On Crossing the Rubicon

The Die is Cast

What do these have in common?

Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon.

Cortez orders his men to burn their ships.

MacArthur orders an amphibious landing by the marines at Inchon.

Rosa Parks takes a seat in the front of the bus.

When Caesar crossed the Rubicon he committed an act (arguably treason) from which there was no turning back.  He could never say, "It was an accident," “I didn’t mean to do it” or “Just forget about it.”  He had passed a point of no return.  Hence the modern meaning of the phrase "Crossing the Rubicon."  Each of the above is an example of a bold individual making a conscious decision and taking action from which there was no return.  There are innumerable examples such these throughout history; however, crossing the Rubicon does not mean world history has to be altered.  Crossing the Rubicon simply means you were willing personally or professionally to be bold. 

The consequences are not always known in advance.  Sometimes they are good.  Cortez prevailed in his conquest.  Whether that was for good or evil is still debated.  The landing at Inchon changed the path of the Korean War and Rosa Parks helped advance the civil rights movement in the United States.  Caesar, on the other hand, became dictator of Rome and was assassinated after only a year in power.  All faced potential disaster that could have far reaching impact.

Would Caesar have acted differently if he had known the outcome in advance?  I think not.  Bold individuals make bold decisions and pursue them.  The weak either never cross the Rubicon or try to meekly wade back across when they get to the other side and are weighed down with doubt or adversity.

Some don’t even know where their personal or professional Rubicon is to which I say, “Get a map and get moving. Cross the Rubicon.  Jacta alea est.”  #justsayin

This has been posted here as well as in drcamey on marketing.  It should speak to us both individually as well as professionally.