You might not know it, but you have an imposter. In fact, there’s a version of you who is the imposter. They’ll ask things like, “Why am I to do that? What makes me qualified? There’s no way that’s something I can do.” They’ll play small and let life pass by, missing the fruitful opportunities along the way.

But there’s also a version of you who believes that you have the potential to make anything happen. And you don’t have time to wait until you feel “ready.” So, this is the version you should strive to be, and to always let into your thoughts.

Imposter syndrome isn’t evidence that you lack the qualifications. It’s your brain unconsciously protecting you from experiencing failure and embarrassment. Nobody handed you a “lack of qualification” certificate. In fact, you gave that to yourself. But these thoughts are usually a sign that you’re pushing the boundaries between who you are and who you want to be.

You don’t need to feel like a writer to write, or feel like a leader to lead. Identity follows actions, not the other way around. You get yourself into a position of expertise by showing, over and over again, that you’ve put in the work to gain the experience. Decide you want to chase something. Then start, learn, make mistakes, and get better. Keep pushing until you land where you were aiming the entire time.

This is quite literally the essence of The Memento Mori Project’s message:

Stop Existing, Start Living.

Sitting and waiting to feel worthy is existing. Doing the thing anyway is living.

I started this project around philosophy and loss without a permission slip. If I’d listened to the imposter in me, MMP wouldn’t be here today. I didn’t study philosophy in school, nor am I a marketing professional. But I’ve taken an interest in Stoic Philosophy, as I feel it augments my life in many ways. And I’ve grown a passion for sharing my story with others because I feel so many could benefit from the realizations I’ve made. But to reach people, I needed to learn more about social and email platforms, graphic design, photography, and so much more. Was I professionally qualified for any of those? No way! But were they necessary for me to pursue this journey I feel I’ve been called to do? Absolutely. Hell, I’m not even a writer, and here I am writing weekly newsletters.

The key is to realize you’re going to have bouts of questioning whether or not you’re in the right place, or right for the job. You need to understand this is not a one-and-done thing, and the doubts will inevitably creep back in. It’s up to you to realize that’s not the truth, but protection mechanism. Remember: Nobody ever achieved greatness playing it safe. 

Epictetus wrote of this in his Enchiridion:

“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them.”

Imposter syndrome isn’t a real barrier; it’s this judgment you’ve placed on yourself. The problem doesn’t lie in your new endeavor, but your view of yourself in relation to it.

I can guarantee you have something that your “imposter voice” is telling you not to do.

Apply for the job. Post the content. Send the pitch. Have the conversation.

Whatever it is, do it this week.