One day, while looking for the next TV show to watch, I clicked on a TED Talk on a whim, not expecting much out of it. Sure, I had watched some of them in class, but never really found one that commanded my full attention. However, after watching the first talk, I was instantly hooked.
I started watching them every morning with my cup of coffee, beginning each day with more knowledge than I had before. I was inspired, moved, enraged, and enthralled.
There are so many talks out there, and it can be difficult to find the diamonds in the rough. But have no fear: here are 7 TED Talks you should watch to be inspired and motivated.
“The manipulative tricks tech companies use to capture your attention” by Tristan Harris
In this fascinating TED Talk, Tristan Harris explains how a few tech companies and platforms have the power to control the thoughts of billions of people through the information they promote and the amount of attention they command.
This talk has a powerful message that consumers of technology must be aware of the amount of time they give to their devices, and use technology as a way to facilitate experiences. In turn, Harris challenges tech companies to design platforms in order to enhance experiences in the physical world.
“To raise brave girls, encourage adventure” by Caroline Paul
This amazing TED Talk by firefighter Caroline Paul challenges parents to raise their girls the same way they raise boys: to encourage them to take risks, and not associate physical activity with danger.
Paul argues that promoting a sense of adventure and bravery in young girls will help them show courage and stand up for themselves later in life, such as in the workplace. Watch this TED Talk if you’re in the need of some girl power.
“The world needs all kinds of minds” by Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin’s inspirational talk about the way she thinks is a must-see. As a person with autism, Grandin describes how minds such as hers and other people with autism are needed in today’s world to come up with groundbreaking ideas and unique solutions to problems.
“How to gain control of your free time” by Laura Vanderkam
Feeling like you need more me-time? Watch this talk, where Laura Vanderkam describes how to make time in your life for activities you care about. Her tips will help you decide what in your life deserves a significant amount of time, and how to make that happen.
“The danger of a single story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
If you’re looking to expand your perspective, watch Chimamanda Adichie’s talk about the importance of listening to a multitude of perspectives.
In particular, she warns against the idea that Africa is a homogenous region, when there are really many unique and distinct cultures lying within the continent whose stories remain largely unknown by those outside of the area.
Her powerful message that people must educate themselves about different cultures and avoid generalizations about groups of people is one that we can all take to heart and improve from.
“Are you a giver or a taker?” by Adam Grant
Although this TED Talk focuses on management styles within the workplace, Adam Grant challenges every viewer to think about whether they help others improve or only focus on their own success.
Grant calls for a value system in which success is measured by how much you have helped others instead of how much you have helped yourself. This powerful idea will leave you thinking for days.
“How to find a wonderful idea” by Ok Go
Finally, this funny and inspiring video by the band Ok Go describes the process in which they come up with their wildly entertaining music videos. Lead singer Damian Kulash talks about how naturally letting an idea form and not being deterred by the possibility of failure can lead to amazing and one-of-a-kind creations.
There are so many more TED Talks out there that deserve attention and close watch: these are just a few out of many. Talks such as these are inspiring, fascinating, and can change the way you think about the world.
These 7 TED Talks are definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for entertainment full of inspiration and motivation.