It’s dark, getting colder, and your next day off is still weeks away. If you’re getting down at work, try a few minutes break with one of these inspirational TED talks. You just might find some answers without ever leaving your computer.
(Photo Credit: Gisela Giardino/Flickr)
I was inspired by this great list of TED talks to watch when you don’t know what to do with your life. But the great thing about the TED repository is there’s always more to be inspired by. Here are eight of my favorites.
How to Find Work You Love, by Scott Dinsmore
Quitting his miserable job was the best thing that ever happened to Dinsmore. What he discovered, after much searching, was work that was “joyful and meaningful.” But his career started with some terrible advice: “Don’t worry about how much you like the work you’re doing right now, it’s all about just building your resume.” Here’s how you can learn from his mistakes (before it’s too late).
Success Is a Continuous Journey, by Richard St. John
If you’ve had a successful career thus far, don’t fall into the pitfall of thinking you’re on easy street from the moment you make your big win. Success means a journey of a lifetime and may in fact be a bumpy road — but that’s OK! After 10 years of research on the topic of “success,” St. John has answers for you, if you can just spare eight minutes.
On Being Wrong, by Kathryn Schulz
Mistakes happen. Embrace them! Schulz is a “wrongologist” who wants to help you embrace the errors in your life. When you have a misunderstanding, it’s an opportunity to learn something about human nature. Don’t get stuck inside the feeling of always being “right.” Instead, step outside that feeling and make an amazing leap!
Where Does Creativity Hide?, by Amy Tan
Author Tan takes a deep look at writer’s block and how the creative process works. She delves into the world of nature, nurture, and nightmares, and how all of it adds up to a successful writing career. Aren’t you curious?
How to Succeed? Get More Sleep, by Arianna Huffington
Ah, the power of a good night’s sleep. In her talk to a room full of type A, sleep-deprived women, Huffington lays it out for all of us. Sleep is more than necessary if you want to be productive, inspired, and successful. Stop bragging about how little sleep you got, and reward your brain with some much-needed recharging time instead. Get fired up for that nap!
Do What You Love (No Excuses!), by Gary Vaynerchuk
You’ve got doubts? Listen to Vaynerchuk about how you can find Patience and Passion in your job. Stop doing what you hate! “There’s no excuse for doing something that you hate. You can lose just as much money being happy as hell!” Not only should you listen to your users, you should care about your user base, starting with yourself. Find out more with Vaynerchuk’s talk.
All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes, by Andy Puddicombe
Stop what you’re doing, and do nothing! Well, it’s not quite as simple as that, but Puddicombe makes some great points about how to refresh your mind in just 10 minutes with a little “mindfulness.” Warning: he’s going to ask you to put down your phone. It’ll be OK.
I Think We All Need a Pep Talk, by Kid President
Nothing makes me more inspired than listening to the peppiest (and tiniest) fake world leader out there, Kid President. It’s three and a half minutes long, people. You can handle it.
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