What inspires you?
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) talks have gained popularity over the years due to a broad spectrum of innovative topics by speakers from all over the world. Here are the TED talks we think every 20-something should watch as a source of inspiration and motivation.
Meg Jay: Why 30 Is Not The New 20
The core of Jay’s speech holds an important message for young adults: Don’t throw away your 20s because these are the years that help build the foundation for adulthood.
Ken Robinson: How Schools Kill Creativity
Robinson makes a meaningful case about how the education system should be promoting creativity rather than undermining it. He also offers ideas for changing the system.
Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
Cuddy, a social psychologist, shows us how standing with confidence can actually affect the chemicals in our brain and ultimately impact our chances of leading a successful life.
Sarah Kay: If I Should Have A Daughter
The New York based poet and founder of Project VOICE encourages the use of spoken word as a way to express oneself. In the talk, she describes how found her voice while growing up in a big city.
Sheryl Sandberg: Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders
Sandberg, Facebook COO, talks about the imbalance between successful men and women in the workforce today. This is especially important for young women planning to take on the business world.
Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius
Gilbert, writer of the acclaimed memoir Eat, Pray, Love, gives a touching and funny talk about how one should nurture their “inner genius” and how to channel that throughout life.
Abha Dawesar: Life In The “Digital Now”
Last year, Dawesar was caught in the Manhattan blackout during Hurricane Sandy. This experience caused her to see how the world has become so dependent on technology and how there needs to be a balance. For a generation living in the digital age, this is a must-watch.
Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
Brown explores and studies the human connection and our ability to empathize, belong and love. In a humorous and touching talk, she shares the research that led her on a personal quest to understand herself and humanity better.
Rita Pierson: Every Kid Needs A Champion
This applies to adults too. Pierson shows us that no matter where we are in life or how old we are, we need to be the champions of our own lives.
Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
The main question Sinek asks his audience is “why?” He reminds us what it actually means to inspire action. Not surprisingly, it begins with believing in ourselves.
Alain de Botton: A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy Of Success
Botton makes a case to look beyond snobbery and to find true pleasure in our work. He examines what society’s ideas of “success” and “failure” are—and how you can forge your own path.
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