The Best Inspirational TED Talks To Get You Through The Week
If you need a boost of inspiration and motivation in the morning, there is nothing better than to listen to your favorite TED Talk. The stories, experiences, and ideas of so many fascinating people can be found at this annual conference. Whether you are a student or just trying to make your way through the world, here are seven inspirational TED Talks to get you through the week.
1. Your Elusive Creative Genius by Elizabeth Gilbert
In this inspirational TED Talk, Elizabeth Gilbert, writer of international best seller Eat, Pray, Love, makes a case for the creative people out in the world. She talks passionately about how we all have a genius inside of us that helps us create. Artists are often plagued with the anxiety of replicating past successes. This can often lead to depression and unfortunately for some great, creative minds. Elizabeth Gilbert argues that if we change our perspective on what creative genius is, we might be able to solve that problem. If you are an artist, I highly recommend this talk.
2. The Power Of Introverts by Susan Cain
Susan Cain inspires us with a TED talk about the importance of introverts. An introvert is defined as a person who is at their most stimulated and productive when alone. In this talk, Susan Cain defends the lifestyle of the introvert and cites many famous introverts like Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt to prove that being introverted doesn’t mean you won’t be able to succeed in life. She also discusses the ways in which our society is failing introverts by designing most of our institutions like schools and workplaces to serve extroverts more so than introverts. This talk will have you feeling great about needing your time alone to recharge. It is both insightful and inspiring, mkaing it one of the most inspirational TED talks!
3. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Lee Duckworth
Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just passionate about education, you have to listen to this inspirational TED Talk! Angela Lee Duckworth explains the importance of instilling grit into our school children. She describes the ways in which passion and perseverance outweigh IQ when it comes to success. This is the perfect talk to listen to if you are struggling with something right now!
4. Looks Aren’t Everything. Believe Me, I’m a Model by Cameron Russell
Everyone needs this inspirational talk in their life! Cameron Russell takes her privilege to task and unpacks the reasons that she believes she was able to become a model. Mostly, it has to do with her looks. Her looks, she explains, have granted her a series of benefits that are not available to others who might not share her genetic privileges. What I like about this talk is that Cameron Russell acknowledges the ways in which our obsession with looks can be damaging and harmful to people and society as a whole. The talk is short enough to listen to during a coffee break, so be sure to listen! This is one of the inspirational TED talks I love!
5. Why You Will Fail To Have A Great Career by Larry Smith
Don’t let the title fool you, this is an amazing talk that will inspire you to take risks! In this talk, Larry Smith examines the reason people can miss the opportunity to have a great career. What it comes down to is excuses. Every time we are met with the opportunity to do something great, we won’t do it. Whether it is entering an art contest or applying for a dream job, most people will find an excuse not to go through with it. Larry Smith discusses why we are prone to such behaviors. By the end of this talk, you will be ready to go out there and do what you always wanted to do!
6. What Adults Can Learn From Kids by Adora Svitak
In her inspirational TED talk, Adora Svitak reminds us to keep dreaming, think positively, and keep hoping for a better future. She traces the accomplishments of adults versus children and finds that children have a more positive impact on our world. This talk reminds us to keep our inner kid alive as we navigate the world around us. Go listen now!
7. The Danger Of A Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
This is an important talk for anyone living in the world. It teaches us to be open-minded and to learn about the world around us. Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche tells a story about how her college roomate was confused that she was much more similar to her than to the image of the Nigerian woman she had in mind. Ngozi Adiche explains the dangers of having only a single story of the world and she encourages to educate ourselves about the world around us. For students and people in general, this is an important and inspiring talk.
