The three signs that you need to pursue something.

I was talking to a friend about a project he’s meant to do but he isn’t quite convinced himself that he should do it.

​How do I know he’s meant to do it? These three signs:

1. He feels fraudulent. “Who am I to be delivering this message?” This is almost certainly a sign that you should pursue something. That naked, vulnerable feeling is a hallmark of people sticking their necks out to offer something of value to the world.
2. He feels afraid of rejection. “What if I put it out there and nobody wants it? What if it’s not as good as I think it is?” People who do meaningful work are almost always afraid of rejection because the thought of somebody not wanting something that they’ve poured their heart and soul into is terrifying. Again, a sign you should do it.
3. He feels a fear of failure. “What if I try my hardest and it falls flat. Nothing comes of it.” The reality is that a total failure would be a blow to your identity, which is why it feels risky to pursue. And yet, what if it succeeds gloriously?

If you’ve felt any of those three things toward a project or idea, DO IT.

​At the root of all three signs is fear, and fear is never a good idea to not do something, unless of course it’s the kind of fear that’s stopping you from jumping in front of a train.