Woo! It’s January! Time to kick some butt and really GO for it, right? Well, yes, but after a conversation with some friends this week, it became apparent that all of us were finding it hard to motivate ourselves. We were doubting ourselves, looking around at everyone else kicking butt so successfully, and then looking at ourselves and feeling like we don’t measure up. Of course, it’s our old pal Imposter Syndrome that’s to blame, but knowing that doesn’t really help.
It’s at times like these that I often turn to a TED Talk to help me. They can be like a breath of fresh air, and often when I’m watching one, it’s like a lightbulb goes off in my head, and I’m left with some clarity on a matter. They help with work issues but also personal issues too. So I started listing a few of my favourite TED Talks, and I asked a few friends who love them as much as I do, for their favourites (Thanks Lottie Storey, Mel Wiggins, Alice Judge-Talbot and Elvira Morrison!) I warn you, though, it’s very possible you’re about to go into a TED Talk rabbit hole and before you know it, it will be midnight and you’ve forgotten to cook dinner…
Tim Urban – Inside The Mind Of A Master Procrastinator
The one to watch when you just CAN’T stop procrastinating… (so basically all of us every January/Monday morning, right?)
Simon Sinek – How Great Leaders Inspire Action
The one to watch when you’re starting a new work project…
Brené Brown – The Power Of Vulnerability
The one to watch when you’re in a vulnerable situation (or just when you feel you need to strengthen a relationship)…
Dr Ivan Joseph – The Skill Of Self Confidence
The one to watch when you’re lacking in confidence…
Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
The one to watch just before a job interview or a big meeting…
Elizabeth Gilbert – Your Elusive Creative Genius
The one to watch when you’re lacking in inspiration…
Monica Lewinsky – The Price Of Shame
The one to watch if you’ve been trolled online…
I’ve got some other favourites too, which you might like – Sandi Toksvig’s talk on women’s equality, James Veitch on what happens when you reply to spam emails, Amy Webb on how she hacked online dating, Amanda Palmer on the art of asking, and this isn’t a TED Talk but this Brené Brown talk is brilliant if you’re feeling the fear about a work situation or you’re facing criticism over something.
And of course, I’ve got to ask: do you have a favourite TED Talk that’s not mentioned here? Let me know so I can watch it…
Just the ticket, thank you. I do feel somewhat exhausted by the media and everyone’s new year relish right now!
Hi Alison, just recently discovered your blog and I’m really enjoying your posts. I love this very funny and enthusiastic TED talk by Shawn Achor about how focusing on being happy is the key to success rather than the other way around. I feel inspired and positive whenever I watch it: https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work
Some great TED talks here. I often turn to them when I need some inspiration! One of my favourite TED talks is this one – https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity given by Ken Robinson. I think it is more relevant than ever at the moment 🙁