If you let them, of course.

But first, a definition of what TED is:

TED is a nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 110 languages. (https://www.ted.com)

So, it sounds boring with that description but the range of speakers out there discussing so many topics- it’s actually quite amazing, in my opinion!

And what makes it amazing is the knowledge, the finesse, the tips and tricks, the motivation, the interest, the passion, that these people bring to the stage…

But it’s HOW you use this knowledge that will empower you to be motivated and grow as a person.

Two tips for The How:

1. Listen with an open mind. Not just the obligatory “ugh, I’m watching this but I think it’s ridiculous”. Be curious. Look inward as to why you disagree or agree so vehemently.

2. Don’t just listen. I’ve listened to a million TEDx talks, but I only started benefitting from them when I started to actually apply a concept from the talk into my life. It may be something small; the point is that you actually DO something with this new information. Remember: information is power.

So where to start?

Well, luckily for you, I have compiled a list of my favourite self-help and motivational talks to get you hooked on TEDx. (By the way, I have no affiliation with TEDx, although I wish I did.)

Shame & Vulnerability

Dr. Brené Brown, The power of vulnerability: In her first TEDx talk, Dr. Brown explores what it is about us that makes us feel like we are not worthy, why we are fearful and ashamed, and it’s got a lot to do with vulnerability.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o

Dr. Brené Brown, Listening to shame: Ever heard the internal monologue of “not good enough” or “who do you think you are?” In Dr. Brown’s second TEDx talk she speaks to the role of shame and how to “dare greatly”.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psN1DORYYV0

Change

Mel Robbins, How to stop screwing yourself over: Mel Robbins says it like it is and explains why you don’t have what you want- even when it’s right in front of you.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp7E973zozc

Dr. Alia Crum, Change your mindset, change the game: Mindsets are beliefs that you have about the world. Learn how you can use a growth mindset to your advantage.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tqq66zwa7g

Dr. Jennice Vilhauer, Why you don’t get what you want; it’s not what you expect: Expectations + Action = Creation of your life experiences. How do you want to experience life?

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwLeiY5f7sI

Dr. Lani Nelson Zlupko, Staying stuck or moving forward: Learn how to move beyond your problems and be the person you are meant to be.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHLpOUZe388

Mental Health Recovery Stories

Glennon Doyle Melton, Lessons from the mental hospital: A powerful narrative of finding hope in the sunrise of every day.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHHPNMIK-fY

Mark Henick, Why we choose suicide: We can challenge the stigma associated with mental illness. Don’t accept the statistics, fight them.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

Happiness

Shawn Achor, The happiness advantage: Linking positive brains to performance: If we continue to focus on the average then we miss the potential to move everyone beyond average.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXy__kBVq1M

There are sooooo many more great videos but my Newsfeed is only so long. Enjoy  🙂

About the Author

Tara is a wellness Newsfeedger for the Local Biz Magazine who is in the process of writing her memoir on finding hope and meaning while living with a mental illness. Tara loves the concepts of positive psychology, incorporating them into every aspect of her life and spreading the message on the science of well-being.