Do you struggle or sometimes find yourself unable to find inspiration in your life? These TED talks will remind you of what’s important and help keep your head high when it might seem like all is lost. Remember that we are all here for a reason, no matter what adversity we face.
Buck up, get going, and start living! Here’s our list of 7 inspirational TEDTalks for the week.
1. “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Adichie shares her personal story as a Nigerian woman and explains how one perspective is often not enough to tell the full story of any culture, society, or person. Adichie’s personal story also provides an incredible idea for moving forward with constructive dialog: “We need to open ourselves up to new ways of thinking to broaden the scope of our empathy.
2. “It’s Not Your Fault” by Terry Crews
Comedian and actor Terry Crews shares his experience being sexually assaulted in Hollywood and details the horrific harassment he was subject to at the hands of a high-level industry executive. His story is incredibly impactful and powerful, and it is a story that deserves to be heard.
3. “If I’m Lucky, I Might Find You” by Justine Picardie
New York Times best-selling author Justine Picardie shares the story of her first visit to Japan and how she was inspired by the sense of “simplicity” that informed the country’s lifestyle. From the vast and beautiful landscapes to the sociable and easy-going people, Picardie details her sense of awe in being surrounded by such a serene, uncomplicated culture.
4. “How To Be More Like The Japanese: Five Principles of Simplicity” by Greg McKeown
His ideas on how to live a more “simplified” life and how building one’s life around a set of principles can help simplify the complicated world in which we live. The core idea of Simplicity is that, as McKeown says,
“It’s an attitude. It’s not just a list of things. And it’s not just this laser-focus focus on one thing. It’s a way of focusing your attention.
5. “The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers” by Ken Robinson
Educator and author Ken Robinson explains how to unlock the creative potential within each person on the planet. Robinson argues that schools’ focus on teaching to the test determines what students learn, which limits their creativity and kills any original thought.
6. “How to Start a Movement?” by Bill Strickland
A new movement could change the world. At Strickland’s TED Talk, he speaks about starting a movement to raise public awareness of the consequences of plastic pollution in our oceans. By using art and social media, his message was able to reach many people at once.
7. “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown
She shares why we need to be vulnerable and open ourselves up to love and connection with others. She discusses how fear is a universal and pervasive emotion, but that powerful things are at stake when we resist opening our hearts to others.
Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore
