Why your brain is an unreliable narrator (w/ Aparna Nancherla)
Aug 21, 2023
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Aparna Nancherla, comedian and author of Unreliable Narrator, talks about impostor syndrome and shares strategies for dealing with it like creating a resume of failures and using made-up words. She also discusses the distortion of popular terms and how she found success in comedy on her own terms.
Imposter syndrome is the feeling of being a fraud and undeserving of success, attributing it all to luck rather than skill.
Talking about imposter syndrome with others can help challenge self-doubt and offer a fresh perspective.
Deep dives
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the feeling of being a fraud and undeserving of success, attributing it all to luck rather than skill. It is a persistent fear of being exposed as inadequate and lacking the capabilities others perceive you to have.
Imposter syndrome as an umbrella term
Imposter syndrome has become an umbrella term for feelings of being out of place, not fitting in, or being undervalued. It has been diluted by casual usage and is often associated with women and minorities who may question their identity and struggle with feelings of not knowing how they fit in.
The different manifestations of imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome extends beyond professional success and can also be experienced in relation to body image or mental illness. It highlights the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, often making individuals feel like they're not living up to the standards of what it means to be successful or accepted.
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Talking about imposter syndrome with others can help challenge self-doubt. Hearing that others may share similar feelings or perceive value in your accomplishments can offer a fresh perspective. Seeking therapy and recognizing that systemic changes may be necessary to address imposter syndrome's impact on marginalized communities are also important steps for personal and societal growth.
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