I’m a huge TED junky, and anytime I need a small pick-me-up from the day-to-day grind, for a dose of inspiration, I open up the TED app on my phone, and browse through the lists of inspiration — they’re endless.
Today, I’m sharing with you my top five favorite TED talks. These are powerful, motivating, inspiring, and just perfect. They are in no particular order, and they will change your life. Enjoy!
1. Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius
I love the concept that Elizabeth Gilbert presents to us: Instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. This talk inspired me to read her book ‘Big Magic,’ and I gobbled up every single word.
2. Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability
We’re here for connection, human connection — that’s all that counts. This was a really beautiful talk about the similarities between people that feel a strong sense of self worth and belonging; courage, compassion, and connection. And the opposite effect, shame and fear.
3. Meg Jay: Why 30 is not the new 20
Claiming your twenties is the simplest, yet most transformative things you can do for your work, love, and happiness. The brain caps off it’s last and final growth spurt in your late twenties, which means now is the time to change what it is you want to change about yourself. Your twenties are a critical period of adult development. This talk is amazing, and wonderful. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to any twentysomething.
4. Ruth Chang: How to make hard choices
I remember watching this while on the StairMaster a few summers ago, and being blown away. This talk boils down to the fear of the unknown when making hard, agonizing choices. This talk will reshape the way you think about these tough choices you come across, and really provides the simplicity in making them.
5. Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
Kelly McGonigal teaches us that stress is, actually, our friend. I can’t recommend this talk enough. I look at stress in a totally new way now, when I feel it coming on, when my heart starts to pound, when I start to sweat. I now see stress, as yucky as it can be, as a good thing.
And of course, one of my all time favorites, Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are. What are you favorite TED talks?