Exciting news, everyone! Mindy Kaling’s new book, Why Not Me?, a collection of personal essays, has a release date in the not-so-distant future of September 29th. Besides being over-the-moon excited for another glimpse into the hilarious mind of one of Hollywood’s top talented ladies, I was ecstatic to find my favorite personal mantra as the title of her most recent book. Why Not Me? It’s such an important concept to live by. It’s high time we all start applying this powerful attitude to our daily lives. 

We were all put on this earth with unique talents meant to better the world. There is no other you out there able to contribute exactly what you can. Let that sink in for a minute… how amazing is that? You can do incredible things. So why aren’t we all out there just killin’ it in life collectively? 

Oftentimes this phenomenal truth can be overtaken by the unfortunate feeling that you won’t amount to anything or that your goal or dream is too hard to achieve, so why even try. Or it could be that sometimes, the people who love us don’t want to see us struggle or fail so they guide us in a ‘safer’ direction. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to get stuck.

What would life be like if you followed the mantra Why Not Me? instead of thinking you’re not smart enough, talented enough, funny enough, or attractive enough? Because guess what? You are enough, just as you are. 

There are careers, callings, and life paths for everyone. If you feel an inclination to one but society tells you it’s an impossible goal to reach, just think to yourself, “Well, why can’t I be the one to achieve the impossible?”

Why can’t you? No reason. Why must you? Now that’s the question to answer.

When in doubt, just be like Mindy. Her Why Not Me? attitude catapulted her to the top and helped her create a brilliant career by making people laugh and sharing her truths. She had barriers and still does, but instead of letting them rule her life, she rises above. She knows she can do it. And why can’t you, too?

Why can’t you achieve the impossible? Why can’t you take the road less traveled and succeed? Why can’t you be happy doing what you love instead of miserable doing what society expects of you? Many have done it before you and many will do it after you. Be amongst them. Be amongst the people who follow their souls’ calling and believe in themselves enough to block out the negative noise.

The world will be a better place because of it, because of you, because you said, Why Not Me? and went for it. Persevere. You will get there. And it will be even better than you ever imagined.