One of my favorite ways to (productively) procrastinate is by watching TED talks. In case you've been living under a rock, TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talks are conferences centering around various topics and current issues that are available to watch for free online. They allow experts in certain fields to effectively share their ideas and tips on an expansive platform. There are thousands of inspiring and helpful TED talks out there, but here are several that can be especially relevant for young adults. If you're interested in watching more, you can find all of them here.
On creativity:
1. Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius.
Gilbert, the author of the best-selling novel, "Eat, Pray, Love" gives a witty, inspiring talk about the inner genius each of us have and how we can maintain creativity, even when it feels like we've lost it.
2. Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
Robinson provides a profoundly insightful and moving case for cultivating creativity in education, rather than discouraging it. He also happens to be extremely funny.
On careers:
3. Emilie Wapnick: Why some of us don't have one true calling.
4. Larry Smith: Why you will fail to have a great career.
Smith bluntly tells it like it is: when you pursue your passion, you're bound to fail a few times — that's how greatness is achieved.
On mental health:
5. Guy Winch: Why we all need to practice emotional first aid.
Unfortunately, we have been conditioned by society to focus a lot more on caring for our bodies than our minds, even though we sustain psychological "injuries" a lot more than physiological ones. Not everyone has a mental illness, but every single person has mental health; and, it's time we talk about how to care for our emotional well-being. Winch gives a profound talk about the importance of mental health awareness from the perspective of a psychologist.
6. Russell Foster: Why do we sleep?
I imagine many of us (especially college students) can admit to not getting enough sleep; but after watching this video, you may want to make a lifestyle change. Foster, a circadian neuroscientist, explains the importance of sleep and how it affects every aspect of our lives.
On communication:
7. Celeste Headlee: 10 ways to have a better conversation.
While it's great that we are able to be more virtually connected to people now, what has been somewhat lost is our ability to communicate with others confidently and coherently in real life. Headlee gives an insightful talk about how to listen and talk to people — even those you don't particularly care for.
8. Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are.
Cuddy, a social psychologist, offers fascinating insight into how our body language affects how others see us, and even how it affects our own thoughts and feelings. She also shares a really touching and inspiring personal story.
On gender equality:
9. Michael Kimmel: Why gender equality is good for everyone -- men included.
I can't stress enough how important this talk is. Kimmel explains with witty and honest reasoning how all people — women and men — can benefit from gender equality. It's a win-win for everyone.
10. Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders.
Sandberg, COO of Facebook, is an incredibly inspiring, intelligent, and successful woman, so it's not surprising that she gives such a powerful talk on gender equality in the mostly male-dominated workplace. She explains the importance of encouraging women to be confident in their abilities and to strive for success in a society that discourages females from rising to the top.
