That voice in your head isn’t your enemy... it’s your compass

Have you ever heard that nagging voice whisper, “Who do you think you are?”

I have.

In fact, that voice nearly stopped me from stepping into one of the most defining opportunities of my life.

And yet, (paradoxically) it’s that very self-doubt that turned out to be one of my most powerful tools for growth.

Let me tell you a story.

It was early 2020, and everything was in limbo.

Enkhi and I lived in Shanghai, where we were working, she in a major crypto podcast and I on an education company. COVID hits and returning to Shanghai became impossible.

What was next? I had no idea. But I knew one thing for sure, staying still wasn’t an option.

Soon, a new opportunity emerged: leading a major US-based franchise, CENTURY 21, in Mongolia. It was exciting. Bold. Big. Maybe even too big.

That’s when the voice started again...

“You’re just winging it.”
“You’re not ready for this.”
“This is too much for you, too much responsibility, You’re going to f*ck it up!!”
“You’ve only taught business to students, what makes you think you can lead adults?”

Those thoughts almost won…

Instead of resisting the voice, I decided to listen but not obey.

What if this voice wasn’t sabotage? What if it was a signal?
(reframe in action)*

A signal that I was stepping outside my comfort zone.

A signal that something meaningful and growth-worthy was about to begin.

A signal that I was in control, so I turned that self-doubt into a checklist:

• Study harder.

• Show up early.

• Learn relentlessly.

• Be more prepared.

• Ask better questions.

That inner voice didn’t disappear but it stopped being my enemy. It became my compass.

Taking on the CENTURY 21 leadership role was a pivotal decision. It pushed me into an arena I had been quietly rejecting and pushing back.

Over the years, what started with doubt evolved into deep confidence. That experience shaped the coach I’ve become.

In the last two years alone, I’ve helped launch over 36 businesses, guided 50+ high performers back to their prime, and built a practice rooted in alignment, systems, and sustainable success.

And all of that started with one uncomfortable feeling: I don’t think I’m good enough for this.

The Big Insight

Imposter syndrome isn’t something to “fix,” it’s something to understand.

It’s not a flaw. It’s a feature.

When it shows up, I now ask:

• What am I being invited to learn?

• What does this challenge require of me?

• How can I use this discomfort as fuel to a better me?

Just like a compass pointing north, imposter feelings often point us toward growth.

If you’ve ever doubted your abilities, remember: You’re not broken. You’re expanding.

And that uncomfortable voice?

Maybe it’s not your inner critic.

Maybe it’s your future-self with an invitation.

Keep growing,
Your coach and friend,
Carlos