TED Talks Daily Sunday Pick: Why your brain is an unreliable narrator (w/ Aparna Nancherla) | How to Be a Better Human
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Jan 11, 2026 
Aparna Nancherla, a comedian and author of "Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome," dives deep into the complexities of self-doubt. She humorously explains how she confronts imposter syndrome, including her unique tactic of maintaining a 'failure CV' to destigmatize rejection. Aparna emphasizes the importance of discussing these feelings openly and using humor as a coping mechanism. She also shares playful social experiments to test belonging and reflects on the broader impacts of imposter syndrome on various aspects of life.
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What Imposter Syndrome Really Is
- Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that your success is due to luck, not skill.
- It makes you fear being 'found out' despite evidence of competence.
Term Became A Broad Cultural Shorthand
- The term 'imposter syndrome' has been broadened and diluted in popular use.
- It often becomes an umbrella for many feelings of not fitting in, especially for women and minorities.
Talk About It To Break The Vacuum
- Talk about your doubts with others to break the vacuum of self-criticism.
- Use external feedback and therapy to reframe distorted self-beliefs.