, “I’m trying to be a manager.” Say, “I’m becoming the kind of person who leads projects.” Don’t say, “I’m hoping for a promotion.” Say, “I’m becoming the person who delivers outcomes others can’t ignore.” Subtle shift, massive difference.

Miles Carter

Maybe it’s a safety habit that’s holding you back—like avoiding tough conversations, or sticking to the easy tasks you’ve already mastered. Pick one to burn—not recklessly, but with a clear path forward.

Imani Rhodes

And here’s the prompt for you: What fear are you still feeding with a safety net? What’s your “burn the ships” moment? We want to hear it. Share it in the comments, in the community. That’s how you make it stick. That’s how you move from nodding along to actually changing your life.

Miles Carter

And don’t wait. Do the action items. That’s what makes this real. Write it down, declare it, and connect with others who are doing the same. The community is there to support you, to challenge you, to-help-you-level-up.

Imani Rhodes

So, what’s the comfort habit you’re ready to burn? What’s the next-level identity you’re stepping into right where you are? Let us know.

Miles Carter

To everyone listening—don’t just listen, do. Go burn something—I mean - metaphorically-of-course.