What if I told you, thoughts become beliefs and our beliefs guide our decision making? It’s true. 

That’s why I love TED talks: they’re chock full of ideas that challenge you to think differently — in a good way.

 

TED stands for “Technology, Entertainment, Design” and lives under the phrase “ideas worth spreading”. Experts from a range of fields, from street art and modeling to brain research and science, speak at TED’s global conferences and share their unique messages and stories. They are ideas that really do get you thinking. 

The ones I’ve listed below have helped me build a better life, and I’m hoping they’ll do the same for you. Adopting these ideas in my life has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Listen on your next walk or ride to work. I’m excited for how they’ll impact you, too!

 

SIMON SINEK: HOW GREAT LEADERS INSPIRE ACTION

This is my all-time favorite TED talk. The foundation of his talk is what I stand by and teach about for every part of your business. I truly believe if you start everything you do in your business (and, in your life) with this idea as your foundation, you’ll be successful. It’s also an excellent tool for your marketing and messaging. My favorite line in Simon’s whole speech: “Martin Luther King gave the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, not the ‘I Have a Plan’ speech.” (If you love this talk, you’ll love his book too!)

 

BRENE BROWN: THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY

Brene is hilarious. She shares stories that are so relatable. Her years of study and research, and what she teaches is so important for both business and life: is there any risk that you’ve taken that didn’t require you to first be vulnerable?

 

ADAM GRANT: ARE YOU A GIVER OR A TAKER

First, let me say I could see pieces of myself in each of the descriptions Adam gives, how I was more one over the other during different seasons of my life, and how my own life experiences had a hand in shaping/reshaping whether I leaned more toward giver or taker in the next season. But by nature, I’m a giver (which is why I *love* teaching and helping others make an impact.) Keep an open mind about which one resonates with you, it’ll help you understand more about how you show up in your life and in your business. 

 

ADAM GRANT: SURPRISING HABITS OF ORIGINAL THINKERS

Not gonna lie, this video made me feel SO much better about my procrastination. That’s actually a common problem for perfectionists like us, you know. 😉 This made me feel so empowered. I’m confident you’ll find something in it for you, too. 

 

SUSAN DAVID: THE GIFT AND POWER OF EMOTIONAL COURAGE

The first 25 seconds of this speech are my absolute favorite. I adopted this new word and meaning into my life the second I heard it. It’s directly aligned with one of the core values of my business (and what I believe helps businesses make a big impact). As someone who cares about doing things that are meaningful, this one is sure to resonate with you. 

 

HEATHER LANIER: “GOOD” AND “BAD” ARE INCOMPLETE STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES

Heather starts a story of a series of events that seem either good or bad at the time, and end up playing a part in a later event that really could be perceived as good or bad…depending how we look at it. I *love* this because it’s a concept I started applying in my own life a few years ago that has really transformed the way I see things. 

 

I hope these TED talks touched you just as much as they touched me.

 

Which one was your favorite? Is there another talk you’ve heard and loved and want to share?

Please do! Let me know in the comments below!