If you've watched one Ted Talk, you may have watched them all. A ten-minute lecture turns into an hour of watching people make ordinary topics intriguing and inspiring. Should I be doing homework, cleaning, or replying to emails? Probably. The infamous Ted Talk binge is my most productive bad habit. However, I justify it by deeming it a different, perhaps more valuable type of "productive" than any of the aforementioned errands. Lectures said and done, I'm content with a heightened curiosity, appreciation for life, and aspiration to be an adept speaker.
If you haven't watched a Ted Talk, prepare to be introduced to your next biggest distraction.
If you don't have free time, I'd recommend making some, because these are worth watching:
1. "10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation." - Celeste Headlee
In the middle of conversations, we find ourselves trying to prolong or escape them. During and after these conversations, we know they make us feel "some type of way." The speaker simplifies vital components for successful (and unsuccessful) discourse. Feeling passive-aggressive? Send the video to a few friends that could use some pointers.
2. "Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection." - Reshma Saujani
Ever find the ideal job listing, only to read its description and find out that the position requires 2+ years of experience in the field, a specific degree, and working knowledge of x, y, and z software? If you're a woman, chances are you were more discouraged than the guy next door:
An HP report found that men will apply for a job if they meet only 60 percent of the qualifications, but women will apply only if they meet 100 percent of the qualifications.
This Ted Talk also highlighted a computer coding experiment in which girls erased their work when they recognized an error. They would rather show nothing at all instead of progress with mistakes, leaving the boys with more work to show for their efforts. Let's kick the "perfection or bust" mentality to the curb, shall we?
3. "Looks aren't everything. Believe me, I'm a model." - Cameron Russell
A reminder that there is more to every person we encounter than what meets the eye, as well as a brief synopsis of how the modeling industry deceives us. Proof that it is possible to be humble, intelligent, and eloquent while in a field that emphasizes superficiality.
4. "The Ten-Item Wardrobe." - Jennifer L. Scott
Not just for fashionistas. Why it should be acceptable to rewear clothing items, with an interesting comparison to European tendencies. Quality over quantity. For anybody flustered by multiple profile pictures with the same shirt.
5. "My Year of Saying Yes to Everything." - Shonda Rhimes
A year of doing anything takes some serious commitment. A fresh perspective on why being able to adapt is crucial, and insight from a trial that not many people have attempted.
6. "How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over." - Mel Robbins
Should we have a problem with the word "fine?" As brought up, being alive is more than "fine." The speaker passionately challenges us to evaluate our lives and, most importantly, to act as much as we think.
7. "The Person You Really Need to Marry." - Tracy McMillian
If you're looking for your future spouse's name to flash across the screen, this won't do the trick. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for an empowering, feel-good type of lecture, give it a watch. Sometimes we need someone else to remind us that we're awesome...better yet, by someone whose words we can rewind and replay as many times as our hearts desire.
You know what they say....
"Once you go Ted, you don't go to bed."
Good luck!
