This chapter explores how certain words and terms, such as 'awkward' and 'imposter syndrome', have been co-opted and their meanings have become distorted as they gain popularity in the mainstream. The speakers discuss the challenges of writing a book about imposter syndrome and how it can intensify the feeling of being an imposter. They also delve into their background in psychology and how they combined a comedic approach with scientific inquiry to explore the topic.
Impostor syndrome is one of many therapy-speak words that have gone mainstream in the past few years — but what is it, really? Aparna Nancherla knows all about it. Aparna is a comedian and the author of Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome. Despite her success as a performer, she isn’t immune to self-doubt. In this episode, she talks about the ways she’s learned to deal with impostor syndrome: like creating a resume listing all her failures, or making up words at parties to gauge other people’s reactions. She also shares how she learned to put less stock in success and what to do when your mind isn’t telling you the truth. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts