5 TED Talks You Should Listen To When Imposter Syndrome Starts Creeping In
A confidence reset for moments when self-doubt takes over.
When you’ve been in a role, company, or transitioning professions, doubt and fear creep in. We’ve all been there, unsure if we can lead, complete a project, report a story, or apply for a desired role. We compiled a list of TED Talks by people who’ve felt your doubts. Grab a drink, a notepad, and open your mind to a new way of envisioning yourself with these inspiring speakers.
How To Know Your Life Purpose In 5 Minutes by Adam Leipzig
Yale alumnus Adam Leipzig, who noticed 80% of his classmates were unhappy after 25 years, recalls hearing them speak negatively about their desires but reminding them of their economic, social, and professional privileges. While the other 20% were happy, they embraced hardships and loved their studies, choosing majors for passion rather than money. Adam shares five simple questions to help you discover your life purpose: Who you were, what you did, who you did it for, what they wanted or needed, and what you got out of it. He encourages you to think outside the box and ask why you do what you do, and if you love it. Adam reminds you that your job title doesn’t define you; you impact others, and that impact is your life’s purpose. This ten-minute TED talk gently guides you through self-discovery when you need it most.
The 6 Words You Need To Change Your Life, by Maria Thattil
When you might feel like you don’t look, sound, or fit the part, Maria Thattil talks us through her interesting but inspiring story of being Miss Universe Australia. She was the third brown woman to get this grand award, facing being closeted, newly single, and on top of that, living back home with her conservative parents. She takes us on an adventure by mentioning the identity crisis she faced and the comments she heard as a young girl. How she took her power back by accepting herself, her dreams, her fears, and talking to others about social and political issues that mattered. She states that our differences are why we need to be there. If you need a reminder on why you are the one for the role, watch this and remember her six words she empowers us to live by.
What Makes You Special? by Mariana Atencio
Venezuelan journalist Mariana Atencio opens up the floor with being raised in a different country to moving to the U.S. She shares her constant transitions and adaptations as a Latina who experienced bullying, language barriers, and struggled to find her place in the world at a young age. She encourages the audience to think of what makes them special and what it truly takes to recognize the differences that bring out the best in us. She shares three points that help those who need a reminder of who they are: When you are different, you have to work at belonging, being different is an advantage, and some differences really suck, but don’t let them define you.
Why You Should Set Intentionally Unrealistic Goals by Lindsey Granger
Lindsey Granger, a producer, mother, and inspired by Oprah, lives with resilience, joy, and unrealistic goals. She recalls her audition for The View and shares how to set unrealistic goals in three parts: Tango with the Titans, Face your fears, find your footing, and See it, Be it. From a young age, Lindsey cold-emailed top executives to learn from them, impressing them enough that one remains her mentor. She encourages using free resources and not being afraid to talk to the top. My favorite line that she used was “No” signifies the next opportunity. Lindsey took a job requiring skills she lacked, but used a free resource to start learning and excelled within a week. This TED Talk is for those seeking growth, but understanding that the road will be challenging. Lindsey exemplifies failing big but continuing to pursue professional goals.
How Long It Takes To Change Your Life? By Nwal Hadaki
How many times have you said, “I am starting on Monday,” or “I am going to start tomorrow!” But you didn’t start. Monday came and went, and you were still in the same place you found yourself. Nwal Hadaki knows that feeling and understands why we don’t move forward. In this TED Talk, she opens up the floor by stating that change is never easy, but incorporating habits that help you meet that goal are. She debunks the ’21 Days to Form a Habit’ theory and explains how and why that does not work for us, rather than against us. She breaks down her own goals and how she reached them, where the road was not easy nor was it simple. But changing your life won’t ever be an easy task, yet it’ll be worth it at the finish line. If you are trying to start something, learn a new skill, or create your own company, watch Nwal’s TED Talk to feel inspired.
Don’t let imposter syndrome creep on you while you beat the odds. When you need to realign, seek encouragement. Write your goals, ask tough questions, reach out to your support system, and set unrealistic goals to challenge yourself. Remember the why: the company, the job, the passion. Listen, learn, and love what you do.
