In <i>What We Look for in Founders</i>, pg says that "as long as you're over a certain threshold of intelligence, what matters most is determination".<p>I'm almost sure (because of what I've endured in my life) that I'm determined enough to found a startup. However, even though I'm somewhat smart (as an undergrad I have way above average GPA and some nice accomplishments) I often wonder if I'm above said threshold.<p>Perhaps one way to find out is through your accomplishments. Still, the question "about the most impressive thing other than this startup that each founder has built or achieved" in the YC application form scares the hell out of me, when I think about what other people might have already accomplished at my age.<p>Should I wait until I'm better prepared before trying to start a startup? Or should I just do it now? <i>I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.</i> I can't help but to be overwhelmed by all the great things some people have done, and how smart they must be.<p>Therefore I ask pg: How do I know if I'm above that threshold of intelligence?
<i>about the most impressive thing other than this startup that each founder has built or achieved</i><p>Funny thing, that. I was thinking about this topic recently, as I don't feel like I've exactly "accomplished" anything worth talking about up to this point in my life (and I'm 39). But, that doesn't bother me because, the way I see it, <i>everything</i> I've done in my (adult) life up to this point has been taking steps along the path to this startup that I'm working on now. Or, to put it a different way, I've actually been building Fogbeam Labs since I was 19 or so, even though it's only existed as a legal entity for 2 years or so.<p>I'd love to hear some YC applicants chime in and share their personal "what's the most impressive thing you've done" stories. If I had to pick one for myself, I'd probably go with one of these:<p>1. I was formerly Fire Chief of a volunteer fire department, and one of the youngest people to hold that position in my area.<p>2. I was one the youngest, if not <i>the</i> youngest, Firefighting Instructors certified by the NC State Fire & Rescue Commission.<p>3. I ran for Lieutenant Governor of NC, appeared in a statewide televised debate with the other two candidates and got about 125,000 votes (roughly 3%).<p>What I can't claim is to have achieved anything specific in terms of building a previous startup or having any particular financial return, blah, blah.